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Expert Picks for January 2026

Best Laundry Boosters

When detergent alone isn't enough—boosters handle hard water, dingy whites, and stubborn odors. We compared what actually improves your wash.

Last updated: January 28, 2026

Best Overall Comparison All Products User Reviews Buying Guide FAQ

Best Overall Our top recommendation

Best Overall

OxiClean

White Revive Laundry Whitener

4.6 (34,567 reviews)

Your white shirts have been through a lot. White Revive brings them back from grey-yellow purgatory. Add to every white load for maintenance or soak for rescue missions.

Form

Powder

Type

Oxygen-based whitener

Safe For

Whites and colors

Per Load

1 scoop

Pros

✓ Brightens dingy whites
✓ Chlorine-free
✓ Safe for colors too

Cons

✗ Takes multiple washes for severe yellowing
✗ Powder form only
✗ Not a miracle worker

$11 (3 lb)

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Head-to-Head Comparison

Product	Rating	Price	Action
White Revive Laundry Whitener Best OxiClean	4.6	$11 (3 lb)	View
Super Washing Soda Value ARM & HAMMER	4.7	$6 (55 oz)	View
20 Mule Team Borax 20 Mule Team	4.6	$7 (76 oz)	View
Concentrated Liquid Bluing Mrs. Stewart's	4.5	$5 (8 oz)	View
Liquid Water Softener Calgon	4.4	$12 (32 oz)	View

* Prices may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

All Recommended Products

Best Overall

OxiClean

White Revive Laundry Whitener

4.6 (34,567 reviews)

Your white shirts have been through a lot. White Revive brings them back from grey-yellow purgatory. Add to every white load for maintenance or soak for rescue missions.

Form

Powder

Type

Oxygen-based whitener

Safe For

Whites and colors

Per Load

1 scoop

Pros

✓ Brightens dingy whites
✓ Chlorine-free
✓ Safe for colors too

Cons

✗ Takes multiple washes for severe yellowing
✗ Powder form only
✗ Not a miracle worker

$11 (3 lb)

View on Amazon

Best Value

ARM & HAMMER

Super Washing Soda

4.7 (45,678 reviews)

The secret weapon for hard water households. Washing soda softens water so your detergent works better. Also makes DIY laundry detergent and all-purpose cleaner.

Form

Powder

Type

Sodium carbonate

High alkaline

Uses

Laundry, cleaning, DIY

Pros

✓ Incredibly versatile
✓ Softens water
✓ Boosts cleaning

Cons

✗ Not for delicates
✗ Can irritate skin
✗ Dissolves slowly in cold

$6 (55 oz)

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20 Mule Team

20 Mule Team Borax

4.6 (56,789 reviews)

Used since the 1890s for good reason. Borax deodorizes like nothing else—perfect for gym clothes, pet bedding, and towels that won't stop smelling musty.

Form

Powder

Type

Sodium borate

Uses

Laundry, cleaning, pest control

Add

1/2 cup per load

Pros

✓ Multi-purpose
✓ Deodorizes
✓ Boosts detergent

Cons

✗ Skin irritant
✗ Not for consumption
✗ Controversial safety

$7 (76 oz)

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Budget Pick

Mrs. Stewart's

Concentrated Liquid Bluing

4.5 (12,345 reviews)

The original white shirt hack from the 1880s. Blue counteracts yellow, making whites look whiter. A few drops in rinse water is all it takes.

Form

Liquid

Type

Optical brightener

Dilution

Required

Lasts

100+ loads

Pros

✓ True optical brightener
✓ Tiny amount works
✓ Lasts forever

Cons

✗ Can stain if used wrong
✗ Blue liquid is messy
✗ Requires dilution

$5 (8 oz)

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Premium Pick

Calgon

Liquid Water Softener

4.4 (23,456 reviews)

If your water is hard, your detergent is fighting a losing battle. Calgon neutralizes minerals so soap can actually clean. The "Calgon, take me away" slogan was earned.

Form

Liquid

Type

Water softener

Best For

Hard water areas

Per Load

Cap full

Pros

✓ Softens hard water
✓ Prevents mineral buildup
✓ Protects machine

Cons

✗ Expensive
✗ Only helps in hard water
✗ Not a detergent

$12 (32 oz)

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Buying Guide: How to Choose Laundry Boosters

Laundry Boosters: When Detergent Isn't Enough

Do You Need a Booster?
Maybe. Check if you have:
Hard water (mineral deposits, soap scum)
- Dingy whites that won't brighten
- Persistent odors (gym clothes, towels)
- Heavily soiled work clothes

### Types of Boosters

Oxygen Boosters (OxiClean):
- Brighten and whiten
- Help remove stains
- Safe for most fabrics

Water Softeners (Washing Soda, Calgon):
- Combat hard water
- Help detergent work better
- Prevent mineral buildup

Deodorizers (Borax):
- Neutralize odors
- Kill mold and mildew
- Boost cleaning power

Optical Brighteners (Bluing):
- Make whites appear whiter
- Counteract yellowing
- Visual enhancement only

### Hard Water Test
Fill a bottle with tap water, add dish soap, shake. If it doesn't suds well or leaves film, you have hard water. Boosters will help.

### When to Use What
- Dingy whites: Oxygen booster or bluing
- Hard water: Water softener every load
- Smelly towels/gym clothes: Borax or washing soda
- Heavy soil: Oxygen booster for pre-soak

Frequently Asked Questions About Laundry Boosters

Can I use multiple boosters together?

Yes, but don't overdo it. Washing soda + borax is a classic combo. Oxygen boosters work with either. Too much of anything leaves residue.

Why won't my towels stop smelling?

Buildup of detergent, softener, and mildew. Strip them: hot wash with 1/2 cup baking soda, then hot wash with 1 cup white vinegar, then hot wash with nothing. No softener on towels ever.

Is borax safe?

For laundry, yes when used as directed. Don't eat it, keep away from kids/pets, wear gloves if you have sensitive skin. It's a mineral, not a synthetic chemical.

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