Borax is a substance commonly found as a component in cosmetics, detergents, pesticides, enamel glazes and other household cleaners.  It is also known as sodium borate or sodium tetra borate.  It appears as a soft white powdery substance which is colorless and can easily be dissolved in water.  Borax is naturally produced mineral sediments as a result of evaporation.  They can be found in Turkey, Chile, Tibet, Romania, Boron, California and other Southwestern regions of the United States.  Borax can be produced synthetically using boron compounds.

Many people question if borax is really safe for the environment.  The answer is “YES”.  Since borax is a naturally produced mineral that is comprised of water, sodium, oxygen and boron.  This is even recommended by the FDA as a safe kind of pesticide, fungicide and cleaner but still classified as dangerous because of its level of toxicity.  This product must not be ingested or inhaled for it can give out severe symptoms of death.  It can cause respiratory problems, gastrointestinal distress or serious skin rashes.  It is highly recommended for borax users to wear gloves as to protect their skin from any irritation.

As an insecticide, it is known as a repellent for fleas, ants, silverfish and cockroaches.  Borax is to be sprinkled on areas of your home where insects commonly dwell.  Just make sure that this does not come to contact with children or pets.

It is a pain to get rid of urine residue but borax has odor fighting properties.  For sheets or other types of clothing, use ½ cup of borax during its wash.  For carpets and mattresses, moisten the stains with little water, sprinkle borax and let it sit for a few minutes before gently brushing it or gently rubbing it with a towel in a circular motion.  When area has completely dried up, vacuum to remove the remaining residues.  For urine smells, saturate the area with warm water and a quarter cup of borax.  This can remove the pungent odor.  This can be used in toilets, refrigerators or other areas that needs deodorizing.

To get rid of mold and mildew, a teaspoon of borax and a teaspoon of dish washing liquid are mixed in one quart of warm water.  Use a spray bottle and spray to affected areas, rinse then let it dry.

For stain build up on kitchen wares, sprinkle borax on the pots and pans and rub it using a sponge to avoid scratching the surfaces.

Heavy sink stains can be removed including rust on porcelain or steel sinks.  A cup of borax mixed with a cup of lemon juice can produce a paste- like substance.  Rub it directly to the stain using a sponge or cloth and rinse with warm water.

The floors can be cleaned using a mixture of a half filled bucket of water, a teaspoon of dish washing detergent and 1/3 cup of borax.

When using borax in washing clothes, pre soak a table spoon of borax in a gallon of water for 30 minutes.  It is guaranteed to be safe for your colors.

Borax can eve also is used to eliminate weeds growing between the cracks of your concrete outside your homes.  Just sprinkle them on the crevices killing the weeds before they even start growing roots.