Abstract: An additive for controlling the detrimental effects of secondary recycled contaminants in the papermaking process. In the preferred embodiment, the additive includes a first low molecular weight, cationic water-soluble polymer and a second low molecular weight, cationic, water-soluble polymer, wherein the first low molecular weight, cationic, water-soluble polymer and the second low molecular weight, cationic, water-soluble polymer are co-reacted. In the preferred embodiment, the effective amount of the additive is determined by measuring about a 50 PPM reduction in soluble charge of the liquid base after adding the additive to the liquid base. In the most preferred embodiment, the reduction in soluble charge is between about 50 and 150 PPM as measured by determining the electrophoretic mobility of the liquid base with and without the additive.