FRESH LAUNDRY

Yikes! According to NYU researchers, 25% of freshly washed laundry still harbors germs. Blame today’s larger loads, cooler wash water and fewer phosphates in detergents. Thankfully, one simple tweak can ensure your clean laundry is truly clean: Add 1⁄ cup of

2 borax to the wash cycle. Canadian scientists say this natural mineral salt blocks the growth of bacteria and fungi—plus raises the pH of wash water, boosting the ability of laundry detergents to dissolve and remove germ-laden grime.