Borax vs. Washing Soda (2024)

FAQs

Is washing soda better than borax? ›

Stain removal: Both borax and washing soda are effective at removing the stain, but washing soda is preferred because it has superior grease-cutting abilities. Whitening: Borax is known for its whitening properties and is the preferred choice for brightening white fabrics.

The general ratio for the laundry stripping recipe is 2 parts powdered detergent, 1 part Borax and 1 part washing soda. For most laundry stripping in standard size tubs, follow this recipe: ¼ cup ARM & HAMMER Super Washing Soda. ¼ cup Borax.

OxiClean's most important active ingredient is sodium percarbonate: Which is basically dry/powdered hydrogen peroxide plus washing soda. Washing soda is also called sodium carbonate, which is very similar to but not exactly baking soda.

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.

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.

Now that we've explored the individual merits of borax and washing soda let's compare them: Ingredients: Borax is a naturally occurring mineral, while Super Washing Soda is a commercial trade name for common soda ash. Both are considered safe for the environment when used as directed.

Mixing borax with popular cleaning products — like vinegar and bleach — to create those popular DIY cleaning recipes is not recommended. “Combining bleach and vinegar produces a toxic chlorine gas,” she explains.

Disinfectant. Borax has long been recognized for its disinfectant and deodorizing properties. Mix a 1/2 cup of Borax into 1 gallon of hot water or undiluted vinegar and clean with this solution.

Clean Outdoor Furniture

Combine one teaspoon of dish soap, one teaspoon of Borax, and one quart of warm water in a spray bottle, then spray it all over the outdoor furniture. Rinse the solution off with your garden hose.

Washing soda is great at removing limescale, grease and soap scum, so it is perfect for use throughout your bathroom. To clean your toilet, simply sprinkle a couple of tablespoons of washing soda around the toilet pan and give it a scrub with your toilet brush, then flush.

What is a substitute for washing soda? ›

You can actually make washing soda from baking soda. Pour a thick layer of baking soda into a pan and bake in an oven at 400 degrees for about an hour. Stir the powder a few times during the baking process. That's it!

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.

Borax is a naturally occurring mineral typically used for brightening and whitening laundry. "Though both are widely used in cleaning or laundry, washing soda is more of a heavy-duty cleaner and laundry savior while borax is more multi-purpose," says Kathy Cohoon, director of franchise operations of Two Maids.

Instead of using Borax, especially in homes with young children or pets, opt for food-grade diatomaceous earth (DE). DE is made of the fossilized remains of diatoms or algae-like plants.

There are many uses for vinegar in laundry, including stain removal, odor elimination, and mold and mildew eradication. Vinegar can also be used as an alternative to commercial fabric softeners. Stain Removal: As a stain remover, vinegar effectively treats low-pH stains like coffee, tea, fruit juice, wine, and beer.

Because washing soda is more caustic than baking soda due to its high pH, it's mostly used in laundry to remove stains, soften water, and boost detergent efficacy. It's not used as liberally as baking soda because it's harsher.

Washing soda can also remove coffee and tea stains from ceramics or grease from pots and pans. It can cut through soap scum in your bathroom and even clean out a clogged drain if you pour a cup (8 ounces) down the drain with about 2 to 3 cups (16 to 24 ounces) of boiling water.

How toxic is borax? Borax is a chemical found in many types of cleaners, like dish detergents or stain removers, and although natural, it can be toxic and even lethal when ingested. Toxic levels include five to six grams for children and 10 to 25 grams for adults.