3. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is perfect for brightening whites and removing light stains. Add 1/4 cup of lemon juice to your wash, or make a paste with lemon juice and baking soda for spot-treating stubborn stains. Its natural acidity lifts stains while leaving a fresh scent.
4. Salt
Salt isn’t just for the kitchen. It can help set colors in new clothes, prevent fading, and even soften fabrics. Add 1/2 cup of salt to the wash to keep colors vibrant and fabrics gentle.
5. Borax (Optional, if available)
Borax is a natural mineral that boosts detergent power, removes stains, and softens water. Mix 1/2 cup with your regular detergent to tackle tough laundry challenges.
How to Use These Ingredients
- Boosting Detergent: Add baking soda or borax directly to your laundry along with your regular detergent.
- Brightening Whites: Combine lemon juice and baking soda for pre-treatment or add lemon juice to the wash.
- Softening and Freshening: Add vinegar to the rinse cycle instead of commercial fabric softeners.
- Protecting Colors: Sprinkle salt into the wash to maintain vibrant fabrics.
Tips for Best Results
- Avoid mixing vinegar and bleach—they can create harmful fumes.
- Use hot water for whites and tough stains, cold water for colors to prevent fading.
- Regularly clean your washing machine using vinegar or baking soda to maintain performance.
By turning to simple pantry staples, you can enhance your laundry routine naturally and effectively. Not only will your clothes look and smell fresher, but you’ll also reduce your reliance on harsh detergents, making laundry healthier for your family and the environment.
