I also wanted to add that I have been researching borax and it seems that there is a potential danger in using it in dishwasher detergent. Maybe some of you stated that. I have read it shouldn't be used on items touching our food. I switched to a different dishwasher recipe that I posted above.
Amy
Misty
Member
Ladies you are great. I told my dh about the deoderant and he said I have to draw the line somewhere? LOL So maybe I will try it and get my boys on it. Then I only have to buy for one instead of 5 people. Can't wait to try your idea's.
Lots of issues with borax. Can someone share what they understand who has already done the research. I am hearing ok on some things, not on others.
missingtheshire
Member
Here is the post I put on Penny Wise about uses for Borax. There are cautions as you will see - I tink it wise to remember that even natural things have to be used with cautions - Borax can be dangerous if ingested or inhaled and I always use a mask and gloves when I use it. So ladies just because something is natural does not mean it is always safe, and sometimes it depends how you use the natural product. I always research everything I use and I have training in herbs, essential oils and homeopathy from Europe where these things are used regularly and are regulated. So always research whatever you are planning to use in your cleaning or any other product, what might be safe for me, may not be for you - or it may have dangers for pregnant women which a lot of herbs and essential oils do - so always be CAUTIOUS. Linda
Not only is Borax a great laundry booster, but it is excellent for many other uses in the household. Here are a few ideas.
1. Toilet Cleaning
Pour some borax into the toilet bowl before going to bed and then clean with a brush in the morning. You will find it an easy task as the Borax loosens the grime overnight.
2. Economical Scouring Powder
Mix together
1 Tbsp. Borax
1 Tbsp. Baking soda
1 Tbsp. Salt
This makes an excellent and economical scouring powder for sinks, tubs, tile, and grout. Remember that Borax is non-abrasive, so it is a wonderful cleaning agent.
3. Diapers
Rinse diapers out immediately and begin soaking in a solution of 6 Tbsp. of borax for each bucket of warm water. When you are ready to wash them, use a warm cycle and add a little amount of white vinegar in place of your usual fabric softener – this will help make the diapers soft and absorbent again.
*Don't forget about our laundry soap recipes in LIQUID and POWDER.
*And our make-it-yourself all-purpose cleaner, which uses essential oils and Borax.
Cautions: Borax is harmful if ingested and so one should avoid using it around food. It can also irritate the skin and lungs, so use with care. Wear gloves when using and do not inhale the dust. As with all cleaning supplies, keep out of reach of children and pets. It is always better to be safe than sorry. Borax is best used for heavy duty cleaning and is toxic in high doses so please use caution.
martajoy
Member
i don't see anyone saying abything about Hydrogen Peroxide. Vinegar solusions of any kind makes my house stink, leaves that acid smell in the air, and lemon smells funny to me as well...I use half H2O and half hydrogen peroxide on everything. Works great! I love seeing the bubbles work! Now as for making all this other stuff....How do you all have the time? OK...I'm impressed. :)
Misty
Member
I agree about the time. BUT we started with the laundry soap and we'll see how it goes. We made bread, cookies and enchilada sauce today. We made baby wipes, almond bars and cookies, taco seasoning and whole wheat tortillas. We had a busy morning but we feel very well accomplished. ! One thing at a time.
For the windex is it equal parts vinager and water?
thehauserfamily
Member
Where are you all getting the borax info? I would like to research it. It says on the box you can use it on dishes and in the dish washer. I realize they are not always right on boxes, but that is what I was going off of.
missingtheshire
Member
I am sure you can use it in the way the company recommends, the only cautions I make are that ingesting it is harmful as in inhaling the fine dust and like many things some people are very sensitive and have reactions to it on their skin. I learned this a long time ago and to be honest I cannot remember where, I think it was likely my mother who had a very holistic outlook to life and the things she used. I imagine if you google Borax you will get all kinds of info. Linda
petitemom
Member
I have been using natural products and homemade recipe for a while, always researching and trying different things. I love it.
I had to make even more changes when my last son developed pretty severe Eczema.
Did the homemade detergent w/so many different soaps, finaly decided the problem was the Borax. The info EWG puts out on Borax did not make me feel like using it either.
For laundry I now use soap nuts, I boil them and use the liquid, easy, economical, green and it cleans well (just not the diapers).
Stephanie
missingtheshire
Member
I buy my washing powder and dishwasher cleaner most of the time from a natural company. I do not have the time to make those, and have not found they work well enough for what I want. Borax I use in the recipes I posted, though I do not always add it, depends what I have on hand. I have one daughter with very sensitive skin, so I make all her lotions and creams and that is also why I use natural laundry soap, it took a while to find one that she could tolerate but we found 2 and I rotate them. I never use any candles except soy with non lead wicks and natural essential oil frangrance or fragrance free and I nver use store bought air fresh either plug ins or sprays as both the candles and air freshners are known carcinogens. I use a diffuser for air purifiying with essential oils and I also use and air cleaner in the room as I have dust allergies. I do waht I ca to have a home that is holistic, but there are times when I still have to buy something.
thehauserfamily
Member
I will just google it then. I do buy all free and clear military for the diapers only, because everytime I try to switch they either don't get clean or one them get a rash.
I don't burn candles or anything like that, but thanks for that info! I never really thought about it.
missingtheshire
Member
I used the free and clear and then I went to Oxy Prime and Oxy Boost which I love. I get them from the following website.
They seem expensive but they last for a very long time as you only use a tiny scoop. They do a great job on removing the stains my daughter picks up at the riding stable and also do a wonderful job on cleaning the cloth pads we use and my friend says it does a wonderful job on diapers. I have a big bucket in my laundry room and I have had it for months now. None of us are allergic to anything in it. They do some very good products. Linda
thehauserfamily
Member
It says the domain is expired? I will try tomorrow, maybe it is is being updated or something.
missingtheshire
Member
http://www.live-the-organic-life.com/alternative-cleaning-products.html
sorry, does this work?
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