Borax is a naturally-occurring compound that can slowly form at the bottom of some lakes and hot springs. It’s also created synthetically, by processing borate minerals with industrial chemicals. Yet every time I mention borax here on the blog a well-meaning person or two often comments, telling me that I shouldn’t be using it in my home or encouraging Moral Fibres readers to use it in their homes.Often claims are made that borax is dangerous, and effects on fertility are cited.

The chemical name of Borax Substitute is Sodium sesquicarbonate. This is a mixed crystal of Sodium Carbonate (also known as washing soda or soda crystals) and Sodium Bicarbonate (also known as baking soda or bicarbonate of soda). Borax isn’t for everyone, and because you can’t actually buy it in the UK, here are some alternative products you should consider using instead… 1. Bicarbonate of soda The low down is this: borax alternative is a fantastic addition as a green cleaning ingredient at home. Borax is stronger than baking soda, as it is more alkaline. While it should not damage your skin, make sure to wear gloves when handling it. You can also add it to your laundry cycles. It will soften the water, help reduce the buildup of limescale in the washer, and produce some very fresh-smell laundry.

Some Tips Before Starting

In addition to this, Borax Substitute is actually part of the sodium sesquicarbonate mineral compound group, whereas borax is from the chemical group borate. Borax Substitute is therefore a far kinder product to use around the home. Borax substitute is sodium sesquicarbonate. It is a mixture of sodium carbonate (i.e. washing soda, also called soda crystals) and sodium bicarbonate (i.e. baking soda, or bicarbonate of soda). The main concern with the borate family of chemicals is their impact on reproductive functions and fertility. Something of course you don’t want to take many chances with, hence the reason for the ban. Is borax toxic to humans? Let’s take a look at 6 main uses for borax substitute. 1. Laundry detergent and washing machine cleaner This paste can then be used for multi-purpose cleaning around the house and is particularly good for scouring tough stains. Add in lemon juice or white vinegar for added cleaning power!

I feel that conventional laundry powders and liquids and bleach-based cleaning products pose more of a risk to human health and to waterways, but that is just my opinion. I’d encourage you to do your own research to work out if using borax is best for you or not. After applying it to the surface, then start scrubbing vigorously. Let the solution do it’s thing by drying naturally without rinsing any of it away. 5. Toilet cleaner Dri-Pak are a family-run business based in Derbyshire, established in the 1960s. They supply a range of household goods to homes all over the UK. Please note, this needs to be rinsed thoroughly out of clothes and should be kept far from food and food surfaces. As well as children and pets. It is a disinfectant and a great substitute for borax, but it is to be used with caution. Method Baking soda and vinegar are a great combination you can use all around your home to get rid of stains, limescale, smells and mould. It is however less powerful than borax substitute, so you may need to let it sit for a bit longer, or scrub a little harder.Borax was therefore banned from sale in the EU. And even with Brexit coming into place in 2020, it is still banned in the UK. Instead, in the EU and UK, “Borax Substitute” is the only equivalent you can buy for your cleaning and laundry needs. It may be labelled as Borax in your local shop, but it will be Borax Substitute. Borax is banned because it’s dangerous for humans and animals. In 2010, the Borate group of chemicals that Borax belongs to was reclassified in the EU as ‘potentially hazardous to health’. Borax was therefore banned from being bought and sold in the UK. Since then, you can’t get hold of it at all, and can no longer be used as a cleaning and laundry product. Even with Brexit changing some regulations, it is still banned in the UK. Using borax can prevent mildew stains, get rid of unpleasant odours down the drain, and even make your whites whiter when added to your usual laundry detergent. I’ve been using eco laundry detergent sheets recently, which have been very good! So, what is borax and why is it banned?