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Did you know that one tub of borax can solve a myriad of household problems? Yes, that’s right – this mineral is a powerful cleaning and deodorizing agent and serves as a natural insecticide, fungicide, and even a fertilizer for your garden. From boosting your laundry’s cleaning power to tackling pesky pests, borax is a fantastic addition to your home and garden toolkit!
Let’s take a look at the many uses of borax and show you how to make the most of this handy mineral in your everyday life.
What is Borax?
Borax (sodium borate) is a naturally occurring mineral with a fascinating history and many interesting properties. This white, powdery substance primarily comprises sodium, boron, oxygen, and water. It is typically found in deposits formed from the evaporation of seawater or in lake beds, often in regions with a high mineral content such as the Mojave Desert in California.
Borax or sodium borate are the most common names for this powder, but they may also be referred to as boracic acid, soda borate, and disodium tetraborate. It is soluble in water, effective at dissolving dirt and grease, and has pH-stabilizing properties.
Borax has been a household staple for generations and is known for its effectiveness in tackling various cleaning challenges.
1. Borax as a Laundry Booster
Borax powder boosts the cleaning power of laundry detergents, helping to remove stains, odors, and discoloration from clothes. To use, add ½ cup of borax to your washing machine along with your regular detergent.
2. Fungicide
Borax is an effective fungicide and can help prevent and treat fungal infections in plants. Mix 1 tablespoon of borax with 1 gallon of water and spray it on plant foliage to treat fungal infections and protect against blight and other diseases
3. Household Cleaner
Looking for an effective way to remove dirt and grease? Mix 1 cup of borax with 1 gallon of warm water to create an all-purpose household cleaner.
4. Plant Fertilizer
Borax is a good source of boron, an essential nutrient that boosts plant health and growth. Simply dissolve one teaspoon of borax in 1 gallon of water and apply it to the soil to improve plant health and growth. This soil treatment should only be carried out once per year, as excessive boron can damage plants.
5. Natural Pest Control
Borax can be used as an insecticide to effectively control ants, cockroaches, and other crawling insects. To create an ant bait, mix equal parts of borax and sugar with a little water to form a paste. Place this mixture in areas where ants are active; they will carry it back to their colony.
In addition to being a targeted treatment, borax can also act as a general pest repellent. Sprinkling it around the garden deters pests such as slugs and snails. Just be sure to use borax sparingly in areas near plants, as too much can affect their health.
How to Make a Borax Ant Trap
6. Deodorizer
Place a bowl of borax in the fridge or sprinkle it in garbage cans to absorb unpleasant odors. For a deeper odor-busting clean, mix 1 quart of warm water with one tablespoon of borax and wipe down surfaces.
7. Weed Killer
A strong solution of borax can be applied to unwanted plants to help control their growth. Mix 1 cup of borax with 2 gallons of water and use a spray bottle to apply it directly to unwanted plants to help control their growth. Be cautious to avoid ornamental plants and vegetable crops as this toxic mix is quite potent!
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8. Mold and Mildew Remover
When mixed with water, borax cleans mold and mildew from surfaces in damp areas. Combine 1 cup of borax with 1 gallon of water and scrub the solution onto affected surfaces to clean away mold and mildew.
9. Stain Remover
To treat stains on carpets or upholstery, mix borax with water to form a paste. Apply it to the stained area, let it sit for 30 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly. Make sure to test an inconspicuous area first as some color loss may occur.
10. Dishwashing Aid
Add one tablespoon of borax to your dishwasher load along with your regular detergent to enhance cleaning power and prevent hard water buildup.
11. Fabric Softener
To soften fabrics and reduce static cling, add ¼ cup of borax to your laundry during the rinse cycle.
How to Use Borax Safely?
While borax has many uses around the home and garden, it’s important to handle this powder with care. Excessive exposure can lead to health risks, so it should be used in moderation.
In the U.S., borax is generally recognized as safe for household use by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) when used according to label instructions. So, before using borax, make sure you are familiar with the following safe handling methods:
- Borax is not safe for ingestion and should be stored securely out of reach of children and pets.
- When handling borax, especially in its powder form, wear gloves and a mask to prevent inhalation and skin irritation.
- Use borax in well-ventilated areas to minimize the risk of inhaling dust particles.
- Avoid excessive exposure by adhering to suggested amounts, as overexposure can lead to health risks.
- Keep borax in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry place to prevent accidental spills or contamination.
- If using borax for personal care or cleaning, test for allergies by applying a small amount to a small skin area first.
- Borax can cause eye irritation, so wear safety goggles to prevent accidental splashes or dust particles from getting into your eyes.
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Kate Chalmers
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Kate is a passionate gardener who has a keen interest in all things related to homesteading and sustainability. She resides in Portugal with her husband and menagerie of animals and has over 15 years of experience in the UK veterinary industry. In 2020, Kate and her husband took on a dilapidated Portuguese house and abandoned olive grove, turning it into an abundant food forest and home for nature.
Life on the homestead is never the same from one day to the next, and Kate has mastered many skills that she is keen to pass on to anyone with an interest in becoming more self-sufficient. Kate believes that living a sustainable lifestyle is the key to happiness and fulfillment and that everyone can make simple changes that connect us back to nature and reduce our impact on the planet.
