I struggle with removing odor and stains with detergents alone. Therefore I have had to turn to laundry boosters like Borax vs OxiClean.
They are perfect additions that boost the performance of regular detergent, especially when we need to make sure the clothes come out fresher and brighter.
The goal for the adding Borax vs OxiClean powder is to soften hard water or bleach fabric to do away the dinginess.
From eliminating odor to enhancing the wash performance in old washers, these laundry boosters are a way to ensure clean satisfaction.
In the following discussion, we will examine the two products to see how they differ and how we can get the best use out of them.
Though the ultimate choice of either is up to your needs since we all go through the process of laundry differently. Because I certainly do.
Now let us begin!
What is Borax?
Borax or sodium borate is a laundry booster that is used to soften hard water. It is a mineral based product that removes odors and refreshes laundry by enhancing detergent performance by raising the pH.
It is especially good at removing moderate grease, dirt stains and also acts as a deodorant.
Note that Borax is a natural mineral that can also be used for household cleaning but it can have health risks if not used properly.
It can be toxic if you end up ingesting it and can cause skin, eye and respiratory irritation.
Aside from regular laundry or home cleaning, I have used it as a solution for pest control to prevent ants and cockroaches from encroaching my home.
You have to make sure to handle it with gloves, ensure good ventilation, avoid breathing in its fine dust and keep it out of reach from children or pets.
What is OxiClean?
OxiClean or sodium percarbonate is a remarkable laundry booster since it is a good solution for stain removal.
It is an oxidizing bleach which breaks down into hydrogen peroxide and sodium carbonate when put in water. The chemical reaction that happens helps clean laundry by lifting stains off the fabric.
It is generally considered color safe unless used in high concentration. A positive about OxiClean is that it is biodegradable, non toxic and can be used to clean carpets, outdoor furniture and more.
For better performance, using it in warm or hot water is recommended. Though you have to keep in mind that it is not good for wool, silk, leather and dry clean only materials.
You must avoid using it with vinegar, chlorine bleach and ammonia since it can cause harmful chemical reactions.
Key Differences Between Borax vs OxiClean
We have to explore the difference between Borax vs OxiClean powder to work out which one can clean our laundry better.
We cannot work with certain products without knowing how they function and work on our clothing.
It is a disaster waiting to happen if we cannot determine the right use of OxiClean vs Borax since these compounds can react negatively with other chemicals.
With that in mind, in the following we will focus on the ingredients or formulation of these laundry boosters. Then comes the level of its effectiveness and risks we must understand.
Now let us get started.
Ingredients
Visually, Borax vs OxiClean are powdered products that look similar since they are white. But that is the extent of their similarity since they are both distinct chemicals.
Borax is a natural occurring raw mineral salt that contains sodium borate or disodium tetraborate. It contains no extra ingredients and is in its pure form without any additional dyes, surfactants or scents.
OxiClean ingredients consist of sodium carbonate or sodium carbonate peroxide that reacts with water and forms hydrogen peroxide.
It contains sodium carbonate that is washing soda and additional surfactants like C10-16 Pareth, scents, colorants and sodium chloride.
Effectiveness
These chemically distinct products have different uses and effectiveness, where Borax is ideal for softening hard water since it is a natural mineral that raises the pH of water.
This ensures that organic oils or fats turn into soap and prevents calcium from clinging to fabric. It is also good for neutralizing odors like sweat, mildew and more.
OxiClean works differently by reacting with water to release hydrogen peroxide which allows oxygen bubbles to form and lift stains off the fabric.
It is a good solution for organic stain removal and acts like a color safe bleach.
You can also use Borax and OxiClean together if you want to do laundry stripping through a long hot soak with detergent.
Safety
OxiClean vs Borax are generally safe for laundry but there are some precautions you need before using them. With Borax you must keep in mind that its high alkaline nature with pH around 9.5 can strip color if used in higher concentration or hot water.
It becomes neutralized with vinegar and can cause skin irritation, poisonous when ingested and also cause reproductive issues.
