Household Hints; Borax et al

I can swear that I remember President Reagan once advertising 20 Mule Team Borax during a commercial that played in the middle of “Death Valley Days.”  It is possible, Borax has been around since 1891, six years before my grandpa was born, but the same year that his eldest brother, “Grandpa George” to me, was born.

Lenci Dolls being Domestic, courtesy Theriault's

The back of the box has tips for further use, though I use it in laundry.  I have to do several loads a day sometimes, always heavily soiled. It works, and leaves a fresh smell.  Here are some of its uses:

• Toilet Bowls; no kidding!  I’ve heard Coke works, too.  Sprinkle ¼ c Borax into bowl, then swish with your favorite toilet brush.  Let stand 30 mins or overnight.  Keep closed, in case you have a dog or curious cat.

• Baby clothes: Soak in ½ c of Borax and warm water. Do a hot/warm water wash.  Add another ½ with regular detergent.  [For the record, I am not a good washerwoman; I guess].
• Laundry Stains including tomato sauce, oil/grease, grass, the proverbial ground in dirt; add 1 TBSP Borax per gallon of water or ½ in washer.

Presoak “at least” 30 mins before wash.

·         Garbage Disposal/Drains: Sprinkle 2 or 2 TBSPs in disposal or drain.  Let stand at least 15 mins. Flush with water for a few seconds, disposal on.

·         Delicates: use ¼ c Borax.  Dissolve Borax and 1-2 TBSPs of detergent in basin of warm water.  Soak for 20 mins.  Rinse in cool water.  Blot with towel, dry flat.

·         Rugs: ½ c dissolved in 1 pint water.  Sponge on, wait ½ hours, rinse well.  Let dry and vacuum.

There are lots of other uses, I’m sure.  Wash doll clothes following instructions for delicates.  Per box, it still does not cost as much.  The manufacturer also recommends it for laundry boosting, bathroom cleaning in general, and kitchen cleaning in general.