Frequently I’ve taken notice of how clean homes are whilst visiting different people in my life. One product my eyes often spot, placed strategically, is a little box or tub of Borax. I’ve seen it in bathrooms, kitchens, even in backyard sheds. I’ve speculated on whether it’s safe and how I might use it. Here’s what I’ve discovered on the miracle box of powder.
What exactly is Borax?
Borax (sodium borate/ sodium tetraborate) is an alkaline compound, a precursor in the manufacture of boric acid. It’s a powdery mineral that naturally occurs when a lake bed evaporates, mined from Turkey, Central Andes, Tibet, and California. Industries use it to manufacture glazes and enamels, to fireproof textiles and wood, and largely as a cleaning agent. It’s even in demand by children, as an ingredient in making ooey-gooey slime! (1,2,3,4)
Uses Of Borax.
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Kitchen. Borax can be mixed with dish soap and vinegar to make an all-purpose spray, and with warm water to mop floors. Sprinkled down drains or garbage disposals it will have everything smelling fresh, whilst mixed with lemon juice tackles grime on stainless steel. A small amount in the dishwasher cleans both machine and dishes.
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Bathroom. Spraying water/Borax mix onto tiles will rid them of mildew. Sprinkling directly onto bathroom fixtures, then wiping with a damp rag removes mineral deposits and grime. Putting boiling water and Borax down a drain will unclog it, and one cup left overnight down the toilet bowl will take off stains. Carpets can be deodorized with a mix of Borax, baking soda, and essentials oils.
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Garden. Mixing with water gives natural fertilizer, and some garden areas benefit from dry Borax. Vegetables and fruits such as strawberries, apples, cabbages, celery, broccoli, cauliflower, etc. requiring high amounts of boron will benefit. Ants die off by consuming it with a good mix of sugar (to entice). Borax also staves off mice, as they don’t like getting it on their feet. Lastly, it’s perfect for cleaning rust and dirt off garden tools, even gloves.
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Laundry. Borax has a high PH, softening hard water. It inhibits mold, fungi, and bacteria and eliminates ammonia, making cleaning easier. Pre-soak your laundry for 30 minutes in a solution of one tablespoon of borax per gallon of warm water. For whitening add a 1/2 cup Borax to your laundry directly in with the clothes.
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Personal. Can be used to make whitening toothpaste by mixing with coconut oil, baking soda, or Neem oil. It’s a cleansing treat for hair and scalp, particularly dandruff, and studies show that hair strengthens with Borax, even reversing alopecia. As a key ingredient already used in many brand name cosmetics, why not experiment or take a class in learning how to make your own skin and body care cosmetics including Borax for beauty miracles. (5, 6, 7)
Is Borax harmonious for use in my home?
Borax is heavily sanctioned in the USA and with all the grading and data currently available, it has been found extremely safe, non-toxic, and still a good choice. Treat it as you would with other products in your home, keeping it in a safe spot away from children and pets. (2, 9)
