How to Use Borax and Washing Soda in Laundry Detergent: A Guide to Making Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent

Borax (sodium borate) and washing soda (sodium carbonate) are both popular and effective laundry boosters that can be used to enhance your laundry detergent's performance. When incorporated correctly, they help break down stains, soften water, and refresh fabrics. Here’s how to use them effectively in your laundry routine:

1. Understanding Their Roles: Borax helps to remove stains and deodorize clothes by boosting the effectiveness of your laundry detergent, while also softening hard water, which ensures detergents work better. Washing soda, on the other hand, is a highly alkaline substance excellent for breaking down tough grease, stains, and grime on fabrics.

2. Direct Addition: For routine laundry loads, add 1/2 cup of borax or washing soda (or both) directly into the washing machine drum along with your regular detergent. If using a front-loader, sprinkle them into the drum, then add clothes. With top-loaders, you can add them as the water fills for better distribution.

3. Homemade Laundry Detergent: Many DIY laundry detergent recipes combine borax, washing soda, and a grated bar of soap (such as castile or Fels-Naptha). Mix 1 cup borax, 1 cup washing soda, and 1 cup grated soap flakes together, and use 2-3 tablespoons of the mixture per load.

4. Pre-soaking: Both borax and washing soda can be used for pre-soaking stubborn stains. Dissolve 1/2 cup of either booster in a basin of warm water and soak garments for at least 30 minutes before washing as usual.

5. Safety: Handle both powders with care—avoid inhaling dust, keep away from children and pets, and store in airtight containers. Always follow garment care labels and do not use on delicate fabrics unless specified.

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Tips 1:

For best results, dissolve borax and washing soda in hot water before adding to your machine, especially if washing with cold water. This helps prevent residue and ensures even distribution.

FAQ

Q: Can I use both borax and washing soda together in the same wash?

A: Yes, using them together can maximize cleaning power, especially on heavily soiled loads.

Q: Are borax and washing soda safe for all washing machines?

A: Generally, yes, but always consult your machine's manual to ensure compatibility, especially for HE machines.

Q: Do borax and washing soda replace laundry detergent?

A: No, they are boosters. For deep cleaning, they should be used alongside your preferred detergent.

Q: Are these boosters safe for sensitive skin?

A: Both are generally safe, but those with sensitive skin may want to do a patch test or opt for unscented detergents.

Q: Can I use borax and washing soda in front-loading machines?

A: Yes, but use the correct dosage and add directly to the drum, not the detergent drawer, to avoid clumping.