Uses of Borax & Boric Acid
Borax releases boric acid, acting as a solution for detergents, pesticides, cleaning agents and deodorizers. Boric acid has a pH of about 9.14 at 104 degrees Fahrenheit, which allows for a great acidity. In insecticides, borax acts as a natural way to get rid of bugs in the home. However, in large quantities, boric acid is harmful to pets and humans. If you only use a small dose of powder to disinfect or clean, boric acid produces safe, nontoxic results. Does this Spark an idea?
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Cleaner
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As a household cleaner, borax provides natural ways to clean and disinfect surfaces in the home. For example, pour 1 cup of borax into a toilet bowl, then let sit overnight. Borax loosens the debris in the toilet bowl, which you easily clean with the brush. In addition, combine 1 tsp. of borax with warm water to clean pots and pans without an abrasive surface that scratches. For laundry, 1 cup of borax with 2 cups of warm water creates a paste, which you rub into a stain, then wash as usual.
Pest Control
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Boron compounds in borax make an ideal pesticide for killing fleas, roaches, ants, bed bugs and even mice. If you have an all natural boric acid powder, combine it with sugar, then sprinkle it on carpet, bedding and the perimeter of your home to kill bugs. The boron dehydrates the bugs, causing cracks in their exoskeletons, then dries them out from the inside. As such, the salt quality of boric acid destroys the simple electrolytic metabolism of most insects.
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Mold and Mildew Treatment
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Borax acts like bleach when interacting with mold compounds, because borates convert water molecules to hydrogen peroxide. If you spot a moldy patch near a window or in the kitchen, borax and water create a paste that you smear onto the moldy area. You let the paste dry overnight, then wash off the remains the next day with a wet cloth. Additionally, borax powder helps prevent mold and mildew if you leave the powder around key areas.
Other Uses
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If you need to deodorize a litter box for your cat, a few tablespoons of borax powder into the litter helps to lessen the smell. In addition, borax also helps to unclog and sanitize drains. For example, put 3 tbs. of borax down the drain, then let sit for an hour, flushing with warm water. To unclog a stubborn drain, use 1/2 cup of borax to pour down the drain, then follow with 2 cups of boiling water. After 15 minutes, flush the drain with warm water.
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References
- "Natural Pest Control: Alternatives to Chemicals for the Home and Garden;" Andrew Lopez; 1998
- Living With Bugs; Boric Acid and Borate Insecticides; Jack DeAngelis, Ph.D.
- National Batting Cotton Institute; What Is Boric Acid?; Rose Mill Company; 2008
- Borax; Borates and Wash pH; 2005
- Hy-Tech: Boric Acid Powder
- Care2.com; 5 Smart, Easy Ways to Use Borax in the Home; Annie B. Bond; May 2002
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
