Everyday Cheapskate: Which laundry booster is better, Borax or Washing Soda? (2024)

FAQs

Everyday Cheapskate: Which laundry booster is better, Borax or Washing Soda? ›

Stain Removal: Both borax and washing soda are effective at removing the stain, but washing soda is preferred because it has superior grease-cutting abilities. Whitening: Borax is known for its whitening properties and is the preferred choice for brightening white fabrics.

Borax is a naturally occurring mineral typically used for brightening and whitening laundry. "Though both are widely used in cleaning or laundry, washing soda is more of a heavy-duty cleaner and laundry savior while borax is more multi-purpose," says Kathy Cohoon, director of franchise operations of Two Maids.

Washing Soda Works Best on Tough Stains

However, it has recently gained a reputation as a 'laundry booster' in households, capable of removing even the most persistent stains and odors.

Instead of using Borax, especially in homes with young children or pets, opt for food-grade diatomaceous earth (DE). DE is made of the fossilized remains of diatoms or algae-like plants.

Keeping clean at home

In your washing machine, borax helps absorb dirt. In your kitchen and bathroom, it's great for cleaning rust, grout, and even mold and mildew. Borax helps laundry smell better and is also extremely effective at fighting pet urine odor because it combats the ammonia.

Borax, used in moderation, generally doesn't damage washing machines. However, overuse can lead to residue build-up and potential mechanical issues.

Tough Stains:

The most effective way to remove stains is to begin treatment as soon as possible. Although some stains may be impossible to remove, a pre-treatment or pre-soak with Super Washing Soda is often very helpful – especially for removing greasy stains and embedded dirt from synthetics and cottons.

Skin Irritation

Sodium carbonate contact with skin can cause irritation, blisters and burns, particularly if the skin is wet, as noted by ISU. To prevent skin damage, flush skin with soap and water for at least 15 minutes.

Because washing soda is more caustic than baking soda due to its high pH, it's mostly used in laundry to remove stains, soften water, and boost detergent efficacy. It's not used as liberally as baking soda because it's harsher.

Ingredients: Borax is a naturally occurring mineral, while Super Washing Soda is a commercial trade name for common soda ash. Both are considered safe for the environment when used as directed.

Why is borax no longer used? ›

Borax can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if you ingest it by itself, and large amounts can lead to shock and kidney failure. It's banned in U.S. food products. It also can irritate your skin and eyes, and it can hurt your nose, throat, and lungs if you breathe it in.

It depends on the color and fabric of the garment you are treating. OxyClean can take the color out of the fabric. I would use Borax if it is a dyed cotton or any natural fiber. If it is just a grease stain or oil spot, I have found that Dawn works wonders.

OxiClean's most important active ingredient is sodium percarbonate: Which is basically dry/powdered hydrogen peroxide plus washing soda. Washing soda is also called sodium carbonate, which is very similar to but not exactly baking soda.

In the battle of borax vs. washing soda, the winner depends on your specific needs. Borax is an excellent all-around laundry booster with odor control and whitening properties, while washing soda is the go-to choice for tackling tough stains and grease.

Add one-half cup of borax to each load to boost the cleaning power of your detergent. The dry powder should be added directly to the washer drum in a front or top-loading washer before adding the dirty laundry.

Fortunately, vinegar can both whiten and soften your clothes. If you're looking for a substitute fabric softener, all you need to do is add ½ cup of distilled vinegar onto the rinse cycle. In case you're looking to neutralize odors and whiten your clothes, then add ½ cup of Borax and ½ of vinegar.

I always make a double batch at once, but whether you're making two batches or five, the math is simple: 1 bar of Fels Naptha + 1 cup borax + 1 cup washing soda = DIY laundry detergent.

Baking soda is commonly used alongside detergent to fix stinky loads, and it can boost detergents as well as bust some stains, but washing soda is the typical go-to for most tough laundry jobs. Baking soda is gentler than washing soda, so it won't be as efficacious.