Boric acid is low in toxicity if eaten or if it contacts skin. However, in the form of borax, it can be corrosive to the eye. Borax can also be irritating to the skin. People who have eaten boric acid have had nausea, vomiting, stomach aches, and diarrhea.
Since borax is very alkaline, it can irritate the skin in its undiluted form. Borax is prohibited in food products. Ingesting as little as five grams can cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, and large amounts can send your body into shock or result in kidney failure.
Keep borax in a sealed container away from children just as you do with ANY cleaning agent, even natural ones. Natural cleaning agents are safe to use around pets and children, but you don't want them getting into the container. Do not use borax for skincare or topical use. It is for cleaning only.
Sodium sesquicarbonate, marketed under the name "Borax Substitute," is a non-toxic mineral compound with similar pH to borax, making it ideal for cleaning and laundry. It is more potent than baking soda. You can find it sold online as sodium sesquicarbonate or alkali washing soda in the US.
Is borax safe? This is a hotly contested topic and, as with most things, borax can be safe when used properly. However, it's worth noting that borax can be lethal when ingested. Toxic levels for children are 5-6 grams—or roughly a half teaspoon; for adults, the toxic dose is 10-25 grams.
Some children suffer nothing but sticky fingers, but the rare but severe injuries point to a much bigger danger. Dr. Robin Jacobson, a pediatrician at NYU Langone Medical Center, warns families to stay away from the white powder altogether. "Borax can cause burns, especially when you touch it multiple times," she says.
Borax, also known as sodium tetraborate, is a mineral that naturally occurs when a lake bed evaporates. While generally considered non-toxic in the form of borax (not to be confused with boric acid), it is recommended you avoid eye contact, ingestion or prolonged skin contact.
Kill Boxelder Beetles and Other Pests
Ants aren't the only thing borax will kill. In fact, many companies make borax insecticides designed to get rid of household pests. Sprinkle borax powder along the edges of your sidewalk, foundation, and driveway to get rid of boxelder beetles and cockroaches.
Some of the insects that borax kills include ants, flies, and other insect larvae. Borax is an ant poison, and it controls flies around manure piles. It also prevents larvae from growing. The main insect borax kills are termites.
Borax can be substituted by a number of natural ingredients, including vinegar, baking soda and coffee grinds.
In 2010 the EU banned Borax because studies had shown negative impacts on reproductive health. Due to this reason Borax was banned in the UK and EU in 2010. Rats were feed borax and over time the borax was shown to build up in some of the internal organs (1).
Its longevity is a testament not only to the cleansing power of borax, but to the power of marketing, as well. But first, some history: In the 19th century, borax was an ingredient used in ceramics and gold mining, but it was also touted as a cure-all for everything from dandruff to epilepsy.
And then there's the fact that you can safely consume baking soda, while borax should not be eaten, inhaled, or even exposed to your skin. That doesn't mean it's not “safe.” Rather, it is to say that baking soda is, on the whole, a milder cleaning agent than borax.
Both baking soda and Borax are effective because they are alkaline and abrasive. But Borax has a higher PH than baking soda, making it a slightly harsher but arguably more effective cleaning agent. It inhibits fungi, mold, and bacteria.
Borax is also a great natural cockroach killer. Compared to most chemical pest control treatments, it's a relatively low-risk product.
Dampen the brush; sprinkle borax liberally onto the wet brush, and then scrub. Your toilet with glisten without a single toxic fume. When applied around the foundation of your house, borax will keep ants and spiders from entering your home.
First, make sure to keep it away from children's reach. Second, avoid using it as a cosmetic product and handle it with care at all times. This usually means wearing a mask and gloves when using it. Finally, do NOT mix Borax with any boric acid products, such as pesticides.
In your washing machine, borax helps absorb dirt. In your kitchen and bathroom, it's great for cleaning rust, grout, and even mold and mildew. Borax helps laundry smell better and is also extremely effective at fighting pet urine odor because it combats the ammonia.
Although it's safe for cleaning, borax can irritate the skin, so always use gloves when handling it.
A Few Notes About Borax
It is indeed toxic if ingested so always keep that in mind. This is also a product where you'll definitely want to grab yourself some good rubber gloves, as borax can be toxic for the skin.
Clean Glass Shower Doors
“Mix two teaspoons of Borax, four cups of hot water, one teaspoon of Dawn Dish Soap, and four tablespoons of vinegar in a spray bottle,” share Crandall and Rosser.
1. Toilet Cleaning. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of Borax and ½ cup of white vinegar into your toilet bowl, ensuring you reach all areas (including under the rim). Leave for at least 8 hours (or overnight) then scrub thoroughly with a brush before flushing.
Disinfectant. Borax has long been recognized for its disinfectant and deodorizing properties. Mix a 1/2 cup of Borax into 1 gallon of hot water or undiluted vinegar and clean with this solution. For a fragrant smell, add a few sprigs of fresh thyme, rosemary or lavender to the above recipe.