Does Borax Have Bleach in it?

As far as cleaning and whitening are concerned, Borax is a cleaning agent that never goes out of the picture. Its extensive whitening result and less damaging effect make it a good choice for various household cleaning. What makes Borax so powerful not just for surface cleaning, but also for laundry? Does Borax have bleach in it, or what combination of ingredients gives its superior cleaning power?

Borax is a versatile cleaner, but it does not contain bleach. Its chemistry is excellent in removing stains from laundry, cleaning surfaces, and de-clogging drains. It is a natural mineral, which is mined and used as an ingredient for laundry detergent and other cleaning products. Borax is a useful product and apparently an economical choice for a household cleaning solution.

What is Borax?

Borax is a mineral also known as sodium tetraborate, sodium borate, or disodium tetraborate. Borax is basically a combination of sodium, boron, and oxygen left behind as mineral deposits in lakes and riverbeds. It does not contain bleach (sodium hypochlorite) or any of its components.

Borax is widely used for cleaning and as a laundry detergent booster in the household. Many household products like toothpaste and cosmetics also contain Borax as a cleaning agent.

Is Borax and Boric Acid the Same?

To clear the common confusion, Borax is a different element from boric acid. They do contain the same compound, but they have different formulations. Borax is a raw mineral mined from the ground, while boric acid is its processed and refined form.

Thus, look for Borax if you are looking for a cleaning agent. Boric acid is often used only as an ingredient in pesticides and insecticides.

Is Borax a Bleaching Powder?

As a powerful laundry whitener, many are asking, does Borax have bleach in it? Borax and bleach have different mechanisms for cleaning. For once, bleach oxidizes or releases oxygen molecules that break up the bonds in the stain and release them. Borax, on the other hand, is extremely alkaline. When it is added to water, it creates a basic solution to combat acidic stains.

Thus, it is safe to say that Borax is not a bleaching powder. It is a substance that can whiten white laundry and is also considered safe for colored ones. If you are not fond of using bleach, Borax is your next safe option.

Will Borax Stain Clothes and Other Fabrics?

No, borax is a color-safe cleaning solution, and is, therefore, safe for all fabrics. It can enhance and boost the color of clothes without damaging them. Borax is often used as a whitener, deodorizer, pH buffer, disinfectant, and stain remover. It is also used in laundry detergents to boost the effectiveness of its ingredients and improve its cleaning action.

Can You Mix Borax with Bleach?

Bleach, or sodium hypochlorite, is a hazardous chemical incompatible with almost all cleaning agents. Almost all – except with Borax. Technically, the composition of bleach allows Borax to be safely added to it.

Bleach is an oxidizing agent that will react with other reducing agents to form toxic gases. Fortunately, Borax cannot be oxidized, making it a safe partner for sodium hypochlorite. These two chemicals are often used together as ingredients in some cleaning products.

However, to be sure, read the label on your bleach product. If it says otherwise, follow the instructions to avoid nasty problems.

Does Laundry Detergents Contain Borax?

Borax is a component of many detergents, but not all laundry detergents contain it. If a product has sodium carbonate or washing soda, it certainly does not have Borax in it. These chemicals are not used together, so laundry detergents may contain only one of the other.

Can You Use Borax Instead of Laundry Detergent?

Borax does clean, disinfect, remove stains and deodorize. But while it is a component of some laundry detergents, it is still not a potent alternative for laundry detergents. Detergents still do the job in the washer better than Borax because of its chemical composition intended for laundry cleaning.

Can You Use Borax Instead of Bleach for Laundry?

Yes, Borax is a safer and excellent alternative for bleach. Bleach is a strong chemical that can eat at fabric and causes irreversible yellowing over time. Borax is a milder alternative that whitens the clothes and cleans colored fabrics without the risk of discoloring them.

Is Borax Toxic to Humans?

Borax is toxic to humans when ingested. It can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It may also lead to dangerous kidney failure and shock if taken in large amounts. Skin contact with Borax can cause burns and irritations. It may be a naturally occurring mineral and a safe alternative to bleach. However, Borax is also hazardous to some extent and definitely not eco-friendly.

Is Borax Toxic to Pets?

Yes, Borax is also toxic to many pets and can cause life-threatening conditions when ingested. It does not carry the same harmful effect as boric acid but is still unsafe, nonetheless. It is best to store Borax in hard-to-reach places with other cleaning solutions.

What to Do if You Inhale or Ingest Borax?

If someone ingested or inhaled Borax, treat the patient symptomatically and supportively. Remove the victim into the open air and maintain the airway and respiration. Dilute the ingestion by rinsing the mouth with water or milk, but only if the victim is conscious. If the person is vomiting, keep the head low to prevent vomit from entering the lungs. Contact your physician or local poison control after Borax ingestion.

What to Do If You Get Borax in Your Eye?

If Borax gets in your eye, flush it with running water for about 15 minutes. To be safe, use gloves and protective equipment when handling Borax. Rinse the surfaces and wash hands thoroughly after handling them. Call your doctor for medical assistance, if needed.

Final Thoughts

Borax is a powdery white mineral used for cleaning and as an ingredient for many cleaning agents. It is an effective agent in whitening, removing stains, and deodorizing surfaces and clothes. But, does Borax have bleach in it? This product does not contain bleach. It can, however, make a good alternative for bleach with similar and less damaging action. Although it is a natural mineral, Borax is still considered a hazardous element that needs to be handled with extreme care.