Borax is a powdery white substance widely used as a household cleaner. It doesn't have a smell, but can make a great booster for laundry detergent. Borax is not meant to be consumed. It can be harmful if you swallow it, inhale the powder, or put it on your skin.
That's because borax contains high levels of boron which can be toxic. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) says boron isn't an essential nutrient, and you usually get enough from natural sources in the food you eat.
What is boric acid?
Your body changes the natural boron that you eat into a compound called boric acid. This helps your intestines take in boron. Boric acid is sometimes confused with borax, but it isn't the same compound.
Boric acid is made from the same chemical as borax and even looks like it. But the powder form of boric acid is a pesticide, and borax is used as a cleaner. Because boric acid is taken up by the intestines, it's used to kill insects by targeting their stomachs and nervous systems.
The white powders of both borax and boric acid can be harmful if swallowed, particularly for children. They can also irritate your skin.
Where can you find borax?
Borax is often found in dry lake beds in places such as California's Death Valley, where evaporated water left behind mineral deposits. It's also known as:
- Sodium borate
- Sodium tetraborate
- Disodium tetraborate
Borax isn't a safe source of boron. Find out what the research says about borax, and get tips to safely clean with it.
Household Uses of Borax
The best-known use of borax is as a cleaner. Borax is a basic mineral salt that occurs naturally in the earth's crust. But even though it's natural, it doesn't mean that borax is safe to eat, inhale, or get on your skin.
Borax can help disinfect or whiten things or fight mold. You can find the ingredient in many other household products, including:
- Specialty toothpastes and mouthwashes
- Cosmetics such as lotions, skin creams, moisturizers, sunscreen, and acne care products
- Paint and ceramic glaze
- Herbicides
Borax is also an ingredient for making putty-like "slime" and some modelling clay for kids.
How borax cleans
Borax is alkaline, which means it can raise the pH of water so that oils and fats break down and rinse away. It's also a mineral salt that can trap other hard minerals such as calcium deposits or magnesium found in soap scum.
And because it's a powder, you can use it as a scrub to help get odors out or remove mold and mildew.
What Does the Research Say?
Scientists have been studying whether the compounds in borax might help your body fight conditions such as arthritis or osteoporosis. Limited studies more than 50 years ago found that ingesting borax might help with these conditions, but it isn't safe to consume.
Boron not borax
Recent research revealed that low amounts of boron may help lower your chances of osteoarthritis. That's because low levels of boron may help with:
- Healthy bone growth
- Bone maintenance
- Absorption of magnesium
- Lowering inflammatory markers in your bloodstream
Small amounts of boron may also support your brain, liver, and heart health. But high levels of boron can be harmful. And because borax has high amounts of boron, it's not a safe way to get boron.
Boric acid is also harmful if ingested, especially when taken in higher doses. Some experts say that it's the dose of a chemical that can make it poisonous, and that's true for boron.
The natural sources of boron found in your food are safe because the trace amounts are low. Always talk to your doctor before taking any supplements, especially those that contain boron.
Borax health risks
Borax contains high levels of boron. This means if swallowed or inhaled, it can cause:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Nose, throat, and eye redness (irritation)
- Lung irritation
- Stomach and intestine problems
- Liver damage
- Kidney failure
- Brain damage
- Shock
- Death (if you're exposed to large amounts of boron)
Borax isn't a food product in the U.S. If you're around borax often, it can cause:
What Can You Use Instead of Borax?
If you don't want to use borax or other chemicals, here are some other cleaning options for your home. It's always a good idea to test these on a small, hidden area to prevent any damage to your main surfaces.
Baking soda
It makes a good cleanser. Baking soda helps you get rid of smells (deodorizer) in your:
- Garbage can
- Oven (but not self-cleaning ovens)
- Refrigerator
- Laundry
Baking soda is also a "scouring agent," which means you can use it to:
- Polish silver and stainless steel
- Clean plastic and drains
- Remove stains from fabrics, vinyl, and carpets
In fact, baking soda alone on a damp sponge works well to clean most surfaces. Plus, you can make your own scouring powder with a specific scent. To make it, mix soap, baking soda, and your favorite herb or flower in a blender.
Lemon
This fruit is full of acid which can make a great
- Grease cutter
- Soap scum fighter
- Antiseptic (solution to fight off germs)
Adding a few lemon wedges to your dishwasher can also help make your plates, forks, and spoons sparkle.
