Boric Acid/ Borates/ Borax
Beyond Pesticides Rating: Least Toxic

Five Easy, Smart Ways to Use Borax
in the Home– How-To More Nontoxic Cleaning Solutions

By Annie B. Bond,
author of Better Basics for the Home
(Three Rivers Press, 1999).

Borax, a natural mineral compound has a wide range of uses
in the home, and I learn about more all the time.

Simple Solution:
It has a pH of around 9, which is higher than baking soda
(which is 8.1; 7 is neutral).
It is a good deodorizer and mold inhibitor,
as well as a successful way to kill cockroaches, fleas, and other insects.
One of my favorite uses for it is as a toilet bowl cleaner and it is always
my first choice for such a job.

Learn here how I use borax for many jobs including deterring mice!

1. Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Pour 1 cup of borax into the toilet bowl at night before you go to sleep.
The next morning clean out the toilet bowl with a brush.
You will find the job effortless because the borax has loosened
all the grime buildup.
Note that this method of toilet cleaning works very well for rust rings.

2. Flea Killer
Sprinkle borax on dog beds, carpets, and other areas where
you suspect that fleas are hatching.
Borax releases boric acid, which is a poison
(note that very high doses would need to be ingested to harm a pet or human).

3. Mold Inhibitor
This method of inhibiting mold is very good to use on areas where mold and mildew
is growing but that you don’t need to worry about paint being damaged.
Make a thick borax and water paste.
Smear it on the moldy area.
Let set until dry (overnight or longer).
Sweep up the powder, and rinse off the rest.

4. Mice Deterrent
Sprinkle borax on the floor along the walls
(mice like to run along the side of walls).
They don’t like getting the borax on their feet,
so they are less likely to return to that area of the house.

5. All Purpose Cleaner
Put 2 teaspoons of borax in a spray bottle
with 2 cups of very hot water. Shake to blend.