What Is in Borax?
Borax is commonly used as a "green" alternative household cleaner and water softener. It's also a preservative and fireproofing agent. Borax, otherwise known as sodium tetraborate decahydrate (Na2B4O7•10H2O), is made from a combination of sodium, boron, oxygen and water. Some commercial borax is made from colemanite, kernite and tincalconite.
The History of Borax
According to the DIY Network, borax was transported along the Silk Road, a trade route in ancient China, as early as the 8th Century. It has been detected in Chinese ceramic glazes dating back to the 10th Century. It was also used by Arabian gold and silversmiths. Boron deposits were discovered in the Andes mountains of South American in the 1700s. The first American boron discovery was in Death Valley in the 1800s.
Some Common Uses for borax
Laundry booster: Add a scoop of borax to your laundry to boost your detergent's stain-fighting action. Make sure you read your clothing's care instructions first.
Drain cleaner: Pour a 1/2 cup of borax down a clogged drain, then slowly add 2 cups of boiling water. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then flush with hot water.
Tub and bathroom grout cleaner: Slowly add water to borax to make a thick paste. Apply the paste to the desired area and let sit for 15 minutes. Scrub away with a brush and rinse with hot water.
Spot-free dishes: Add a tablespoon of borax to your dishwasher detergent cup.
Odor eliminator: Mix some borax in with cat littler, or sprinkle it at the bottom of garbage cans to reduce unpleasant odors.
Where can I find borax?
Borax can be found in the detergent or household cleaning aisle of grocery stores.
Warnings
While borax is a naturally-occurring compound and safer than most alternatives, that does not mean it is without its dangers. Keep it away from children. Avoid eye contact and do not ingest borax. If you do, seek medical attention immediately. It is suggested you wear gloves while handling borax, and pregnant women should avoid the substance altogether.
Popular brand
The most popular brand of borax is 20 Mule Borax, named for the mule carts that would transport the borax from the mines in Death Valley to the train.
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