Laundry Spa Day Questions

Hi everyone, I want to do a spa day for my clothes but ran into some questions along the way.

1. What’s the deal with FEBU’s inconsistent enzyme count?

The product description and ingredient list indicate there are 7 enzymes, but some of the images say 6. Did they recently reformulate the product but forget to update the picture — or are you at the mercy of whichever version they decide to send you? (It shouldn’t be that way, but I’ve never heard of this brand, so…)

2. Can I make an L+O+D spa day soak using these ingredients?

+ 1 scoop of [OxiClean White Revive Laundry Whitener and Laundry Stain Remover Powder](https://www.walmart.com/ip/34334607?sid=29E15C68-68A8-4A4E-91D0-89E8C74711DF)

+ 1 “serving” of detergent

+ 2 capfuls of [Lume Stink Eraser Detergent Booster](https://lumedeodorant.com/products/detergent-booster)

*Why OxiClean? Because FEBU is sold out online and Tide Unscented Clean & Gentle Powder is sold out in town, but the Oxi powder is unscented, cheap, and available locally. I’m open to other options if this product would cause problems.

**Why Lume? Because I already have it on hand, and because it contains 5 of the 7 enzymes in FEBU — everything but the DNase and Cellulase.

3. I know you said no Borax in the wash, but what about the soak?

I ask simply because my tap water sucks. I think it’s over-treated because it smells like chlorine. It also leaves a buildup, fades clothing, and makes fabric stiff — but unlike hard water, it doesn’t cause yellow stains.

4. Instead of powder during the wash step, can I use [OxiClean White Revive Pods](https://www.target.com/p/oxiclean-white-revive-laundry-whitener-stain-remover-power-paks-24ct-21-1oz/-/A-47774997)?

It might seem silly, but I’m nervous about using powder in the wash step. I have a front load washer with no compartment for powder, and I’m scared that I’ll stain my clothes if I add powder to the drum because I can’t control even distribution. However, I do have a pod compartment!

(Again, I’m open to other pod options if the one I’m asking about would cause problems.)

5. How much ammonia do I need?

The instructions indicate 2 cups of 2% solution, 1 cup of 5% solution, 1/2 cup of 10% solution, or 3T of 25% solution.

However, the [Great Value Clear Ammonia](https://www.walmart.com/ip/642113336?sid=8d457570-5965-4905-8999-820ef1ac619a) isn’t labeled with a percentage. For laundry, the label says to use 1 cup per “tub.” Can I trust that measurement and just add 1c to the washer when I get to that step?

6. Is it normal for the soak water to change colors?

Using just hot water + Lume Stink Eraser, I’ve already tried soaking a load of black clothes and a separate load of tan/beige/nude clothes. Both times, the water turned the same color as the clothes. Luckily they don’t appear faded, at least to my eyes — but I don’t want to overdo it.

Thank you!