borax for cleaning

[luckygreen713]

I need help/advice. I'm trying simplify my cleaning routines, and I'm trying to replace my mainstream cleaning products with safer, cheaper, more natural alternatives. Right now my big concern is detergent--for both laundry and the dishwasher. I wanted to make my own dishwasher detergent, but I got a little nervous when I read some bad stuff about borax. And I wanted to try either Charlie's Soap or Country Save for laundry (including diapers) but then I found out Country Save has borax too. I know borax is natural, and many folks on this site use it with confidence. But I've read that it is toxic to the nervous system, kidneys, and liver. I'll be honest, that scares me. But it must be better than the mainstream cleaning products, right? As long as it's properly rinsed away? How do you determine what is a safe amount?

[maggiemae]

I think Borax is OK. I read some conflicting advice as well, but it IS better than mainstream products. I use the recipe the Duggar Family has on their website. Remember, is is all about baby steps. For example, I use too many paper towels, but I also do other things like, line drying, recycling, cloth diapering that are good. If everyone would just adopt a few "good for the earth habit" think what a difference it would make! Don't get hung up on perfection

[luckygreen713]

Originally Posted by maggiemae

I think Borax is OK. I read some conflicting advice as well, but it IS better than mainstream products. I use the recipe the Duggar Family has on their website. Remember, is is all about baby steps. For example, I use too many paper towels, but I also do other things like, line drying, recycling, cloth diapering that are good. If everyone would just adopt a few "good for the earth habit" think what a difference it would make! Don't get hung up on perfection

Thanks for reminding me of that!! I do get tend to get hung up on perfection sometimes. I do good things like we using cloth diapers for our kids, we recycle, and we use cloth napkins and kitchen rags instead of paper towels. We have really gotten away from most disosible products in our house. In the very near future (when I have some $ and time to go to the store in a few days) I'm going to get a clothesline/clothes pins so I can use my dryer much less frequently AND I finally convinced DH that we should try family cloth. I also switched my cleaners to vinegar and baking soda (was using Simple Green and Clorox Green products before). I guess I'm doing fine for now, and I'll continue to make healthy, eco-friendly changes as I see fit for our family!

[MissMommyNiceNice]

Remember, that just because something is "natural" doesn't mean that it's non-toxic. I think that a lot of people make that mistake.

Borax is fine, just don't eat it! And keep it up from your babes. Wear gloves when you use it. Unless you don't mind dry dry hands. I know I would be lost w/o borax! My tub would never ever be clean!