When I first started cloth diapering, I spent hours researching the best wash routines. There were endless debates about detergents, additives, and whether certain ingredients would harm diapers or baby’s skin. As a stay-at-home mom passionate about cloth diapering, I tried several approaches before landing on what works best for my family—and Borax became my go-to laundry booster.
*Be sure to know your water hardness before using any detergent booster. Adding a water softener to already soft water could cause issues with build up.
Why Borax?
Borax is an all-natural mineral also known as sodium borate. It’s not a detergent but rather a detergent booster, and it works wonders for cloth diapering. What makes it so effective?
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Neutralizing Odors
Cloth diapers can trap odors over time, especially if you have hard water. Borax raises the water’s pH, helping to neutralize acidic odors that might otherwise linger. Whether it’s ammonia buildup from overnight diapers or just general funk, Borax helps tackle it head-on. -
Boosting Detergent Performance
Borax softens hard water, which can be a game-changer for cleaning. Hard water minerals like calcium and magnesium can bind to detergents, making them less effective. By softening the water, Borax allows your detergent to work at full strength, ensuring that diapers come out truly clean. -
Gentle Yet Effective
Unlike harsher additives like bleach or vinegar, Borax is gentle on fabrics and diaper elastics when used properly. It doesn’t degrade fibers over time or leave behind a strong smell that could irritate sensitive baby skin.
How I Use Borax in My Wash Routine
After trying several methods, I found the perfect balance by incorporating Borax into my second wash cycle. Here’s a breakdown of my routine:
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Pre-Wash Cycle
- I run a hot wash/cold rinse to remove any lingering urine or solids from the diapers. This prepares them for a deeper clean in the next cycle. 2 Tablespoons of powder detergent.
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Main Wash with Borax
- In the second cycle, I add my regular detergent along with 1/4 of Borax. The Borax works its magic by neutralizing odors and ensuring my detergent can break down stains and grime.
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Extra Rinse
- I always finish with an extra rinse to make sure all detergent and Borax residue is completely removed. This step is especially important for sensitive baby skin.
Here’s a link to my blog Achieving The Perfect Cloth Diaper Wash Routine. It goes more in depth about washing cloth diapers with a smart washer and/or HE top-loading that is equipped with a impeller instead of a traditional agitator.
Why Not Vinegar, Bleach, or Other Additives?
While there are plenty of laundry additives out there, Borax stands out for its effectiveness and safety. Here’s why I prefer it:
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Vinegar
Vinegar is often touted as a natural cleaner, but it can weaken elastic and PUL (the waterproof layer in cloth diapers) over time. Plus, its strong smell can linger in fabrics. -
Bleach
Bleach is great for occasional sanitizing but can be too harsh for regular use. It weakens fabrics and can cause discoloration if overused. -
Lysol Laundry Sanitizer
While effective, Lysol can be expensive and unnecessary for routine washes. It’s better suited for situations where additional sanitization is required, like after a stomach bug. I use it in the first wash cycle about every 4 weeks to keep diapers fresh.
Borax, on the other hand, is budget-friendly, widely available, and gentle enough for regular use without compromising cleaning power.
A Few Tips for Using Borax Safely
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Measure Carefully
Stick to the recommended amount—usually about 1/4 to 1/2 cup per load depending on the load size. Too much Borax can leave residue, especially in older washing machines. -
Pair with the Right Detergent
Choose a high-quality detergent that complements Borax’s cleaning power. Detergents like Tide tend to work exceptionally well with Borax.
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Consider Your Water Type
If you have very soft water, Borax should be used with caution. Consider not using it as frequently or performing an extra rinse. For hard water, though, it’s a lifesaver.
My Final Thoughts
Cloth diapering is a labor of love, and finding the right wash routine can make all the difference. For me, Borax has been the secret weapon that keeps my diapers smelling fresh, looking clean, and lasting for years. It’s affordable, easy to use, and doesn’t compromise the integrity of my stash.
If you’ve been struggling with lingering odors or less-than-sparkling diapers, give Borax a try in your next wash. It might just become your new favorite laundry booster too!
I’ve found that the best place to purchase Borax is Amazon. It comes in a 4 pack for under $25.
Have questions about using Borax or your own cloth diaper wash routine? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!