Buzz
Years ago, borax was a staple in households everywhere, often found in laundry rooms. However, over time, this white powder laundry booster faded into the background. Now, it’s making a comeback, especially among those exploring homemade cleaning alternatives. So, what exactly is borax, and is it truly safe? Here's everything you need to know about this once-forgotten cleaning agent.
What Exactly Is Borax?
Known as sodium borate, borax is a naturally occurring mineral salt that is mostly sourced from Turkey and California. The borax available in stores is a partially dehydrated white powder. One popular brand, 20 Mule Team, gets its name from the historic method used to transport the mineral out of the California and Nevada deserts during the 1800s.
Borax is highly alkaline, with a pH level around 9.1. This creates a basic solution that can help break down acidic stains like tomato, coffee, or mustard when mixed with water and used as a pre-treatment. When added to laundry, it can help make whites brighter. And when used with bleach, it amplifies bleach’s cleaning power.
Why Has Borax Become Popular Again?
If you’ve been part of the slime craze in recent years, you’re probably already familiar with this common grocery store item. Borax plays a key role in many slime recipes, which led some slime fans to come up with borax-free options for parents concerned about their children ingesting it. Thanks to the slime trend, borax has made its way back into homes—and its safety is once again being discussed.
How to Use Borax as an Effective Cleaner
Borax is a natural, powerful, and safe laundry booster and cleaner (just avoid eating or inhaling the powder while using it). Here are some clever ways to make the most of your box of borax around the house.
DIY Laundry Detergent
Make Your Own DIY Laundry Detergent with Borax. This recipe yields 32 tablespoons, or enough for 32 loads:
- Grate 1 bar of Dr. Bronner’s Castile soap into a fine powder using a food processor.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of borax, 1 cup of washing soda, and the Castile soap powder.
- Add 1 tablespoon of the mixture to each load of laundry.
Stainless Steel Cleaner
Borax can be used as a natural solution to remove stains from a stainless steel sink.
- Combine 1 cup of borax with 1/4 cup of lemon juice.
- Dip a sponge into the mixture and gently scrub the stained area.
- Rinse with warm water.
Mildew Remover
Borax can be used to prevent and remove mildew.
- Combine 1/4 cup of borax with 1 quart of warm water and transfer the mixture into a spray bottle.
- Spray the solution on areas prone to mildew in your home, such as the shower, or directly onto existing mildew spots.
- Let it sit for 15 minutes, then scrub the mildew off using a soft-bristled brush.
Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Borax can effectively remove stains from your toilet bowl when used in small amounts.
- Pour 1/4 cup of borax into the toilet bowl and close the lid.
- Allow the borax to sit for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Use a toilet brush to scrub away any stains, then flush the toilet.
Dishwasher Detergent Booster
Borax can enhance the performance of your dishwasher, provided your dishes are properly rinsed. (Remember, borax is not safe for consumption, even in small amounts.)
- Sprinkle 1/2 cup of borax at the bottom of your dishwasher before loading it with dishes.
- Run the dishwasher with your usual detergent.
Carpet Spot Remover
A borax paste can effectively lift stubborn stains from household fabrics like carpets.
- Combine borax with warm water to form a paste.
- Apply the paste to the carpet stain and allow it to dry.
- Use a clean, wet cloth to blot the stain until the borax paste (and hopefully the stain) is gone.
Drain Cleaner
Borax can be used to unclog a sink, much like you would use baking soda.
- Pour 1/2 cup of borax down the drain, followed by 2 cups of boiling water.
- Wait 15 minutes, then flush with more hot water.
Insecticide
Borax is an effective insect repellent and can kill certain bugs, but caution is necessary. Take care if you have children or pets in the house, and avoid stepping on the borax yourself.
- Repel common insects by sprinkling borax around baseboards and areas where you've seen bugs.
- Eliminate ants by mixing borax with sugar and sprinkling it near the infestation.
- Eradicate roaches by combining borax with flour and applying it to areas under cabinets and behind furniture.
Borax Safety Considerations
Although borax is naturally occurring, it is not without risks. The safety of borax has been a topic of debate among those seeking chemical-free laundry solutions. Many cosmetics and body care brands have replaced borax with emulsifiers due to safety concerns. Since borax is highly alkaline, it can cause skin irritation in its undiluted form.
Breathing in borax can be harmful to your nose, throat, and lungs. When using it as a cleaning product, ensure the area is well-ventilated, wear a mask, and avoid disturbing the borax dust as much as possible.
Borax is also banned in food products. Ingesting even small amounts, such as five grams, can lead to nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, while larger quantities can cause shock or kidney failure.
Long-term exposure to borax may lead to skin rashes or damage to male reproductive organs. For safety, borax should always be stored out of reach of children, just as you would with other potentially hazardous cleaners in your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is borax like baking soda?
Borax (sodium tetraborate) and baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) are both salts commonly used in household cleaning. However, borax (with a pH of 9.5) is more alkaline than baking soda (with a pH of 8).
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What’s the difference between borax and boric acid?
Borax is a mineral found in laundry detergents, hand soaps, and various cleaning products, while boric acid is a refined compound made by processing borax with other chemicals. Boric acid is used in eyedrops and as a natural insecticide, particularly effective for killing ants and cockroaches.
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Does borax expire?
Similar to baking soda, borax is a stable mineral that doesn’t expire when stored in an airtight, dry place. However, if exposed to moisture, it may clump together. As long as it’s not completely hardened, clumpy borax is still usable around the house.
