Uses for Borax Powder
Borax is a naturally occurring mineral with a variety of useful applications. Borax, which is scientifically known as sodium borate or tetraborate, is mined in Chile, Tibet and the Mojave Desert in California. It is used primarily in cleaning products. It can also be found in insecticides, makeup, insulation, flame-retardants and food preservatives. Apart from the mining process, Borax is a very environmentally friendly substance. However, it is also mildly toxic, and should not be ingested, inhaled or applied to the skin. Does this Spark an idea?
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Household Cleaner
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To make a general borax-based cleaner, mix a third of a cup of borax into a half-filled bucket of water. A teaspoon of dishwashing soap can also be added. This mixture is perfect for mopping floors and for wiping down surfaces. For cleaning windows, mirrors and other glass surfaces, a higher concentration of borax should be used.
In the Kitchen
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In addition to cleaning the kitchen floors, countertops and windows, borax can be used to clean the kitchen pots and pans. Add some borax to a wet sponge and scrub. Stains should disappear from your cookware. Stainless steel and porcelain sink stains can be removed by a paste of four parts borax to one part lemon juice. Borax can also be used to unclog drains: funnel a half-cup down and add boiling water. The same formula can sanitize garbage disposals: let the borax sit in the drain for an hour, then turn on the disposal and rinse.
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In the Bathroom
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A half-cup of borax mixed into a gallon of water makes a powerful toilet bowl disinfectant. The solution is also less dangerous and has less of an odor than commonly sold products. Borax can fight mildew build-up on bathroom tiles. Mix a teaspoon of dishwashing soap and a teaspoon of borax into a spray bottle of warm water. Then spray the solution on the tiles, allow it to soak in and rinse.
Insecticide
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Cockroach and other indoor insect and pest problems can require fumigation and the use of environmentally unfriendly chemicals. As an alternative, borax powder can be a deterrent. Sprinkle it around the stove and refrigerator and other trouble areas. Applying the powder around the foundation of a home is also a good way to prevent insect infestation.
Detergent and Odor Neutralizer
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Borax powder can be used as a laundry and carpet detergent and has strong odor-destroying capabilities. A half-cup of borax powder can be added to a regular detergent in a load of wash to enhance color and cleaning power.
Borax works exceptionally well at eliminating urine smells and stains. It also possesses the cleaning power to remove mildew from fabrics.
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