Borax has become an increasingly popular household cleaning hack on TikTok and other social media platforms. Videos show people using borax for everything from whitening clothes to removing stains to eliminating odors. While borax does have some household uses, many of these viral cleaning hacks promote the misuse of this chemical and can even be dangerous. As a cleaning expert, I want to provide some facts about borax and explain why some of these TikTok cleaning hacks should be avoided.
What is Borax?
Borax, also known as sodium borate, sodium tetraborate, or disodium tetraborate, is a natural mineral compound. In its powdered form, it appears as a white crystalline substance.
Borax has been used for a variety of purposes, including:
- A cleaning booster and stain remover
- An ingredient in some toothpastes, mouthwashes, and cosmetics
- A flux for soldering metals
- A fire retardant
- A pesticide to kill ants, fleas, and cockroaches
- A prevention treatment for fungal growth
- A buffer to control pH in swimming pools
While it does have cleaning uses, borax can be toxic if misused or ingested. It should be handled carefully and kept out of reach of children and pets.
Is Borax Safe?
When used properly, borax can be a safe household cleaner. However, many of the cleaning hacks promoted on TikTok encourage excessive or improper use of borax.
Here are some borax safety concerns to keep in mind:
- Ingestion: Consuming borax can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Higher doses can affect the brain and nervous system.
- Skin contact: Borax is abrasive and can irritate skin. Long-term exposure may cause skin inflammation or even chemical burns.
- Inhalation: Breathing borax dust can irritate the nose, throat, and lungs. This can be especially dangerous for people with asthma.
- Pets: Cats are especially sensitive to borax. Ingestion can cause seizures, kidney failure, and even death. Dogs are less sensitive, but it can still irritate their skin and stomach.
- Kids: Borax looks like salt and can be mistaken for food. Keep it safely tucked away and never transfer it to a food container.
- Septic systems: The high pH of borax can damage and disrupt septic systems if used in large quantities. Small amounts for cleaning are OK, but avoid dumping directly down drains.
While small amounts of borax are approved for some food uses, it’s on the FDA’s “Generally Recognized as Safe” list with several safety stipulations. Most cleaning uses far exceed food-safe levels, so caution is warranted.
Borax as a Laundry Booster
One of the most popular uses of borax is as a laundry booster. A little borax can help remove stains, brighten whites, and deodorize laundry. However, used improperly, it can also damage clothes and machines.
Here are some tips for using borax safely and effectively in laundry:
- Use a small amount – 1/2 to 1 cup per load. Too much can leave a powdery residue.
- Don’t pour borax directly on clothes. Dissolve it first in water.
- Check clothing labels first, as borax can degrade spandex and wool.
- Don’t use borax on flame retardant fabrics as it can reduce flame resistance.
- Combine with laundry detergent, not bleach. Don’t use borax alone.
- Rinse clothes thoroughly to remove all residue.
- Start with half the recommended amount to check for color fastness.
- Don’t use in high-efficiency (HE) machines, as borax can create too many suds.
While borax can help boost your regular laundry detergent, take care to use sparingly. Proper dissolving and rinsing are key to avoiding any residues or laundry damage.
Why Borax is Not a Disinfectant
Some TikTok videos show people sprinkling borax directly on surfaces, claiming it will disinfect or sanitize them. However, borax does NOT have disinfecting properties. It should never be used as a substitute for EPA-approved disinfectants like bleach or alcohol.
Here’s why borax fails as a disinfectant:
- No microbial kill claims: Unlike registered disinfectants, borax does not make verified claims of killing bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens. There is no scientific proof it sanitizes surfaces.
- Low solubility: Borax has low water solubility, so it cannot properly penetrate and kill microbes. Disinfectants need to be soluble to destroy cell walls and membranes.
- No standards or testing: Disinfectants must meet legal standards for killing pathogens based on rigorous lab testing. Borax does not undergo any efficacy testing or approval.
- Improper use: TikTok videos show people casually sprinkling or spraying borax. Effective disinfection requires proper dwell times and concentrations.
- No residuals: Registered disinfectants leave ongoing antimicrobial residues after application. Borax does not leave any residual kill capacity on surfaces.
While borax may have some odor removal properties, it should never be substituted for approved disinfectants. Be very cautious of any videos promoting it as a COVID-era cleaning hack.
Dangers of TikTok Cleaning Hacks
Social media challenges and hacks can spread misinformation quickly. Many TikTok cleaning videos with borax seem harmless but promote unsafe practices. Here are some concerns:
- Excessive use without gloves and proper ventilation
- Direct skin contact with concentrated solutions
- Mixing with bleach or other chemicals that can create toxic gas
- Using on inappropriate surfaces that can become etched or discolored
- Failure to rinse produce properly after soaking, leaving residues
- Children mimicking videos and accidently ingesting borax
- Damage to HE washers and septic systems from improper use
These videos often skip safety precautions and measurements, aiming for shock value. The high number of views can lend a false credibility. But just because something goes viral doesn’t mean it’s safe or effective.
It’s easy to take cleaning shortcuts or make mistakes when attempting to duplicate some of these elaborate hacks at home. Make sure to exercise caution when using any chemical cleaner — even natural ones like borax. Don’t let the quest for likes put your health at risk.
