5 Effective Ways to Enhance Your Laundry Power

Laundry is a task most people dread. It's time-consuming and often feels like a chore, especially when the difference in your clothes isn’t noticeable after they’ve been through the wash. If your detergent feels like it's barely doing its job, your whites never look as bright as you'd like, or you find yourself spending a fortune at the dry cleaners, it’s no wonder laundry day feels like a drag. And let’s face it – you’re probably down to your last clean pair of underwear, and no one wants to wear the ones from mom’s Christmas gift!

But those days of laundry frustration are behind you. We’ve got a few tips up our sleeves that will not only make laundry easier but also make your clothes look cleaner, smell fresher, and maybe even turn laundry day into something fun. Trust us, you won’t believe the magic of how our secret whitener can transform your fabrics into brilliant whites.

So grab your most embarrassing pair of undies and head down to the laundry room. With these 5 tricks to amp up your laundry power, your clothes will be cleaner than ever. Let’s start by boosting your detergent to the next level.

5: Supercharge Your Detergent

If your detergent is just doing an "okay" job—getting your clothes clean, leaving them smelling decent, and tackling stains in a so-so way—why settle for average laundry results? You don’t need to switch to a fancy brand to make a difference; simply enhance your current detergent with a little extra boost.

To enhance the cleaning and freshening powers of your regular laundry detergent, add half a cup of borax to each load. You can usually find borax in the laundry aisle of your local grocery store.

No time to visit the store? No problem. Reach for something you probably already have in your pantry: baking soda. Add half a cup to top-loading machines or a quarter cup for front-loaders, along with your usual amount of detergent, to give it an extra lift. The baking soda helps the detergent perform better and acts as a deodorizer for those tougher smells—like a teenager’s sports uniform or stinky socks.

4: Safely Wash Delicates and Dry-Clean-Only Fabrics

The mighty, spacious washing machine may seem too harsh for your delicate garments, but rest assured, you can safely wash them without resorting to a sink and washboard. Delicate items can be effectively cleaned in the washer with warm water and a small amount of mild dishwashing liquid (avoid antibacterial types).

In some cases, even items labeled "dry clean only" might actually be washable at home. Fabrics like these can often be cleaned with a mixture of 4 tablespoons of baking soda in cold water. Be sure to test a small, hidden part of the fabric to check its ability to withstand water and its colorfastness. If it holds up, feel free to proceed. This way, you can skip the dry cleaners and save some money by doing it yourself in your laundry room.

3: Whiten White Linens

To truly brighten a white tablecloth, fill a large pot with water and add a sliced lemon, peel included. Bring the water to a boil, then remove the pot from the heat. Submerge the tablecloth in the water and let it soak for about an hour. Afterward, launder the tablecloth as usual. For extra whiteness, consider drying it outside on a clothesline, as sunlight naturally bleaches fabrics.

For smaller white linen items like napkins or handkerchiefs, wash them as usual, then soak them overnight in a sink or tub filled with water and a small amount of cream of tartar. After soaking, rinse them with clean water and, if possible, hang them to dry in the sun (or dry them in your usual way).

2: Avoid Fabric Softener

Who wouldn't be tempted by something called "fabric softener" for their laundry? It sounds like it would make your clothes softer and cozier, which is definitely appealing.

However, fabric softeners contain chemicals like fragrances and dyes that can irritate your skin and lead to other health issues. Over time, they can also build up in your clothes, which can shorten their lifespan.

Fabric softeners are primarily used to reduce static cling, but there’s a far better (and healthier) way to achieve this. Create your own fabric softener by adding 1/4 to 1/2 cup of vinegar to your wash water. You can pour it directly into the fabric softener compartment if your machine has one, or add it during the rinse cycle. This method will keep your clothes soft and static-free without the side effects.

1: Make a Spray Starch

If you adore the crisp, polished look of starch on your clothes but don’t want to break the bank, fear not! You don’t need to visit the dry cleaners or splurge on costly sprays to achieve that sharp, crisp appearance.

You can easily make your own spray starch at home by combining 1/2 teaspoon of cornstarch and 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of wheat starch with 1 cup of cold water. Stir until fully dissolved, then pour the mixture into a clean spray bottle. Lightly spray the fabric when ironing as needed.

Adapted from "101 Old-Time Country Household Hints," © 2008 Publications International, Ltd.