OxiClean is color safe but prolonged soaking can face the color of fabric. Additionally, it can form toxic gases like chloramine when mixed with vinegar, ammonia and chlorine bleach.
Beyond being a skin and eye irritant, it can cause an explosion if mixed with water and sealed in a container.
Cost
When considering the pricing of both Borax vs OxiClean powder, let us note that both these products are quite affordable.
Though considering the extra additions in the chemical blend of OxiClean, it is a little costlier than naturally mined Borax.
With Borax the average cost is about $5.99 to $7.99 for a 65 ounce box while OxiClean costs can vary by product versions like Versatile, Odor Blasters or White Revive.
The OxiClean Versatile we are talking about in this content ranges between $10.01 to $11.99 for a 3lb (pound) box.
You can find both these items in big box retailers, online, supermarkets and more.
Best Uses Of Borax vs OxiClean For Laundry, Stains and Odor Removal
The matter of using Borax vs OxiClean is all about knowing the measure of your product and length of soaking period. I would suggest reading the box instructions provided to prevent any mishaps, minor or major.
Generally when using Borax you only need a tablespoon per gallon of water or half a cup for your washer. It is recommended that you pre-soak for about 30 minutes or required before beginning your wash routine.
OxiClean has variations of products aimed at providing different levels of stain removal. Though it is suggested that you use a moderate scoop per gallon of water or as instructed on the label.
With that, let us now have a look at the uses of Borax vs OxiClean powder.
Borax vs OxiClean For White Clothes
When it comes to using Borax vs OxiClean for white clothes, you will find that OxiClean is the better pick for whitening since it is an oxidizing bleach product that breaks down organic stains and lifts it off the fabric.
While Borax is a laundry booster that strengthens the performance of regular detergent by softening hard water. It is not a bleaching agent but functions as an alkali which breaks down grease or oil with saponification which produces soap.
Either products can work on cleaning your whites but effectiveness of the product depends on how badly soiled your clothes are.
Borax vs OxiClean For Odor
When you turn to Borax vs OxiClean for odor, you will find that Borax is the perfect choice as it is best at neutralizing odor. It is a natural mineral that erases oil and bacteria that contribute to the funky smell you get in your fabric.
You can use it to strip odor from especially soiled gym clothes, musty smelling towels, synthetic fabric like polyester or spandex and pet mishaps.
OxiClean is the choice for moderate odors like sweat or food.
You can use its variant OxiClean Odor Blasters that remove odor from organic stains and leave behind stainless fresh laundry.
Borax vs OxiClean For Laundry
Using Borax vs OxiClean for laundry is a matter dependent on your laundry needs. Both products have different uses where Borax is preferred for softening hard water and erasing bad odor.
OxiClean is ideal for brightening whites since it acts like a bleach and also removes organic stains.
Considering how they function, Borax is recommended as a detergent booster for general and regular daily laundry. It essentially prevents mineral buildup and leaves your clothes free of any fragrance or odor.
Whereas OxiClean is your go to for effective long soaks for heavily soiled or fabrics with organic stains with an added effect of fresh fragrance after wash.
Borax vs OxiClean For Stains
You can use Borax vs OxiClean for stains through a process of soaking or paste application on targeted spots.
OxiClean offers the best results since it is a product targeted at stain removal where the product releases hydrogen peroxide that breaks down organic pigments.
You can use it to pre-soak heavily soiled laundry for about 1 to 6 hours to remove stains like coffee, wine, sweat, blood and juice.
You can opt for Borax if your stains are caused by grease and oily soils including acidic stains from mustard or tomato.
Its alkaline nature allows for saponification which is a process that turns oils into soap and its high pH can neutralize acidic pigments.
Borax vs OxiClean For Mold
If you work with Borax vs OxiClean for mold, note that Borax is ideal for killing mold while OxiClean removes mold stains.
When musty smells come from your fabric I recommend using Borax to kill off the mold spores. But if you have dark stains from mold that do not go away even after you kill off the smell, use OxiClean.
