What’s the Difference Between Baking Soda and Borax? (2024)

FAQs

What’s the Difference Between Baking Soda and Borax? ›

Borax has a pH of 9.5 vs. 8 for baking soda. That might make it more effective in certain situations, but it also makes it a harsher cleaning agent. And then there's the fact that you can safely consume baking soda, while borax should not be eaten, inhaled, or even exposed to your skin.

Borax (sodium tetraborate) and baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) aren't the same thing. They're both salts, and they're both popular as “green” household cleaning agents, but borax has a pH of 9.5, compared to baking soda's pH of 8. This makes borax considerably more alkaline than baking soda.

Baking soda is less toxic than boric acid and borax, making it safer for use around pets and children. However, it may not always be as effective as these stronger substances.

Though borax and washing soda are chemically quite similar, they each have their own specialties. Because of the shape of their molecules, they have slightly different properties that make them useful in a number of different ways.

It has many uses: It helps get rid of stains, mold, and mildew around the house. It can kill insects such as ants. It's used in laundry detergents and household cleansers to help whiten and get rid of dirt.

Both substances are considered safe for household use, but it is important to avoid inhaling or ingesting the mixture. It is also recommended to wear gloves and protective eyewear when handling borax and vinegar together. Undiluted vinegar and borax can also be used for mildew removal.

Borax is tremendously effective at stabilizing alkalinity and acting as a pH buffer in swimming pools. Traditionally, pool owners have relied on baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and soda ash (sodium carbonate) to maintain their pools' pH levels; however, these chemicals have adverse effects.

It's not just a science lab staple but a laundry superstar. This naturally occurring mineral, known for its cleaning power, can be a game-changer in your laundry routine. Borax, or sodium borate, is a versatile cleaner. It's a laundry booster that works wonders on stubborn stains and odors.

OxiClean contains several ingredients, but the important one for boosting and brightening laundry is sodium percarbonate — basically, dry hydrogen peroxide plus washing soda (also called sodium carbonate, which is very similar to but not exactly baking soda).

It depends on the color and fabric of the garment you are treating. OxyClean can take the color out of the fabric. I would use Borax if it is a dyed cotton or any natural fiber. If it is just a grease stain or oil spot, I have found that Dawn works wonders.

Why is borax no longer used? ›

Borax can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if you ingest it by itself, and large amounts can lead to shock and kidney failure. It's banned in U.S. food products. It also can irritate your skin and eyes, and it can hurt your nose, throat, and lungs if you breathe it in.

Some of the insects that borax kills include ants, flies, and other insect larvae. Borax is an ant poison, and it controls flies around manure piles. It also prevents larvae from growing. The main insect borax kills are termites.

Mixing borax with popular cleaning products — like vinegar and bleach — to create those popular DIY cleaning recipes is not recommended.

Borax Substitute is a versitile and safe cleaner for a variety of cleaning tasks. Borax Substitute is part of the non-toxic 'Clean and Natural' range from DriPak. The EU has reclassified the 'Borate' group of chemicals that Borax belongs to, so it is no longer available as a cleaning and laundry product.

In the battle of borax vs. washing soda, the winner depends on your specific needs. Borax is an excellent all-around laundry booster with odor control and whitening properties, while washing soda is the go-to choice for tackling tough stains and grease.

You can! It's easy and frugal and doesn't even take very long. The ingredients are simple and inexpensive–Borax, washing soda and/or baking soda, and any plain soap such as Ivory.

If you have stubborn stains, use a baking soda paste of three parts baking soda and one part water. Let it sit for a while, scrub the area and then wipe clean. Borax is an effective mold killer and works well on hard- water deposits.