What Can Be Used to Boost Strength of Detergent?

Keep colors bright and clothes smelling fresh with the use of detergent boosters.

Natural laundry detergent boosters can brighten whites and remove tough stains from clothing. What's more, many of the additives used to boost detergent power are low-cost and easy to find.

Baking Soda

Baking soda helps soften hard water, increasing detergent's effectiveness. The scouring power of baking soda also will aid in removing tough stains. Add a half-cup baking soda to a full load of laundry to help clean and deodorize clothing.

Borax

Borax is a salt used for cleaning many household items. Adding a half-cup borax to the wash will brighten colors and aid in the detergent's cleaning power.

Ammonia

Ammonia removes grease spots and stains, helps keep colors bright, and eliminates foul odors. Add a cup of ammonia to the washing machine before garments are added. No ammonia smell is left behind once clothes are dry.

References

• Michigan State University Extension: Living "Green"
• Washing Machine Wizard: Use Ammonia to Boost Detergent Cleaning Power
• Green Living Tips: Handy Borax Tips