In homes there is a tendency to accumulate cleaning that are bought for a specific purpose and then only used once or twice. Therefore, it is ideal to use versatile products like borax, an ally with tradition in home cleaning. This product not only stands out as an effective cleaner, but also allows save money and reduce the number of cleaning products at home.
In addition to using it for specific purposes, such as cleaning stainless steel utensils or carpets, with borax you can create a multi-surface cleaner ideal for cleaning most surfaces in the home. But is it safe? Find out all the answers about borax, its uses, benefits, and precautions below.
What is borax?
Borax, also known as sodium borateBoron salt or sodium tetraborate is a natural mineral that is formed from the evaporation of stationary lakes rich in salt water. It is a chemical compound that has been used for decades as part of household chores due to its multiple cleaning and disinfecting properties.
It is generally presented in powder form, with a characteristic white color and a smooth texture. ability to dissolve easily in water This makes it a very versatile product. Borax is available in drugstores, hardware stores and large retailers, and is also an ingredient that is often present in detergents and other commercial cleaning products. It is also highly valued for its ability to sanitize and eliminate bacteria, as well as being an economical and effective option that helps replace other expensive and less sustainable products.
Is borax safe to use?
Borax is safe to use at home, as long as precautions are taken. necessary precautionsIt is important to remember that it should be handled with care protection gloves, as this product may cause irritation to the skin, eyes and respiratory tract if used incorrectly. In addition, it should never be ingested and extreme care should be taken in homes with small children or pets.
However, it should be noted that borax is generally used in diluted solutions, which minimizes the risks. If you are concerned about its use, there are alternatives such as baking soda or vinegar, which are also excellent natural cleaners. These products can be used more generally, leaving borax for specific cases that require its powerful cleaning action.
Uses of borax in household cleaning
One of the main advantages of borax is its versatility. Its applications in the home are varied, ranging from general cleaning to more specific uses. Below, we show you some of the main uses of borax and how you can make the most of it.
- Multi-surface cleaner: Mix two tablespoons of borax in half a liter of water, put the solution in a spray bottle and use it to clean the sink, bathtub, walls, kitchen countertops and other surfaces. This multi-surface cleaner is an effective way to keep your home clean with just one product.
- Eliminate bad odors: To eliminate unpleasant odors in the trash can, the inside of the refrigerator or the pet litter box, sprinkle a little borax, let it sit and clean with water.
- laundry detergent: Adding half a cup of borax to the wash cycle improves the effectiveness of the detergent, helping to whiten clothes and neutralize odors.
- Natural drain cleaner: Mix half a cup of borax with half a cup of vinegar and a quarter cup of salt. Pour this solution down the sink or clogged pipes, followed by a quart of boiling water. Wait 30 minutes and enjoy clog-free pipes.
Other applications of borax
Borax is also very useful for less common, but equally practical, tasks that go beyond daily cleaning:
- natural pesticide: Mix borax with sugar and sprinkle it in areas where cockroaches, ants and other pests tend to appear. This natural remedy will keep them away.
- Flower preservative: Sprinkling a mixture of borax and cornmeal in a 1:2 ratio helps prolong the freshness of flowers in a vase.
- ecological herbicide: Spray a solution of borax and water on weeds in your garden, carefully avoiding spraying plants you want to keep.
- Object polisher: Mix borax with lemon juice to remove rust stains and restore shine to stainless steel utensils, porcelain and other surfaces.
Borax is not only an effective option for cleaning, but also a more sustainable and economical alternative. Include it in your home and discover how it simplifies your cleaning tasks and contributes to a healthier environment.