Safe & Effective Uses of Borax
When used correctly, borax can be handy for some light duty cleaning challenges such as:
- Laundry booster: Pre-dissolve 1/2 to 1 cup with detergent to help remove stains and odors.
- All-purpose cleaner: Mix with water and use to scrub sinks, tiles, tubs. Rinse thoroughly after use.
- Mold removal: Make a paste with equal parts borax and lemon juice. Scrub onto grout or caulk. Rinse thoroughly.
- Grout whitener: Make a paste with borax, lemon juice, and baking soda. Rinse thoroughly after application.
- Refrigerator deodorizer: Place borax in the back in an open container to absorb odors. Replace borax monthly.
- Trash can deodorizer: Sprinkling borax in the bottom of cans can control odors between cleanings.
When using for cleaning:
- Always pre-mix borax with water, don’t sprinkle directly.
- Use gloves and ventilation to avoid skin or lung exposure.
- Start with small amounts to test on surfaces.
- Rinse thoroughly after use.
- Keep borax away from kids and pets.
Borax can help amplify cleaning, but take precautions. Because misuse can be dangerous, consider healthier, safer alternatives when possible. Be wary of exaggerated viral cleaning hacks that over-promote borax usage in ways that can damage homes, appliances, clothing, and human health.
FAQ About Using Borax for Cleaning
Still have some questions about how to use borax cleaning? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Is borax abrasive to surfaces?
Yes, borax is abrasive. This can help remove some stains but overuse or rubbing can damage more delicate surfaces like marble or wood. Use care and test on small areas first.
Can I mix borax with bleach or other chemicals?
Never mix borax with bleach, ammonia, or acids like vinegar. This can create toxic chlorine or other dangerous gases.
How much borax should I use in laundry?
Start with 1/2 cup borax per laundry load along with regular detergent. Test for whiteness and residue using this amount before adding more.
What temperature water should be used to dissolve borax?
Always use hot water when dissolving borax – it helps dissolve and activate the cleaning properties. Cold water will leave granules that can scratch surfaces.
Is borax safe for septic systems?
Small amounts of borax are OK, but avoid dumping excess directly down drains. The high pH can damage bacteria cultures used in septic tanks for waste breakdown.
Can I use borax to wash my produce?
No, while it can remove pesticides, borax is not intended for food surfaces. Use a produce wash or mild soap and water rinse instead.
How should I store borax at home?
Keep borax in clearly marked containers out of reach of children and pets. Never transfer to empty food containers that could lead to accidental ingestion.
Is borax safe to use around pregnant women or small children?
Breathing borax dust is not recommended for pregnant women. Avoid inhaling borax, even from laundry steam. Also keep borax locked away from small kids.
Does borax have a “dangerously caustic” pH?
No, borax is alkaline but with a pH between 9-10 it is far less caustic than drain cleaners or oven cleaners that boast “dangerously caustic” on their labels.
Healthier, Safer Cleaning Alternatives
While borax can provide cleaning boosts for some challenges like laundry and stains, it’s best used minimally. There are many healthier, non-toxic cleaners available that avoid the risks of misusing borax.
Here are some safer alternatives for common cleaning tasks:
- All-purpose cleaner: Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. For tough grease, add some lemon juice.
- Glass cleaner: Mix 2 cups water, 1/4 cup vinegar, and 1/2 tsp liquid soap. Works great for windows and mirrors without harsh fumes.
- Disinfectant: Look for EPA-approved disinfectants like hydrogen peroxide, citric acid, or lactic acid that kill germs without toxic residues.
- Whitening booster: For laundry, add non-chlorine bleach alternatives like sodium percarbonate which break down into safe oxygen.
- Scrubbing powder: For tough stains, mix baking soda and lemon juice into a paste instead of relying on borax.
- All-natural cleaners: Plant-based soaps, essential oils like tea tree oil, and enzyme cleaners provide effective cleaning without caustic chemicals.
Do some research to find natural cleaning products that fit your household needs. There are many pre-made options readily available at affordable prices for those who prefer not to mix their own.
While DIY videos can offer some helpful tips, be careful about blindly following any social media hacks, challenges, or trends that involve use of chemical cleaning products. When in doubt, start small, safety first. And consider environmentally-friendly alternatives to avoid any unnecessary risks of chemical misuse in your home.
Conclusion
Borax can serve a useful role as an occasional laundry booster to brighten clothes and remove stains. However, many TikTok cleaning hacks encourage excessive use of borax in ways that can be unsafe and ineffective when proper precautions aren’t taken.
Borax should not be used as a disinfectant or deployed in unlimited amounts for surface cleaning. Always use gloves and ventilation and never mix with other chemical products like bleach. Be very mindful of skin contact, or accidental ingestion by kids or pets. And avoid dumping large quantities down drains that can disrupt septic systems.
While some borax uses shown in videos may seem convenient and low cost, the risks of respiratory exposure, chemical burns or even poisoning outweigh any benefits if not used judiciously. Do your own research before following any social media trend to ensure best practices.
When tackling cleaning challenges, start by exploring safer, greener alternatives. A little borax can be helpful for some laundry stains, but it’s always best used in moderation. Stay safe and find the right balance of convenience, cost, and health for your own home’s cleaning needs.