As we know, bicarb of soda can be amazing for carrying out cleaning and deodorising jobs around the home, but the addition of sodium carbonate in borax substitute gives is an even stronger ability to clean, making it perfect for scrubbing down surfaces like tiles or metal kitchen sinks. Just like borax, it’s substitute counterpart can be used for a whole host of cleaning applications. As well as the many cleaning properties of this product, it can also be used for a few other things – some which may prove quite entertaining and much more fun than scouring the bathroom.

Sodium sesquicarbonate is used in bath salts, swimming pools, as an alkalinity source for water treatment, and as a phosphate free trisodium phosphate replacement for heavy duty cleaning.You will also find this product in supermarkets, like Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Wilko, where it is sold as water softening powder and it will be branded to match the supermarkets own look. It is also used as a precipitating water softener, which combines with hard water minerals (calcium- and magnesium-based minerals) to form an insoluble precipitate, removing these hardness minerals from the water. This makes it effective for keeping washing machines and dishwashers free from limescale buildup. This safer substitute to borax is made up of sodium carbonate (washing soda) and sodium bicarbonate (bicarbonate of soda – one of our fave natural cleaning agents, especially when used with white vinegar). The chemical name for this substance is sodium sesquicarbonate. Making slime! – Although not quite as effective as true borax, the substitute version can be used to do slime experiments. A unique crystalline form of sodium sesquicarbonate, which is classified as a non-irritant and therefore lends itself for use in a range of consumer products. It offers an intermediate pH/alkalinity that lies between soda ash and sodium bicarbonate making it an effective cleaning substitute for Borax and Trisodium phosphate (TSP).

Sodium tetraborate is a derivative of boric acid and it actually occurs naturally as seasonal lakes cycle and evaporate repeatedly, leaving behind a buildup of crystal/powdery deposit which is the salt of boric acid.

What Does Borax Substitute Do?

This product will make a great addition to your cleaning supplies as Borax Substitute can be used safely on many surfaces: Since this substance has water within its crystal makeup (making it water-soluble) this means it can be mixed with cold water to form a paste. One of the better-known brands which produce a borax substitute is Dri-Pak. This company is based in Derbyshire and is a family-run business which has been going since the 1960s, supplying a range of household goods to the many across the UK.

This paste can then be used for multi-purpose cleaning around the house and is particularly good for scouring tough stains. Add in lemon juice or white vinegar for added cleaning power! When used in the washing machine, borax substitute keeps the water soft, which helps to reduce limescale buildup, meaning your washing machine will last longer and keep producing the freshest laundry. Otherwise known as sodium tetraborate, this powdery substance has so many applications – from getting rid of stains, mould and mildew to killing ants! If you’re intrigued, keep reading. DIY Bath Salts – Borax substitute can be mixed with a couple of drops of essential oil or perfume to create a relaxing bath treat. You can even add food colouring to make it look a bit more interesting if you were making this for a gift.