Do you have stains in your blender? Blending lemon juice with a drop or two of dishwashing liquid and hot water can help you clean them, just:
- Hit the high speed button after adding two tablespoons of baking soda to the mixture.
- Let it sit for about a minute before scrubbing those stains out.
Lemon can also be used to treat hard water deposits. You can also add baking soda and lemon together to make a cleaning paste that's great for cleaning:
- Brass
- Copper
- Countertops
- Dishes
- Kitchen or other household surfaces
Olive oil mixed with lemon juice makes a good polish for hardwood furniture. Use lemon on a small area first to make sure that the acid doesn't cause any unwanted bleaching (lighter area).
Salt
It makes a great cleaner for your cutting boards. Sprinkle coarse salt over your board, then:
- Take half a lemon wedge and squeeze the contents out over the board.
- Next, scrub the surface with the pulp side down to remove the germs.
- Leave this mixture to sit on your board for about five minutes before you rinse it with water.
Vinegar
If you need to remove stains or wax that has built up or get rid of mildew, try vinegar. It can help clean your:
- Windows
- Fireplaces
- Grout
- Coffee pots
- Glass
- Paintbrushes
Equal parts of water and vinegar can be mixed together and put in a spray bottle. The solution can be used to clean your kitchen and bathroom sinks, counters, and floors.
Keep in mind that vinegar is a weak acid and may damage some surfaces. So, be sure to test a small area that is out of sight first. And if you don't like the smell, add in a squeeze of lemon or other essential oil.
How to Use Borax Safely
If you're going to use borax at home, there are things that you can do to make sure you do so safely:
- Wear gloves.
- Use borax in a well-ventilated area.
- Change your clothes if borax touches it. Remove any clothing that gets borax on it.
- Wash your hands well before you eat, drink, put on makeup, or use the toilet after using borax.
- If borax gets in your eyes or on your skin, wash your skin and eyes with water for at least 15 minutes.
- Always store borax away from children and pets.
- Don't inhale or swallow borax or rinse your mouth with it.
- Avoid getting borax in your eyes.
When to call the doctor
If you're accidently exposed to a small amount of borax, you can do the following:
- Take a few sips of water, if you swallow it.
- Move to fresh air, if you inhale it.
- Rinse your eyes for 15 minutes with water, if it gets into your eyes.
After 15 minutes, if you or a loved one still have redness or irritation, call your poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 or go to the nearest emergency center. Borax can lead to:
- Headaches
- Weakness
- Lightheadedness
- Dizziness
- Tremors
- Passing out
Takeaways
Borax is a white powder used as a cleaning product that contains high levels of boron. Natural boron that is found in your food is safe, but consuming borax is not. If you or a loved one swallows or inhales borax or gets it on their skin, call your poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 or get emergency medical care right away.
FAQs About Borax
Is using borax in laundry or cleaning safe, and how is it different from ingesting it?
Yes, using borax in your laundry is safe because the laundry cycle will wash out the boron. Always use borax as directed. This helps you keep the boron levels safe in your home and environment. If you're concerned about high levels of boron, talk to your doctor about ways to check your exposure levels.
Can kids safely use slime or crafts made with borax, or should parents avoid these products?
Longer exposure to borax may irritate your skin. It should be stored away from children. Borax can be harmful in higher amounts or if you come into contact with it for longer periods.
The environmental protection agency (EPA) says that borax is moderately toxic. So, always use borax as directed. Some people avoid using it to make slime or crafts for kids. Instead, you can make a boron-free slime by mixing:
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup dishwashing liquid (or hair conditioner)
- One drop of food coloring (optional)
Slowly mix the dish soap (one tablespoon at a time) into the cornstarch using a mixing bowl. The mixture will clump together. Knead the mixture well before adding a few drops of dish soap or extra cornstarch dust to get the right texture.
What are the signs and symptoms of borax poisoning if someone drinks it?
Borax can cause poisoning if you drink it, even in the short term. It can cause:
- Stomach and intestine problems
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Blue or green stool (poop)
If you or a loved one has swallowed or inhaled borax or gotten borax on their skin, call your poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 or get emergency care right away.
What happens to your body if you drink borax regularly over time?
Borax is a poison because it contains high levels of boron, which can be toxic. Drinking borax regularly over time can cause:
- Anemia
- Seizures
- Rashes
- Itching
- Allergic reactions
If you or someone you love has swallowed or inhaled borax, call a poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 or go to the nearest emergency room.