Borax (sodium tetraborate) and baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) aren't the same thing. They're both salts, and they're both popular as “green” household cleaning agents, but borax has a pH of 9.5, compared to baking soda's pH of 8. This makes borax considerably more alkaline than baking soda.
But you can do the same by using baking soda as a substitute for borax. Baking soda can brighten and soften clothing and lower the pH of hard water just as borax does, but it's risk-free and non-toxic.
While the National Library of Medicine (NLM) classifies borax as being noncarcinogenic, it does pose some risks, including: skin, eye, and respiratory irritation. digestive problems. infertility.
The best-known use for borax is as a cleaner, but you can find the ingredient in many other household products, including: Specialty toothpastes and mouthwashes. Cosmetics such as lotions, skin creams, moisturizers, sunscreen, and acne care products. Paint and ceramic glaze.
Borax (sodium borate) is slightly stronger than baking soda. With a pH level above 9, borax creates an unfavorable, high-alkalinity environment that kills mold and inhibits it from regrowing. It's weaker than ammonia, but it's a natural product and doesn't produce harmful fumes.
Does Borax Kill Mold? Borax is a solid mold killer. If you have a significant mold infestation, you might want to clean the mold with borax, then leave a layer on the surface to prevent further growth. Borax kills mold because of its high pH.
Borax is a common household cleaner with a pH between 9 and 10. Its alkalinity makes it a great cleaning product for mold and mildew removal without the risks of bleach.
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.
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.
6. Keep pests away from your house. Keep pesky bugs away by sprinkling Borax around your home. Borax can be an effective way to keep pests away from your house because it acts as a natural insecticide.
Borax: Helps to clean and deodorize. Use on wallpaper, painted walls and floors. Use it with your detergent to remove stains and boost cleaning power. Vinegar: Helps remove stains, wax build-up and mildew.
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. "When you're mixing it up, Borax can get in the air and irritate your airways.
Borax (sodium tetraborate) and baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) aren't the same thing. They're both salts, and they're both popular as “green” household cleaning agents, but borax has a pH of 9.5, compared to baking soda's pH of 8.
Amongst many other advantages, Borax assists in the saponification of any organic oils and fats that may be soiling the linen weave. Oxiclean on the other hand is a fully built Hydrogen Peroxide producing, colour-safe bleach additive which can be used as a soaker or as a detergent additive.
Washing soda (sodium carbonate) has a very high pH level, making it an extreme alkaline compound that is very effective as a cleaning agent. Borax (sodium tetraborate) pH levels aren't as high as washing soda, and it doesn't have the same cleaning power as washing soda.
In addition, you can use Borax to deter mice from invading your home. Sprinkle borax around any openings, crevices, eaves, or roofs. If you have children or pets, you should choose a different method.
That brings us to the crucial questions: Is borax toxic to dogs or cats? Or can we clean with this natural ingredient worry-free? Unfortunately, borax is, in fact, toxic to both dogs and cats. And although it's considered natural, borax can cause harmful side effects in pets—and humans.
Borax (sodium tetraborate decahydrate) is a powder that is usually used to control cockroaches or ants. It is effective when sprinkled in out-of-the-way places where spiders and insects hide. We prefer to sprinkle it in the cracks between the window and the storm or screen window.
How long does it take boric acid to kill roaches? Boric acid kills cockroaches within three days of coming into contact with it.
Boric acid and sodium borate salts (borax) are natural pesticides and an effective home remedy for cockroaches. You can usually find it in the form of a white powder or dust at your local pharmacy or home goods store.
A roach that steps in borax won't die instantly. Instead, they'll go back to their hiding place before eating the borax dust their legs picked up. You might not see the dead bugs lying around out in the open but you should notice a drop in their numbers in a week or two.
Bleach It Out
In a large bucket, mix one part bleach to four parts water, then scrub the mold-affected area with it. Be sure to wear gloves and safety goggles during this procedure, since working with bleach can be dangerous.
Remove Musty Odor in Fabric With Baking Soda
The fabric in carpet, upholstery, and drapes can capture and retain pet, food, and smoke odors. To get rid of odors in fabrics, sprinkle baking soda on the fabric, let it sit for 10 minutes, then vacuum.
20 Mule Team Borax™ is an all-natural powder used to help with cleaning, laundry, odor control, DIY crafting, and more!