This old-fashioned, all-natural detergent booster can be safe for some applications.
Now, this old-fashioned laundry additive seems to be gaining popularity, particularly among those interested inhomemade cleaning solutions.
But what exactly is borax, and is it really safe?
Here’s the low-down on how to use this trendy-again cleaning agent.
What Is Borax?
And when combined with bleach?
It helps boost bleach’s cleaning abilities.
Why Is Borax Popular Again?
Here are some ways to put your box of borax to good use around the house.
DIY Laundry Detergent
Use borax as a DIY laundry detergent.
Mildew Remover
Use borax to prevent and eliminatemildew.
Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Borax can help remove stains from your toilet bowl when used in small quantities.
(Borax is not safe to consume, even in small quantities.)
Carpet Spot Remover
A borax paste can help lift embedded stains in household fabrics like carpets.
Drain Cleaner
Use borax to unclog a sink in a similar way as you’duse baking soda.
Borax Safety Considerations
Just because borax is naturally occurring doesn’t make it harmless.
Many cosmetics and body care manufacturers have replaced the mineral with emulsifiers because of safety concerns.
Since borax is very alkaline, it can irritate the skin in its undiluted form.
Even breathing borax in can be harmful to your nose, throat, and lungs.
Borax is also prohibited in food products.
Put borax away in a safe spot like you would any potentially hazardous cleaners in your home.
Borax is a mineral that’s used in laundry detergent, hand soap, and other cleaning products.
Boric acid is a compound that’s formulated by processing it with other chemicals and refining it.
Boric acid is used in eyedrops and as a natural insecticide that can kill ants and cockroaches.
If it does get exposed to humidity, it can get clumpy.
However, you could still use clumpy borax around the house so long as it’s not rock-hard.
National Library of Medicine.Borax
National Pesticide Information Center.Boric acid: technical fact-sheet.
National Library of Medicine.Sodium Bicarbonate
