Originally discovered in the dry lake beds of Tibet, borax consists of soft, colorless crystals that dissolve in water. Over the centuries it was used for food preservation, mummification, and as a pottery glaze. During the 19th century, it became a popular laundry detergent and cleaning product. Yet, nowadays, borax is something overlooked by many people as they walk down the laundry aisle. With such a large number of uses, borax is one item that everyone should be putting in their shopping basket.
Give Your Laundry a Boost
Our ancestors knew what they were doing by using borax to clean clothes. It softens hard water and is great at removing stubborn stains. Borax has a natural scent which gives clothes a really fresh smell, as though they have been air-dried. And it’s so safe for fabrics that you can even use it on the most delicate items in your closet. Simply add half a cup of borax to your laundry, and your clothes will come out looking like new. You can also use borax as a pre-wash treatment for tough stains such as coffee or grass.
Eliminate pests and insects
If you have a problem with ants, cockroaches, water bugs, or other pests, then borax could be your answer. Take equal measures of borax and sugar, mix well together, and sprinkle where the insects are. The sugar attracts the pests, and the borax eradicates them. Borax is also effective at getting rid of mice.
Always treat borax as you would any other pest controller or cleaning product and keep it out the reach of children. Place the borax/sugar mixture under your stove, refrigerator, or sink as these are the areas where pests like to hang out anyway.
Make a general household cleaner
Borax is relatively inexpensive when compared to household cleaners on the market, so why not use it to make an economical all-purpose cleaner. Mix together two tablespoons of borax and 2 cups of hot water in a spray bottle. Use it in the bathroom, kitchen, and everywhere else that needs a good clean. If your kids have a habit of drawing on the walls with crayon, this cleaner will wipe it straight off. Make sure to patch-test your wall first to make sure paint is not removed. Diluted borax also makes a great de-greaser so your stove and countertops will come up sparklingly clean.
Preserve fresh flowers
Although it cleans and controls pests, borax can be gentle and help preserve the life of fresh-cut flowers. A mixture of one part borax and two parts cornmeal will draw moisture from flowers and leaves to help prevent wilting. Place a layer of the mix in the bottom of a box, lay your flowers on top, and sprinkle more of the mixture on top. Cover the box, leave it for a week or two, and your favorite blooms will be perfectly preserved.
Feed Your fruit trees
If you’re growing fruit trees, try feeding them borax every 3-4 years to help promote growth. Borax adds the mineral boron to the soil which trees need for good cell growth and the development of seeds and fruit.
Borax may help your fruit trees grow, but it also makes an effective weed killer. Just sprinkle it on the weeds that come up through the cracks in your driveway or walkway and watch them disappear.
Freshen up your refrigerator
Use a solution of 1 tablespoon of borax and a quart of warm water to clean all the grime and spills inside your refrigerator. As a natural deodorizer, the borax will leave your fridge smelling really fresh. You can also use the same method to get rid of any nasty odors in your trash can.
Renew rusty patio furniture
Give your old rusty patio furniture a new lease of life with borax. Make a paste using two tablespoons of borax, one tablespoon of lemon juice, and a small amount of water. Apply the paste to the rust, leave for 15 minutes, rinse, and scrub with a sponge. Whether you are cleaning furniture or old pots and pans, the rust should lift straight off, leaving the metal looking like new.
Unclog your drains
Blocked drains? No need to pay out for expensive drain cleaner or treatments. For a cheaper alternative, reach for the borax! Pour half a cup of borax down the drain followed by 2 cups of boiling water and leave for 15 minutes. The borax breaks down grease and other gunk which is then washed away by the water. You can also use the same method on your garbage disposal. Your drains will be left unclogged and smelling much better than before.
Keep Your floors clean
Tiles, linoleum, and hardwood flooring can all benefit from being cleaned with borax. Just add one teaspoon of dish detergent, 1/3 cup of borax, and one tablespoon of lemon juice to a gallon of hot water and get mopping! Even stubborn scuff marks from your kid's shoes will be gone in an instant.
Borax can also be used to clean carpets. Sprinkle the powder over your carpets and let it absorb all the dirt and odors before vacuuming it up. Get fresh, clean carpets throughout your home without having to invest in special products.
Make slime
Keep the kids amused for hours by making borax slime. Combine half a cup of water with 4 ounces of school glue and a couple of drops of food coloring. In a separate bowl, dissolve a teaspoon of borax in a cup of warm water. Add the glue mixture with the borax water and stir. You should quickly see it become slimy. Drain any excess water and kneed the mix a little until it really is slime-like!
With so many different uses, borax is something that every household should have it in their cupboard!
The role of borax in agitation, chemical action, and heat during laundry
Diving deep into the world of laundry, borax emerges as an unsung hero. It's not just about cleaning; it's about enhancing the entire process. Borax acts as a catalyst, optimizing the agitation process and ensuring each garment gets a meticulous clean. Its chemical properties supercharge your detergent's action. Combine this with the heat of your wash cycle, and you've got a trio that ensures stubborn stains don't stand a chance. It's the kind of deep cleaning that makes laundry feel less like a chore and more like a science experiment.
Using borax for laundry stripping to remove residue
Over time, our beloved garments can accumulate a residue that dulls their vibrancy. Borax offers a solution. Think of it as a detox for your clothes. A soak in a borax solution strips away unwanted build-ups, breathing new life into your wardrobe. The result? Clothes that look and feel as if they've just been bought. It's a simple, cost-effective way to revitalize your garments, ensuring they remain in prime condition for years to come.
Crafting DIY laundry soap with borax as a key ingredient
In an era of DIY solutions, borax stands out as a versatile ingredient. Imagine crafting your own laundry soap, tailored to your needs. Borax, with its cleaning prowess, forms the backbone of this homemade solution. Not only is it effective, but it's also eco-friendly, ensuring you're doing your bit for the planet. And there's a unique joy in using a detergent you've made from scratch, knowing every ingredient that goes into it.
Softening hard water in laundry with borax
Water quality varies, and often, we're faced with the challenge of hard water in our laundry routines. Enter borax. This humble compound has the ability to transform hard water, softening it to enhance the washing process. Clothes feel softer, colors look brighter, and there's a noticeable reduction in residue. It's a simple addition to your laundry routine but makes a world of difference in the results.
Borax's role in stain removal, especially for tough stains
Life is messy, and stains are inevitable. But with borax in your cleaning arsenal, those stubborn stains from wine spills to grass marks don't stand a chance. A pre-soak in a borax solution works wonders, breaking down the toughest of stains. It's like having a secret weapon in your laundry room, ready to tackle any challenge. So, the next time you face a daunting stain, remember borax has got your back.
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