How to Add Borax to a Laundry Powder

Mixing borax and laundry powder will get your laundry extra clean.

Borax -- a powder also known by the name of sodium borate -- is a mineral that naturally occurs in the Earth. This mineral is dried out and crushed to make borax powder. Borax has a variety of uses around the home, with one of the most common uses being in the laundry. Mix borax with your regular laundry detergent powder to boost cleaning power, freshen your clothes and help remove stains.

Things You'll Need

• Borax
• Powdered laundry detergent

Instructions

1. Mix ½ cup borax with the regular amount of powdered detergent you use. Check the manufacturer's recommendations for the amount of detergent to use in the wash as this will vary among brands. You can mix the detergent and borax before adding it to the wash, or add them separately into the washer.

2. Let the washer begin to fill up with water. Pour the borax and powdered detergent into the water.

3. Wait about five minutes for the borax and detergent to dissolve into the water before adding your laundry.

Tips & Warnings

• Wash delicate clothing in a large tub or sink with warm water, ¼ cup borax and about 2 tbsp. detergent. Soak the clothing for 30 minutes before rinsing and air drying.

• Presoak heavily soiled clothing in a mixture of borax and water. Use 1 tbsp. borax for each gallon of water. Soak the clothes for at least 30 minutes prior to washing.

References

• 20 Mule Team Borax: The Many Uses
• Stain-Removal-101.com: Uses For Borax Powder For Cleaning, Laundry, Stain Removal And More