If you are looking for answers related to borax and vinegar, then you have landed on the right page. Many people tell you about the usefulness of homemade borax and vinegar solutions.
But is handling these chemicals on your own safe? Is there any chance of disasters? Scroll down to know more!
Can I mix borax and vinegar?
You can mix borax and vinegar. Mixing borax and vinegar will not yield any toxic solution. Cleaning agents found in stores sometimes expose you to toxic chemicals. Borax and vinegar solution provides excellent value as it can be used for various cleaning purposes throughout your house.
Table of Contents
Borax is basic, and vinegar is acidic. So, theoretically, it does not make any sense to add them up because the acid and base will neutralize each other producing water and salt. However, this is not always the case.
Borax and vinegar are added in different concentrations and amounts to produce different solutions that serve particular purposes. Borax is also highly toxic, so it is recommended to take necessary precautions before handling it.
There are lots of all-purpose cleaner products selling in the stores. But you can make the best all-purpose cleaner at your home with just borax and vinegar. You only need both ingredients, a measuring cup and warm water.
From kitchen countertops to carpet stains, borax and vinegar solutions can be used to get rid of any stain or dirt accumulating on various surfaces of your house. One of the essential uses is seen in the laundry.
In laundry:
The best use of this solution is to whiten fabric. Chlorine products are known to damage fabrics. This is where the borax and vinegar solution comes to play.
With this solution, you get the fabric softening and whitening power of vinegar and odor removing power of borax.
Is it safe to mix vinegar and borax? Can you mix borax and apple cider vinegar?
Yes, it is safe to mix vinegar with borax. However, you have to take necessary precautions because they are chemical elements. Mishaps could happen at any time resulting in burning or other critical conditions.
Mixing both borax and vinegar cancels each other and produces water and salt. However, if mixed in appropriate quantities, you will get good cleaning products. The solution cleans various parts of the household quite effectively.
Especially remove any metallic or rubber material. They both irritate eyes and skin, so make sure you are well covered and have safety glasses on. Exposure to borax and vinegar could lead to vomiting, nausea, and respiratory effects.
You can also mix borax and apple cider vinegar. Solution of borax and apple cider vinegar is used to fight mange mites in animals. You can spray the solution or feed the diluted apple cider vinegar that aids skin.
What happens if you mix borax and vinegar?
Borax is an alkaline element, and vinegar is an acidic element. You might have read this before that the reaction of acid and base yields salt and water. This is also the case for borax and vinegar.
The risk associated with mishandling borax cannot be stressed enough. It would be best to take necessary precautions before mixing borax with vinegar.
But mixing in different quantities results in different types of solutions that work in cleaning various parts of the house.
Chemical reaction:
Borax and vinegar combine to form hydrogen peroxide. A tiny amount of liquid soap is also added to balance the pH level. The total solution is then stirred in warm water.
You will see nothing dramatic happening. The reaction will result in a cloudy-looking solution. However, you will have a denser-looking gooey material if you make a paste.
All-purpose cleaning product:
You are left with an all-purpose cleaning solution that can be used anywhere in the house to clean most of the surface.
Borax and vinegar solution is called green cleaner because it does not adversely affect the environment as other commercial cleaners do.
What do you clean with borax and vinegar solution?
The right question would be what you can not clean with borax and vinegar solution. This solution is the only thing that you need to clean your house. Borax and vinegar solution comes in handy in cleaning toilets, kitchen, and floors.
Here are some of the everyday items you can clean with borax and vinegar solution.
Carpet:
Harsher chemicals most often end up damaging your precious carpet. So, borax and vinegar solutions are the best product you could search for.
Soak a soft sponge in the solution and dab on the stain. Leave it for 20 minutes and dry clean with a vacuum cleaner.
Toilets:
Borax and vinegar solution does wonders to the accumulated grout in toilet walls. In addition to that, the solution also works great on the soap scum that accumulates on metallic taps and bars.
Fabric:
Borax and vinegar solution can be used to soften or whiten fabric. This solution does not harm your fabric as other chlorine bleaches do.
Kitchen:
Stoves, countertops, tables and chairs, every dirty surface could be cleaned with borax and vinegar solution. All you need is a microfiber and borax-vinegar solution.
Wall:
This fantastic solution also helps remove crayons and pencil marks from the walls.
Fridge:
Both the interior and exterior of the fridge can be cleaned with borax and vinegar solution.
Mold and mildews:
Mold and mildews can cause severe damages to the house. They can be easily removed with vinegar and borax solution.
Windows:
This solution thoroughly cleans windows and makes them as new as they can get.
How to mix borax and vinegar?
Vinegar is acidic, and borax is alkaline. Spilling any of them on sophisticated surfaces will damage them. In order to safely mix vinegar with borax, clear everything from the table you will be using.
Borax is an irritant which means it will cause irritation and respiratory problems. So, taking cautionary steps is mandatory while dealing with borax and vinegar. Add the components in a properly ventilated room.
Mixing borax and vinegar is no rocket science. Just make sure you have gloves, a safety apron, spray bottles, warm water, liquid soap, glass stirrer, bucket, safety goggles, and measuring cup available. The steps are discussed below.
Keep all components ready:
You need to be dressed appropriately up for mixing borax and vinegar. Get a safety apron and cover all of your arms. Wear gloves and safety goggles. Select a room with an exhaust fan or proper ventilation.
Keep warm water and a measuring cup nearby. Pour one quart or pounds of warm water into a bucket.
Mix the components:
Carefully measure 1 tablespoon of liquid soap and add it to the warm water. Add 1 tablespoon Borax to the solution. Stir the solution well and further add ¼ cup of vinegar. Any vinegar will and liquid soap will do.
Take your time and adequately stir the solution until everything dissolves.
Transfer:
Pour the solution into the preferred spray bottle to its full capacity. You may use a funnel for ease of transferring.
Preserve:
Store the rest in bottles for future uses. Keep the bottles in a cool place away from heat or direct sun contact.
How to clean with vinegar & borax?
Cleaning with vinegar and borax is an easy task. You need a spray bottle and a microfiber or soft cloth. Most of the cleaning practices follow the same pattern.
For cleaning the toilet, add one cup of borax with a half cup of vinegar and make a paste. Apply the paste over the desired place and leave the solution for the night. Use a scrubber to scrub the toilet clean and flush.
Removing grout is simple with vinegar and borax solution. Apply two tablespoons of borax with a half cup of vinegar in warm water. Apply the paste with a soft brush. Then scrub the wall with microfiber before rinsing.
Borax and vinegar solution can also be used to remove carpet stains. Add four tablespoons of borax with a cup of warm water and half a spoon of vinegar.
Apply and leave the paste on for 20 minutes. Dry clean or vacuum the carpet to remove residue.
Final Thoughts
Borax and vinegar go together like bread and butter. Their significance in typical households knows no bounds. They are becoming more popular than ever, from saving valuable bucks to cleaning anything. However, you should follow safety measures to save yourself from unfavorable situations.