Borax and Oxygen Bleach

[laundryshark]

What's your recommendations for best use of borax and/or oxygen bleach additives, such as 20 Mule Team Borax, Clorox 2, and similar products? Which kinds of additive combinations work best for which kinds of dirt, stains, etc?--Laundry Shark

 

[whirlcool]

We use Borax on laundry that is odoriferous. Dog beds, throw rugs. I also use it on some of my work shirts, especially in the summer. We just add it to the water while the washer is filling. Then a minute of so after the agitation starts, we add our laundry detergent.
The downside is if you use it a lot, you'll have ring around the washer tub. But this comes off easily with a little bit of diluter bleach.

 

[brettsomers]

i THINK i bought my first box of Borax after reading Whirlcools recommendation. it works great on smelly stuff, like damp towels, or old pillows. works best it seems in warm or hot water. you can use an average amount of unscented liquid detergent and the recommended amount of borax and the load will be very fresh without being scented. also good for loads with lots of socks or undies where very hot water, heavy perfumes or bleach is not desired in the wash procedure.

might be overkill if you use a premium detergent like Tide, but if you prefer cheap liquids, try it!

 

[danemodsandy]

Arm & Hammer Washing Soda-

Not to be confused with their baking soda- is also a good detergent "booster". Available everywhere and very cheap to use.

You'll find it somewhere amongst the laundry additives in your grocery store. You will also find that the store employees do not even know they have it, so do your own careful searching.

 

[laundryshark]

Many Thanks!

Your recommendations are helpful and much appreciated.--Laundry Shark

 

[lederstiefel1]

Borax and Oxygen Bleach

I use Borax against scortch-marks (make a paste of it with very little water and rub it onto the marks, wait a while and then wash as hot as possible!) and it also can be used as a softener in the final rinse - like a conditioner - as well as it is helpful to keep your skin smooth and soft when added to a bath (1 tblspoon for a bath-tub full).

I found it in an old booklet also for blood-stain-removal on silk and woollens...

But will also try the anti-odor action of it!

Ralf