Washing soda and borax are effective cleaning agents that come in handy for your laundry session; however, there are a few differences in their characteristics and functions.
This article will discuss everything you need to know about washing soda and borax.
What is washing soda?
Washing soda is popularly known by its scientific name, Sodium Carbonate — a caustic ingredient that should never be eaten and should not come into direct contact with skin.
Most times, people confuse washing soda for baking soda, not only because they both have “soda” to their names but because their characteristics are similar; however, baking soda is nowhere near as powerful as washing soda.
What is Borax?
Sodium Borate, which is also known as borax, is a natural mineral salt with powerful cleansing properties.
Most laundry detergents contain borax in them as an ingredient. It has a pH of 9.5, placing it roughly halfway between baking soda and washing soda on the pH scale.
What’s the difference between washing soda and Borax?
There are a few differences between washing soda and borax; here are a few things about them:
1. Washing soda can be harmful, depending on the quantity used, and for safety, you have to wear gloves when using them, while borax is a safe cleaning agent.
2. Washing soda is a natural substance made from soda ash, while borax is a naturally mined mineral, sodium tetraborate.
Uses Of Washing Soda
Washing soda has various household applications, including the removal of laundry stains. Here are some of the ways to use washing sodas below:
Removes stains
Washing soda is highly alkaline and can act as a solvent to remove stains. For instance, it can be used to clean the stains on your toilet. To use for washing, sprinkle a handful of washing soda into your toilet bowl and flush it.
The washing soda will help clean and freshen your toilet bowl while also preventing blockages.
Unclogs drains
Washing soda can also help unclog drains. Add the soda to boiling water and pour it into the drains you want to open.
Removes greasy build-up in pots and pans
It can be used to remove tough stains from kitchenware or to remove soap scum from bathroom and kitchen surfaces. To use washing sofa to remove greasy build-up in your pots, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Add a couple of tablespoons of washing soda and a small squirt of regular or homemade liquid dish soap to the pot, pan, or dish.
Step 2: Fill the pots with hot water and let them soak. If it’s a tough stain, place the filled pot on a stovetop and bring the cleaning solution to a simmer. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes, and that mess will disappear easily!
Note: Do not use this method on aluminum cookware.
Clean Upholstery & Carpet Stains
Washing soda is great for spot cleaning carpet stains. To use, mix with water and dab to eliminate stains and refresh fabrics. It’s always a good idea to test fabrics for colorfastness in an inconspicuous area first.
Cleans the washing machine
Cleaning your washing machine every once in a while is important, and washing soda is perfect for the job. To use washing soda on your machine, put it into the drum of your washing machine and set it on its hottest setting with the most water; it can effectively deep-clean your washing machine.
Pros Of Using Washing Soda
1. Most commercial companies include washing soda in their products like detergents and toothpaste.
2. It has various household applications
3. It can restore silverware and jewelry
Cons Of Using Washing Soda
1. It is harmful
Uses Of Borax
Borax has various uses, ranging from household uses to medical uses. Here are some of the uses of borax below:
Medical uses
Medically, borax can be used to treat fungal foot diseases by applying it in anti-fungal foot soaks; it treats a common bacterial infection that occurs on horses’ hoofs.
It is also a component of several commercially available vitamin supplements.
Clean toilet bowl
Borax can be used to clean your toilet bowl. To use it, pour a can of borax powder into the toilet and leave it overnight for an amazing bathroom.
Clean floors
To use borax to clean your floors, mix about a quarter cup of borax with half a cup of vinegar and hot water into a bucket. You could apply a few drops of dish soap if you’d like. Use the solution to mop your floors.
Clean Violin Strings
The violin is a delicate musical instrument, and borax can clean its strings without damaging it. To use, dampen a cloth in a borax solution and use it to wipe the violin strings.
Note: ensure that the water or borax does not get in contact with the violin’s body.
Rust Remover
Borax can effectively handle rust stains. To use borax on rust, make a borax paste with warm water, a cup of borax, and lemon juice, then apply to the rusted area.
Spot Treatment
You can use the borax solution for any spot treatment. Mix borax with warm water and dish soap in a spray bottle, then start spot cleaning any surface of your choice.
Clear Clogged Drains
Regular drain cleaners are much more toxic than borax. Add 13.5 fl oz (around 400 ml) of boiling water after pouring 3.5 oz (100 mg) of borax down the drain. Allow to sit for at least 15 minutes. Continue flushing with boiling water for several more minutes. You may need to repeat the process until the obstruction has been removed.
Pros Of Using Borax
1. It is a multipurpose cleaner
2. It is less toxic than its alternatives
3. It combats ants, bugs, and other insects
Cons Of Using Borax
1. It can be harmful to plants.
Are Washing Soda and Borax suitable for all clothing?
Yes, washing soda and borax are suitable for all clothes. More so, they can be added to your laundry for laundry stripping.
Laundry striping is a process of getting touch smells and stains out of clothes by simply soaking them in borax and washing soda for about four to six hours.
You shouldn’t use this method on delicates or anything that needs to be gently washed. Use this for stinky gym clothes, sports shirts, towels, and sheets. If you’re doing this on colored items, keep the colors together to prevent bleeding.
To avoid damaging your fabrics, use this method of stripping laundry every few months. This isn’t a routine you’d do every day. If you have some expensive fancy towels, proceed at your own risk if you have affordable white towels from Costco.
Laundry Stripping Your Clothes suing Washing Soda and Borax
To laundry strip your clothes, you need to mix a cup of borax and washing soda with warm water. You could add dish soap or any powered soap of your choice. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to laundry strip clothes:
Step 1: Place towels or clothing in a bathtub or top-loader washer and cover with HOT water.
Step 2: Mix Borax, washing soda, and powdered detergent together. Sprinkle mixture over contents in the water.
Step 3: Mix the apparel, bedding, and/or towels around in the solution and let soak for 4-6 hours, making sure to mix once every hour for as long as they soak. I used a broomstick’s end because my water was too hot to touch!
Step 4: Drain the water and transfer the contents to the washer. Wash and dry laundry like normal, except now you don’t have to add more detergent.