"Natural" alternative to bleach, oxyclean, etc??

[aliceinwonderland]

Or is this a really naive question, as I suspect?? :)

I am not talking about diapers only, just laundry in general. I just think my All Free and Clear is underperforming, I know I am probably using too much detergent, but I cannot be convinced that putting less of something that is already not doing a good job will work!

So we need some help here, something "extra" to put into my wash...Any suggestions?? I have no problem sucking it up and using the above mentioend substances(and have in the past), I was just wonderin'

Thanks :)

[Momof3Labs]

Vinegar or baking soda. Tea tree oil.

[aliceinwonderland]

Thanks Lori.

But, a technical question: do you add these in the actual wash, as you do with detergents?? Or in the little compartment for bleach? Thanks!

[mudder17]

Not Lori, but I've used vinegar both in the softener dispenser and in the detergent dispenser. I think I've used it in the detergent dispenser with "clean" clothes when I'm having a stink issue or build-up or something like that. Otherwise, vinegar usually goes in the fabric softener dispenser or in a downy ball. Baking soda I'll add with the detergent. And ditto for the TTO.


Eileen

http://www.mothering.com/discussions...ies/candle.gif for Leah
http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbo...merald_18m.gif

http://tickers.baby-gaga.com/t/catca..._4_Kaya+is.png
Kaya's a cousin! 10/1/05, 5lb13oz

[JElaineB]

I sometimes use either washing soda or Borax as a detergent booster (I add them along with the detergent, which happens to be All Free & Clear...hmmmm.) I don't know that they help with whitening though.

Jennifer
mom to Jacob 9/27/02

[aliceinwonderland]

Thank you again.
Eileen, an ignorant question (hence I ask), but do you dilute the TT oil with anything, and how much do you put in, usually??

Glad to know I can just put Borax or baking soda in with the detergent...Anything more and my little brain gets overwhelmed :)