Jan. 25, 2006
Tip of the Day- January 25, 2006
Posted in Tip of the Day
Extraordinary uses for ... borax
Clear a clogged drain. Before you reach for a caustic drain cleaner to unclog that kitchen or bathroom drain, try this much gentler approach: use a funnel to pour 1/2 cup borax into the drain, then slowly pour in two cups boiling water. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes, then flush with hot water. Repeat for stubborn clogs.
From Extraordinary Uses for Ordinary Things by Reader's Digest
Christine Miller
Comments
Jan. 26, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by OurLittleHomestead
GREAT TIP--!
Thanks for sharing :)
Lis
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Jan. 29, 2006 - Borax: Danger Too
Posted by Wren
Borax can cause fertility problems. I saw a special on this on television, a child's wooden playset was treated for termites with Borax and later the girls who played on the set all experienced fertiltiy problems. The piece was run many years ago. I have since stayed clear of the stuff. I did a search to find more info and this is what I found from:
http://chemistry.about.com/library/weekly/aa091002a.htm
Risks Associated with Borax
Borax is natural, but that does not mean it is automatically safer for you or for 'the environment' than man-made chemicals. Although plants need boron, too much of it will kill them, so borax can be used as an herbicide. Borax may also be used to kill roaches, ants, and fleas. In fact, it is also toxic to people. Signs of chronic toxic exposure include red and peeling skin, seizures, and kidney failure. The estimated lethal dose (ingested) for adults is 15-20 grams; less than 5 grams can kill a child or pet. For this reason, borax should not be used around food. More commonly, borax is associated with skin, eye, or respiratory irritation. It is also important to point out that exposure to borax may impair fertility or cause damage to an unborn child.
Now, none of these risks mean that you shouldn't use borax. If you do a bit of research, you will find risks associated with all cleaning products, natural or man-made. However, you do need to be aware of product risks so that you can use those products properly. Don't use borax around food, keep it out of reach of children and pets, and make sure you rinse borax out of clothes and off of surfaces before use.
Just good stuff to know, because sometimes you even see Borax listed in craft supplies for making stuff with kids. Yikes. Not my babies. : )
Wren
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