Borax is a natural mineral that acts like a fungicide as it interrupts their pH balance.
OxiClean on the other hand can break down natural pigments caused by mold or mildew. So use either depending on your need.
What Do People Think Of Borax vs OxiClean?
I had a look at Borax vs OxiClean Reddit to examine how these products worked for people. And I learned an important thing on Reddit about storing Borax in a sealed container since it is “very sensitive to heat and humidity” and tends to clump in laundry rooms. The user suggests to “just run it through a sieve or flour sifter” if it does.
A user on another Reddit thread puts the details of Borax and OxiClean together quite well by clarifying how “they work in different ways…Oxiclean powder…turns into hydrogen peroxide. It’s color safe and works great to get rid of stains…Borax…helps get rid of stains, and whitens clothes…helps to get rid of mold.” They have also pointed out how Borax is more toxic than OxiClean and is “banned in Europe.”
Another user on Reddit mentioned that Borax can help with hard water and deposit buildup as it can “clean it right up.” A user in the same thread also points out how “OxiClean works best if you soak your laundry in it before washing” since simply adding it to the cycle does not do much. It is recommended by other users that you have to “use a half hour soak cycle” in the machine since “Soaking makes such a huge difference!”
Borax vs OxiClean vs Other Laundry Boosters
Having understood the workings of the laundry boosters Borax vs OxiClean, let us also have a look at other cleaning solutions. Since we all have our own preferred method of processing laundry, not one solution is the way.
Only by discovering how other products can be used can we determine what can work for our items. This is because one stain or odor does not resemble the next.
The following discourse is meant to help us explore other options outside of the two detergent boosters to see what works. Shall we begin?
OxiClean White Revive
OxiClean White Revive is an oxygen bleach that contains enzymes like protease and amylase that are specially designed for superior whitening and brightening.
It uses sodium percarbonate to lift stains and is good for dingy whites with its optical brighteners like Tinopal CBS.
Now if we compare regular Oxiclean vs Borax vs OxiClean White Revive, Borax is better for softening water and nullifying odor.
OxiClean is an all purpose for removing stains in bulk laundry, especially heavy duty soaking while OxiClean White Revive is suited for maximizing whiteness.
Baking Soda
Baking Soda or sodium bicarbonate is an alkaline compound that works as an eco-friendly laundry booster. It works by gently raising the water’s pH and is a non toxic compound that is best for gentle cleans.
It also regulates the water’s alkalinity which allows better performance in detergent and chlorine bleach.
A look at Borax vs OxiClean vs Baking Soda will help you find that Baking Soda is good for mild deodorizing and cleaning.
And Borax is best for softening water and removing bad smells, while OxiClean is used to remove heavier stains and fabric brightening.
Washing Soda
Washing Soda or sodium carbonate is a high alkaline compound that should be handled with gloves since it is caustic with a pH around 11.
It is used as a laundry booster to soften hard water and works as a heavy duty degreaser. It neutralizes heavy odor and is effective as stain treatment through targeted application as paste.
Now if we consider Borax vs OxiClean vs Washing Soda, you will see that Washing Soda is ideal for cutting grease, removing oil and heavy duty cleaning.
OxiClean is ideal for removing stains while Borax also softens water and removes odor.
BIZ
Biz is a multi enzyme powered high performance laundry booster that has an 80% enhanced performance compared to regular detergents. Besides the enzymes subtilisin, lipase and amylase it also contains detergents, whitening agents and oxygen bleach or peroxide.
It is chlorine free and color safe which makes it ideal for whitening without the characteristic of heavy bleach. It is best for removing protein based stains and odors from the root.
A comparison between Borax vs OxiClean vs Biz will help you discover that Biz is the all in one choice.
Do keep in mind that Borax or 20 Mule Team Borax works for stains through saponification while OxiClean eases away pigments by releasing hydrogen peroxide.
Borax vs OxiClean: Picking The Right Laundry Booster
So far we have discovered that Borax vs OxiClean are good for general brightening and cleaning as laundry boosters.
