Major Uses of Borax
Detergent Buffers: One of the significant borax uses is borax as a detergent buffer. This is because borax has the ability to retain a pH in the range of 9 – 10.5 which helps ineffectiveness of detergent reactions. Also, it is used in laboratories to make buffers like gel electrophoresis of DNA. Borate buffers are commonly used as equilibration solutions in DMP (Dimethyl pimelimidate dihydrochloride) based cross-linking reactions of proteins.
Flux for Welding: A combination of borax and ammonium chloride is used as a flux in welding purposes. This is because borax helps in lowering the melting point of unwanted iron oxide during welding. Borax with water also acts as a flux in soldering metals like gold and silver. This flux is also used in pre tinning tungsten with zinc, thereby making tungsten more ductile.
Fertilizer for Plants: Borax is a good fertilizer for plants. It helps in enriching the soil and killing the weeds (like Creeping Charlie) that destroy plants. One can try by sprinkling borax powder on all the possible locations where weeds might grow. The weed growth over a period of time stalls. However, minimal amounts of borax must be used for fertilization purposes as excessive borax is toxic in nature for plants.
Sanitizer for Floors and Toilets: Borax is an excellent sanitizer and floor cleaner. Spraying borax on soiled floors and toilets reduces the smell and decimates the bacteria. A solution of borax (½ cup) and water (1 gallon) will serve your purpose perfectly! Besides, borax is an effective homemade rust remover as well.
Stain Removal: One of the most common uses of borax is tough to stain removal from sink, rugs, windows, and fabrics. For heavily stained sinks, use a solution of borax (1 cup) and lemon juice (¼ cup). Soak the cloth in this solution and rub off the stain. Rinse with warm water and your sink will be sparkling clean! To remove stains from fabric, all you need is a solution of borax (½ cup) and hot water (2 cups).
As a Deodorizer: Garbage bins and trashcans, if not emptied properly can have residual garbage still remaining. This can produce a funky stench, which can be quite unbearable. To get rid of this odor, dusting or sprinkling borax in the disposal unit will help remove the smell. Allow the powder to stand in it for about 15 to 20 minutes before flushing it with water. This will completely remove the odor from garbage disposal units.
Rodent Deterrent: Borax is an excellent agent to keep mice off your house. Sprinkle borax in areas which is frequented by rodents, especially along the sides of walls. Since mice do not like the feel of borax on their feet, they normally avoid coming back.
Inhibiting Mold: Mildew and mold, growing in damp corners of the house can cause serious respiratory problems. If allowed to spread, the mold may begin to smell and release spores. A thick paste of borax and water, smeared on the mold will Inhibit fungal growth. Once the paste dries, scrape it off the walls, without damaging the paint. This will also prevent its recurrence.
Other Applications of Borax
- Borax is used as an anti-fungal agent in a foot soak, cellulose insulation, and fiberglass.
- Nuclear reactors use borax as a neutron absorber to control nuclear chain reaction and nuclear reactivity.
- Borax use for fleas eradication is the most common and efficient one. It is used as an insecticide to keep away cockroaches and ants. It is also used for coating dry meat like ham to protect it from flies and insects.
- Borax is an efficient additive in ceramic slips. It is an important ingredient in starch, dextrin, polyvinyl alcohol, and polyvinyl acetate-based adhesives.
- Swimming pools use borax as a buffering agent to regulate the pH value.
- Borax is a major agent that helps in clearing engine block leakages and solving radiator issues in the car.
Natural Sources of Borax
I hope this article on borax uses was informative. So the next time you find filthy pests bugging you, or your car radiator failing to function or a stubborn stain refusing to go off your clothes, you surely know what cleaning product to look for!
