Borax, also known as sodium borate, is a natural mineral that has been used for cleaning and laundry purposes for over a century. It is a versatile and effective laundry additive that can help improve the cleaning power of your detergent and remove tough stains and odors. Here are some ways to use borax in and for laundry:
- Boosts Detergent Performance: Adding ½ cup of borax to your regular laundry detergent can help enhance its cleaning power. Borax softens hard water and increases the pH level of the wash, making it easier for the detergent to penetrate the fabric and remove dirt and stains.
- Removes Stains: Borax is a powerful stain remover that can tackle a variety of stains, including grease, oil, blood, and sweat. To use, mix ½ cup of borax with 2 cups of warm water and apply the solution to the stained area. Let it sit for 30 minutes before washing as usual.
- Neutralizes Odors: Borax can also help eliminate unpleasant odors from your laundry. Add ½ cup of borax to the wash cycle to freshen up clothes, towels, and linens. For extra odor-fighting power, add a few drops of essential oils, such as lavender or lemon, to the wash cycle.
- Whitens Whites: If your white clothes are looking dull or yellowed, borax can help brighten them up. Add ½ cup of borax to the wash cycle along with your regular detergent to help whiten and brighten your whites.
- Softens Water: Hard water can make it difficult for detergent to do its job, leading to dingy and dull-looking clothes. Borax can help soften hard water and improve the effectiveness of your detergent. Add ½ cup of borax to the wash cycle to help soften water and keep your clothes looking their best.
- Freshens Up Towels: Over time, towels can become stiff and scratchy due to mineral buildup from hard water. To freshen up your towels and make them soft again, add ½ cup of borax to the wash cycle along with your regular detergent. This will help break down mineral deposits and keep your towels fluffy and soft.
In summary, borax is a versatile and effective laundry additive that can help improve the cleaning power of your detergent, remove tough stains and odors, and keep your clothes looking their best. However, it is important to note that borax can be toxic if ingested or inhaled in large quantities, so be sure to keep it out of reach of children and pets.