An improved process for making ethoxylated amine compounds such as ethanolamines. The improvement comprises the addition of an acid to the amine compound prior to the addition of ethylene oxide to a reactor wherein the ethoxylated amine compound is prepared. The improvement reduces the concentration of undesirable glycol ether and/or vinyl ether ethoxylate byproducts which may contribute to undesirable properties, such as color and foaming, of the ethoxylated amine compounds.