Before You Clean with Borax, Make Sure You Follow This Expert’s Tip

Once a laundry room staple, borax has made a comeback in recent years as a go-to for those looking for natural versions of everything from grout cleaners to pest control solutions. But is borax actually toxic? I asked experts, and here’s everything you need to know.

According to Shelly Clary, education specialist at the Virginia Poison Center at VCU Health, the short answer is yes: “Almost anything can be poisonous or toxic when used in the wrong way, in the wrong amount, or by the wrong person.” But is it something that can safely be used around the house? Read on for more.

Borax is a chemical that can be found in multi-purpose cleaners, toilet cleaners, laundry detergents, dish detergents, stain removers, and more, according to Clary. This alkaline white powder is produced by combining boron with sodium, hydrogen, and oxygen, and is good for all kinds of uses around the home.

“Borax is often used as a household cleaning agent because it easily dissolves in water and does not have an odor,” Clary says. “Borax is known to help with stain removal, and sanitation, and can repel insects.” You can use it to clean the drain, dishwasher, deodorize your carpets, and remove rust stains. It helps get rid of pesky bugs (including cockroaches!), and kills weeds. In many ways, it’s similar to baking soda, but there are some key things to know before you use it.

Although borax is a naturally occurring mineral, it can be quite toxic, especially to young kids and pets. It’s safe when used properly and as instructed, however, it’s worth noting that borax can be lethal when ingested. Toxic levels for children are 5 to 6 grams — or roughly a half teaspoon — and for adults, the toxic dose is 10 to 25 grams. Needless to say, if you have dogs or cats who like to lick the floors, it’s probably not a good idea to use borax for pest prevention.

Borax is also extremely alkaline — it has a pH of 9.5 — which makes it potentially irritating to your skin and eyes and, if inhaled, it can lead to nausea, vomiting, and difficulty breathing.

“As with most cleaning products, it is recommended to wear rubber gloves when cleaning to avoid exposures to the skin,” Clary says, adding that it’s especially important to wear gloves if you have open wounds on your hands. “You can also wear safety glasses to avoid splashing products into the eyes.”

She also suggests following these additional safety tips:

• Always read and use products according to the instructions on the product label.
• Fully rinse the area you’re cleaning with water after washing with borax.
• Store all products containing borax out of sight and reach from children and pets.
• While cleaning, keep all products containing borax in a separate area away from food and drinks.
• Never mix it with other cleaners, other than water or dish soap.

Below, Clary answers some commonly asked questions about borax to know before you use it in your home. 

No, mixing borax with other cleaning products like bleach to create DIY cleaning solutions is not recommended. “Borax and bleach combined can produce toxic fumes,” she explains.

That being said, there are some things that you can mix borax with: “Borax is safe to mix with water, dish soap, and vinegar to create an all-purpose spray,” Clary adds.

“Health concerns after ingesting borax include headaches, nausea, vomiting, stomach aches, and skin erythema (redness of skin),” according to Clary. “Ingesting large amounts can cause kidney failure and even death.”

If borax gets in your eyes, it can cause irritation. When applied to the skin, it can cause redness, irritation, and peeling. Below, learn what to do if you experience any of these symptoms.

First aid for accidental exposures to products containing borax varies depending on the method of exposure, says Clary.

• Ingestion: Drink water to rinse out your mouth. Do not induce vomiting, as this can cause more harm.
• Inhalation: Remove yourself from the area to get fresh air.
• Eyes: Flush the eyes with lukewarm water for 15 minutes (remove contact lenses).
• Skin: Remove any contaminated clothing and wash the area well with soap and water for 10 to 15 minutes.

“Borax is not meant to be handled for prolonged periods of time, as it can cause skin irritation,” Clary says. “If you do touch borax with your hands, it is important to wash them with soap and water immediately.”

No, borax should never be used around pets. If a dog or cat inhales, ingests, or touches borax, they can experience similar side effects. Wash it off immediately and call your vet or take them to the emergency veterinary hospital.

“When it comes to cleaning, baking soda can be a safe alternative to borax,” Clary says. “Like borax, baking soda can be used to clean kitchen appliances and brighten and soften clothing all while having a lower pH level and being non-toxic.”

If you have questions when it comes to using borax with various cleaning substances or you’ve experienced exposure, Clary recommends you call the 24/7, free, and confidential Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222.