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Borax, also known as sodium borate, is a natural mineral compound. Inexpensive, easy to find and readily available, borax can usually be found for as little as $1 per pound!
Borax's most well-know purpose is as a laundry booster. Add 1/2 to 3/4 cup to your laundry along with your regular detergent to help remove stubborn stains and odors. Borax works by conditioning the water and controlling alkalinity.
Many parents use borax to soak soiled baby diapers and garments for better removal of stubborn stains and odors. For a soaking solution, mix 1/2 cup borax with 2 to 4 gallons of hot water.
Borax can also be used as an inexpensive, but effective, floor and surface cleaner. To make the cleaner, mix 1/3 cup of borax with 1 teaspoon of dishwashing detergent and 1 gallon of warm water in a large bucket.
Borax is also known for its odor-fighting properties, especially urine odors caused by pet or child accidents. Use borax to neutralize urine odors from mattresses, carpet and upholstered furniture. Simply dampen the affected area, sprinkle with borax, rub into the stain and let dry. Brush off or vacuum to remove the borax when dried. Be sure to test an inconspicuous area when using this method, particularly when using on carpet and furniture! This method also removes stubborn sour milk odors, too.
Make an inexpensive and effective scouring compound by mixing 1/4 cup borax, 1/4 cup baking soda and 1 1/2 cups of hot water. Stir well, and then use as you would a regular scouring powder. Borax alone can also be used as a cleanser, just sprinkle on a damp sponge or a soft cloth, scrub, then rinse. Borax, alone, may even be used on sensitive surfaces, such as fiberglass and porcelain, without scratching. Try using borax as a cleanser on aluminum cookware, it works great and won't scratch!
Take advantage of borax's odor-fighting properties; use it to defeat those offensive odors in refrigerators, disposals, humidifiers, kitchen drains, toilet bowls and trashcans.
Borax has other uses as well.
Look for borax in your supermarket's laundry aisle and start saving money today!
Janean Nusz is a freelance writer, professional reviewer and computer support specialist. Visit her website, AuthorsArt.com for free guides, computer tips, reviews, and fantastic fiction.
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