How to Dissolve Boric Acid Before Washing Laundry

Also called "hydrogen borate," boric acid is a weak acid boron isotope, usually found in the form of a powder. This is one of the most useful chemical compounds in the home, used as a fire retardant and a detergent for clothes and silverware, as well as a pest control for bugs like termites and cockroaches. In a diluted solution with water, boric acid powder makes for an effective clothes detergent, but the low solubility of boric acid needs to be managed.

Instructions

1. Pour all of the boric acid into your bucket or wash basin, then cover it with an inch with water that is just under boiling.

2. Stir the boric acid into the hot water slowly and continuously to avoid sloshing or splashing. It will take a minute or two to mostly incorporate the powder into the water. The hot water will help the powder dissolve, which has a low solubility in water at room temperature.

3. Fill the bucket with warm water, stirring the incorporated solution into the water. Since the boric acid is mostly dissolved already, it should blend easily with the warm water.

Tips & Warnings

• Cover your face with a rag or filter mask before working with the boric acid in hot water. Try not to lean directly over the bucket so as not to be adversely effected by the irritating fumes.

References

• Moose Coons: Boric Acid Uses and Toxicity
• Sigma Aldrich: Boric Acid Product Information