Is borax the secret 'superpower' ingredient we should all use in our laundry? It could 'power up' your detergent

Borax has long been a staple in laundry rooms, but its purpose isn't always widely understood. So, what is borax for in laundry?

This naturally occurring mineral is one of the best laundry boosters on the market. Adding borax to your laundry does more than help clean your clothes, cleaning experts have said, helping you achieve brighter whites, softer fabrics, and fresher scents, all with only one additive.

So, if you’re looking for ways to simplify and improve how to do laundry, you might want to give Borax a try. Here’s how the experts use it in every load.

What is borax for in laundry

In the long list of secret laundry ingredients the pros swear by, borax is one of the most loved – and for good reason.

Salvador Villarreal, dry cleaning professional and owner of VIP Cleaners Delivery begins, ‘Borax is a naturally occurring mineral that can be a powerful addition to your laundry routine. It acts as a water softener, boosts the cleaning power of your detergent, and helps to remove stubborn stains and odors. I've used it in situations where traditional detergents fell short, like with heavily soiled sports uniforms.’

1. Use borax as a stain remover

Anyone who follows the golden rules of stain removal knows how important it is to use a powerful pre-treatment to help break down stains and ensure they wash out in a regular cycle. Borax is a great option for this.

James King, operations manager at DeluxeMaid explains, ‘The boron in borax is for stain removal and can make those dingy whites look brighter. If you’ve ever dealt with those cringe-worthy yellow pits on your shirt, you know how frustrating they can be. Borax is alkaline, which means it can neutralize acids, making it a lifesaver for odors and pesky stains.

‘And the cherry on top? Unlike many synthetic cleaners, borax is environmentally friendly. It breaks down naturally and doesn’t leave behind harmful residues, so you can feel good about using it in your laundry routine.’

To use borax as a stain remover, secure it a spot when setting up a stain station in your home so you can grab it quickly and act fast. Combine one part borax with two parts water to form a spreadable paste and apply it to the stained area, allowing it to sit for at least 30 minutes before washing the item as normal.

The best news is borax is safe for use on colored clothing as well as making dingy whites white again, so you don't have to worry about bleaching your favorite garments.

2. Add borax to soften hard water

Doing laundry with hard water is a battle – and one that almost 85% of Americans, according to USGS, have to deal with. Not only do the minerals reduce the effectiveness of your detergents (and leave your clothes and linens feeling rough or scratchy), but they also lead to limescale in your washing machine. Adding half a cup of borax to your washing machine drum before a laundry cycle is a great way to fix hard water in your home, making your laundry a little easier, says James King, a cleaning expert.

He continues, ‘As Borax is sodium borate, a naturally occurring mineral, it is packed with sodium which softens hard water. So, when used for laundry, it helps the detergent lift dirt and grime, so you get cleaner, fresher clothes without needing to use more detergent.’

Using borax in hard water areas will help to protect your clothes, but you will still need to clean a washing machine regularly with something like Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner Sachets, from Walmart, to ensure you clear away any tough limescale deposits and hard water stains to leave clothes fresh.

3. Pre-soak items to remove odors

Borax isn't just effective on stains – it is a great natural way to make laundry smell better, too.

Victor Zhu, CEO of Zechuang Clothing Co says, ‘I recommend it because it helps remove stubborn stains and odors. I often tell people it’s especially great for maintaining fabrics like towels. Just add half a cup of borax to your regular detergent for best results. It’s gentle yet effective for preserving the quality of your clothes.’

For very strong odors, you can also pre-soak your garments and linens in a mixture of half a cup of borax to a gallon of water, and allow them to soak for at least an hour. This is ideal for items that are heavily soiled, such as outdoor workwear or gymwear. Then, wash as usual.

4. Boost your regular laundry with Borax in the drum

You can still use borax in laundry even when you are not dealing with tough stains and odors, reminds Salvador Villarreal, dry cleaning professional. It is a great laundry tip for generally improving the outcome of your laundry routine, often resulting in softer laundry.

Salvador says, ‘Just add half a cup of borax directly to your laundry drum along with your detergent. It's a versatile and effective solution.'

While Borax is a natural ingredient, it is advised that you avoid adding it when also using vinegar in laundry, as they can react against one another and form a less powerful cleaning solution. Similarly, never use borax when using bleach in laundry, as it can create toxic chlorine gas that can have serious health effects.