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Dear Cath
Q. I am just beginning to change to homemade cleaning products and with so many books and resources online guiding you with what products to sue, I wonder what the difference is with borax and bi-carbonate soda? Thank you.
Amber
A. Hello Amber,
Great question, one I'm sure many people wonder about.
Borax and Bi-carb Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate) are two very different things, with different properties and uses in cleaning.
Borax is made from Boron, a naturally occurring mineral in most soils. It is also toxic, so you'll find it as an ingredient in pesticides, and it is great for getting rid of pantry moths (just put some in a small container, peanut butter jar lid for example, and sit it at the back of the pantry, and silverfish - do the same thing but sit the container on linen cupboard or wardrobe shelves, under furniture etc. Just make sure pets and babies/children can't get to it. In the quantities generally used in cleaning it is safe to use.
Borax has great stain lifting properties too, which is why I include it in my washing powder. It acts like a mild bleach and is also a good disinfectant.
Bicarb soda is also natural, but is non-toxic (which is why it can be used in cooking and baking). It is a good, gentle powder cleaner, a great deodoriser and works well with vinegar for a stronger cleaner.
Amber
A. Hello Amber,
Great question, one I'm sure many people wonder about.
Borax and Bi-carb Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate) are two very different things, with different properties and uses in cleaning.
Borax is made from Boron, a naturally occurring mineral in most soils. It is also toxic, so you'll find it as an ingredient in pesticides, and it is great for getting rid of pantry moths (just put some in a small container, peanut butter jar lid for example, and sit it at the back of the pantry, and silverfish - do the same thing but sit the container on linen cupboard or wardrobe shelves, under furniture etc. Just make sure pets and babies/children can't get to it. In the quantities generally used in cleaning it is safe to use.
Borax has great stain lifting properties too, which is why I include it in my washing powder. It acts like a mild bleach and is also a good disinfectant.
Bicarb soda is also natural, but is non-toxic (which is why it can be used in cooking and baking). It is a good, gentle powder cleaner, a great deodoriser and works well with vinegar for a stronger cleaner.