Have you ever wondered what makes certain cleaning products so effective? The answer to your question might be found in a simple yet powerful substance called Borax. But what exactly is borax and why should you use it at home?
Borax is a salt that consists of a hydrated sodium borate which is a colorless crystalline solid that dissolves in water to make a basic solution. It has many industrial, and household uses, and also works as a tanning agent for skin and hides. It is commonly available in powder or granular form.
Chemical Formula: Na2H20B4O17
Physical Form: Colorless Crystalline solid
Solubility: Dissolves in water to make a basic solution
Common Names: Sodium borate, tincal, tincar
Uses: Pesticide, metal soldering flux, a component of glass, enamel, and pottery glazes, tanning of skins and hides, wood aging, preservation, pharmaceutic alkalizer
Laboratory Uses: Used as buffering agent
What is Borax?
Borax is a naturally occurring mineral that helps laundry detergent work more effectively and contains sodium, boron, water, and oxygen. It helps keep stains from being redeposited onto your laundry and helps to control odors naturally. It has been used in cleaning and laundering applications for more than one hundred years. Borax is a white powder made up of the element BORON, a naturally occurring mineral salt with acidic properties.
Since borax is natural, harmless to humans and pets, and eco-friendly in the sense that it degrades naturally without harming the environment, it is an environmentally friendly substitute for many chemically produced cleaners.
Borax used in Gardening
It is suitable for the organic garden but with utmost care and precaution because its misuse can harm your plants.
To kill the Weeds, Take 1 teaspoon of borax powder to 1 liter of water and mix thoroughly, and use a sprayer to coat the unwanted weeds in your garden. However, take precautions not to spray on any of your favorite plants.
As a fertilizer, It works great as a fertilizer, as the element Boron is the second most widespread micronutrient deficiency problem worldwide after zinc. It improves the plant’s health and growth. The common symptoms to diagnose the problem of boron deficiency are dying growth tips, stunted growth, and low productivity. For this, you can dissolve one teaspoon of borax in 1 liter of water and apply the solution evenly.
Disinfect and clean your garden tools and surface, Mix a teaspoon of borax in a liter of warm water. Make use of this solution to soak and scrub pots and tools. Once clean, rinse thoroughly and leave the items in the sun to let them dry. Also, you can clean gloves using this.
Get rid of ants, If you want to get rid of ants in your garden, you should try a borax bait hack. You will need a borax powder, honey, or sugar syrup.
Benefits and uses of Borax around your house
Cleaning and Laundry
- It serves as a mild abrasive cleaner for daily cleaning of sinks, tubs, showers, kitchen countertops, etc.
- Increases the efficiency of soap and detergent to clean the surface and materials. Also, it is useful in washing clothes and removing stains during the washing process mainly when washing whites.
- Furthermore, it not only removes the unpleasant smell but also kills mold and bacteria.
Pest Control
- It can be used as a spray and eliminates cockroaches, ants, and other pests that may be present in certain areas.
Safety: Elimination by avoiding ingestion and contact with eyes, don’t bleach or vinegar in conjunction with the product.
In the Kitchen
- Borax and baking soda can be used to make a gentle paste that can help clean sinks, tiles, bathtubs, showers, doors, etc.
- Borax solution spray should be used to clean and disinfect cutting boards after they have been used to prepare meat or fish, rinse thoroughly.
- Clean sinks and garbage disposal areas by pouring some borax, then add vinegar. Then let bubble and rinse with hot water.
Can we use Borax on the Carpet?
Yes, you can use borax on carpet, as it is an all-natural form of carpet cleaner and deodorizer, to use it on carpets:
- Before you begin cleaning, you should vacuum your carpet since the carpet has dust that is loosely attached to the carpet’s area.
- They go a little further on the carpet and scatter the borax powder lightly all over it.
- Let it sit for some time or overnight to allow it to penetrate deeply into the fabric of the cloth.
- Clean by sucking all the powder that has fallen on the surface to ensure that no powdery substance is left behind.
The borax will assist in the removal of stains, and eradication of carpet beetles, fleas, and mold if they are present on the furniture, it removes the bacteria, and it scents the carpet by absorbing all the odors within it.
As it has environmental cleaning and disinfecting deodorizing properties, borax can help make your cleaning routine easier and keep your home smelling fresh and free from pests.
How can you use Borax Safely?
- Wear gloves when handling borax to avoid skin irritation.
- Use borax in a well-ventilated area and avoid inhaling the powder, keep it away from your mouth, nose, and eyes.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap after using borax mainly before eating, drinking, or using the toilet.
- If borax gets in your eyes or on your skin, flush the area with water for at least 15 minutes, and seek medical help if needed.
- Fully rinse any area cleaned with borax to remove residue and make sure clothes washed with them are rinsed before drying and wearing.
FAQs
1. What is Borax?
Borax is a naturally occurring mineral that helps laundry detergent work more effectively and contains sodium, boron, water, and oxygen. It helps keep stains from being redeposited onto your laundry and helps to control odors naturally.
2. What is borax mainly used for?
Borax is mainly used as a cleaning agent and laundry booster, known for its ability to remove stains and deodorizer, and is also effective for pest control, particularly against ants and cockroaches.
3. Is borax used in food?
Borax isn’t used in food in most countries as it can be toxic when ingested in large quantities.
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