Where they differ is their ingredient composition where Borax comes in its pure natural form. OxiClean has additional washing soda or sodium carbonate, fragrances and so on.
We can even use Borax and OxiClean together for max cleaning to soften and dissolve stains. But if you do not require their combined use and are still confused about when to use them, let me clarify below.
You Can Choose Borax
You can choose Borax if you are troubled with odor and hard water since it is a natural mineral that softens hard water and neutralizes odors.
I have found it to be ideal to combat stiff and dull clothes after a wash. Borax will do away odors like pet urine on your items or even musty smelling towels.
It is especially good for removing oily stains like grease since it is an alkaline that undergoes a process called saponification which turns the oils into soap.
It is budget friendly as it comes in its natural form without additional enhancements but it is quite toxic if ingested or handled improperly.
Also avoid using it with detergent pods as it reacts with it to result in a sticky residue that remains on the clothes.
You Can Choose OxiClean
You can choose OxiClean if you are struggling with stubborn stains since it releases hydrogen peroxide that eases away organic stains.
Be it blood, grass, wine or more, you will find that a good pre soak before washing removes these stains. For whitening you can even opt for OxiClean White Revive that is an alternative to bleach and excels at brightening your white clothes.
It generally works like an oxidizing bleach so it can fade color with use over time.
Do make sure to read the warning labels as OxiClean can be an eye and skin irritant if not handled properly.
It is considered generally safer than Borax but mishandling or high concentrations of a product in your laundry can risk unsatisfactory results.
Conclusion
In the discussion above, we have examined the properties and function of Borax vs OxiClean to see what cleans better. Though the matter is more about which one is preferred for certain laundry needs.
For better understanding we have also gone through the use of OxiClean vs Borax for laundry, whites, odors, stains and so on.
Additionally we have also considered different laundry boosters to suit your needs since we all have different laundry troubles.
From small to large stains and bad odor, I am sure that after going through this content you can figure which booster is ideal.
The use of these laundry boosters has eased my life a lot more than before, so I hope this can help you decide which one to pick from OxiClean vs Borax.
Focus on understanding what your fabric needs and read the labels properly before you begin a new wash cycle!
FAQs on Borax Vs OxiClean
What should you not use Borax on?
Since Borax is a naturally occurring high alkaline compound of a pH about 9.5 it can be risky to use it on certain fabrics. It is recommended that you avoid using it on natural and delicate fibers like wool or silk since it can ruin these materials. Aside from being a laundry booster, it is also a general cleaning substance and there are other things you must keep in mind. Do avoid using it on natural stone surfaces as it can dull the polish and it also tends to be harsh on wood and metals since it causes damage and corrosion.
Which is better, Borax or OxiClean?
Since Borax or OxiClean are used for different cases, the question of either being better is dependent on your need. OxiClean is an oxidizing bleach that works better for stain removal like food, blood and more. While Borax is great for softening hard water and removing hard odor. They are both good laundry boosters with different functions though Borax is cheaper than Oxiclean. But OxiClean is considered more safe since Borax can be toxic if ingested and can affect reproductive health.
Does Borax really whiten clothes?
Yes, Borax whitens clothes by functioning as a hard water softener which elevates the performance of your detergent. Borax binds to minerals like calcium and magnesium in hard water to prevent it from dulling the look of your clothes. It is an alkaline compound that eases acidic stains caused by bodily fluids that usually discolors clothes and causes bad odor. A pre soak for 30 minutes to an hour is recommended for best results with Borax.
Can you mix Borax and OxiClean?
You can mix Borax and OxiClean together for the same laundry load and wash cycle since they do not react negatively with each other. They work best for laundry stripping through prolonged soaks if your clothes are heavily soiled. They function together as water softener and oxidizing bleach which is the perfect combination for stain and odor removal. But keep in mind that you cannot store them together in water since the production of hydrogen peroxide can cause a closed container to explode. Put them together as dry powder and use in warm water for best results for your laundry.
