it's interesting that some of the old cleaning products your mother and grandmother used may actually have been safer and closer to natural than what lines the store shelves today. Borax is a natural cleaning product that has been used for years, but laundry isn’t the only cleaning use for Borax around the house.

What we call Borax is actually a naturally occurring mineral called sodium borate. It is usually found in large quantities in the United States and Tibet. Borax can be used in a variety of ways around the house, including:

* Laundry booster. There’s a reason it’s been added to laundry for decades. It’s because it works well along with your detergent. That’s why you’ll find it with laundry detergent in stores. Borax works by softening you water. This lets your detergent clean better and leaves your clothes cleaner and brighter and helps rinse detergent residue more effectively.

* Bug repellant. Nothing says “ick” like finding a trail of ants or a cockroach. Borax is a great way to kill or repel pesky insects that make their way into your house. Just be sure not to put it anywhere where children and pets might get to it. Behind appliances and large furniture are good spots.

* All purpose cleaner. While you wouldn't use borax on counters and other places you prepare food, it works great to clean up floors, walls, and other surfaces around your house. Just dissolve borax and a little dish washing liquid to a bucket of warm water.

* Scrubbing agent. Need something to help clean the stuck on grime from shower walls? Mix borax with some baking soda and get to work. You’ll have a sparkling clean bathroom in no time.

* Deodorizer. Borax is a great way to get rid of lingering odors from laundry, but it’s also safe to use on other fabrics you can’t machine wash. For example, it can be used to clean a dirty, smelly mattress. For instance, if a child vomited on the bed, sprinkle on borax liberally, leave for a few hours, then vacuum up. Go over it again with more borax mixed with water, and scrub. Rinse with clear water if possible.

* Herbicide. You can dilute borax and spray it on pesky weeds in your garden. Don't spray it directly on plants you like, it can kill them too.

Of course, just because something is natural, doesn't automatically mean that it's harmless. Even ordinary table salt can be damaging if you use it improperly. And like many other natural substances, borax can be dangerous if used incorrectly. Be sure to seal up containers and place them in cabinets that are child and pet proof. If you’re worried about your family’s exposure, try other natural cleaning products. Because it occurs naturally, borax is safe for the environment.

When used properly, borax is a safe and natural way to keep you house, and your clothes clean and fresh.

Click here to buy Borax online.

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