Sorry, just saw this. They feel softer and just smell fresher. I did towels and those were the BIGGEST change - the water literally reeked of like sweat and other nasty stuff. They're so much fresher now!
So I had to look this up and a lot of the articles said not to do it, at least not on all things. Sheets and towels were the better ones to strip, but not athletic gear since you are supposed to use hot water and this is bad for spandex.
Also, did you use your regular detergent with the borax and sodium carbonate?
I am definitely tempted to do this to our sheets and towels.