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Try This:  20 Mule Team Borax...  |
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Vintage Redhead
True Blue Farmgirl
233 Posts
Kaylyn
Saint Charles
IL
USA
233 Posts |
 Posted - Mar 08 2007 : 11:22:01 AM
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I'm *literally* on my soapbox here. I'm going to extoll the virtues of this little-known cleanser. Most people think that this is merely a laundry-booster...something to help get your clothes cleaner. My friends think its only use is to make Flarp (Poot Putty.)
Pish posh - I use 20 MTB for *everything*!! I don't like multiple chemicals, possibly interacting with one another. And all of those different fragrances, overlapping. Yuck. Here is a short list of what I clean with it:
~ Pour it in my toilets to scrub the bowl;
~ Make it into a paste and apply with an old toothbrush to clean grout;
~ Pour it into the sink to scour & clean the sinks;
~ Pour it onto stained carpet, wait, and rub in with a brush, allow to dry, and vacuum to remove the stain;
~ Rub into stained clothing to remove stains;
~ Mix with hot water to clean out the fridge (leaves it *sparkling* and odor-free), clean coutertops, clean grease from tiles, and a diluted mixture to remove grease from cabinetry (be sure not to get the mixture too strong - it can remove the finish from woodwork! - test in an unseen area first)
~ Mix with hot-water in a bucket to mop the floor (after 2-3 times, it will remove the waxy build-up.)
~ Add it to my carpet cleaning machine - it *really* boosts the performance and I can decrease the amount of carpet shampoo.
I just absolutely *LOVE* 20 MTB. I discovered the stuff about 10 months ago when The Chicago Tribune ran an article about it, claiming that it can be used to clean nearly everything (which I've learned is true) and is much more environmentally responsible than most commercial cleaners. It is also *DIRT CHEAP* - costing approximately $2.79 to $3.59 for a 5 lb box. I try to have at least one unopened 5 lb box on hand at all times, just in case I go into a nesting frenzy, or if all of my "little stashes" in the house all run out at once.
FYI: My mom passes along her Equal containers. I recycle those into 20 MTB dispensers in the bathrooms and kitchens (our house used to be divided into two homes.) So those are my "little stashes." I also use them as: a shaker for my bulk flax seeds to put on salads; a sealed container for farina & tapioca & steel-cut oats. Just have to be careful to *label* everything well to avoid cross-use.
Anyway...I hope that I've inspired some of you to try using Borax for your house cleaning. I don't think I'll ever go backwards - I absolutely *LOVE* the stuff and it's less harsh on my hands than most "commercial" brands! ~ K
~ Kaylyn
(Living in Suburbia with a FARMGIRL Heart!)
My Current Cause: http://nickspavilion.blogspot.com/ |
Edited by - Vintage Redhead on Mar 08 2007 11:23:44 AM |
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Kim
True Blue Farmgirl
146 Posts
Kim
Pflugerville
Texas
USA
146 Posts |
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GaiasRose
True Blue Farmgirl
2552 Posts
Tasha-Rose
St. Paul
Minnesota
2552 Posts |
Posted - Mar 08 2007 : 12:06:14 PM
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Yep...that is almost the only thing we NEED for cleansers around here. I use it to clean floors, too. The powdery residue it leaves behind acts as an insect repellent.
You can also use it in shoes to take out odor, plus everything you listed already is what we use it for as well. I especially love it with a little baking soda to clean my toilets. The hard water really does a number on my porceline and the 20MTB works really hard to clean and keep clean the toilet bowl!
It truly pays for itself too in time and effort and how much you use. A little seems to go a heck of a long way!
~*~Brightest Blessings~*~
Tasha-Rose
Blogs: http://gaiarose.wordpress.com
http://frugalwitch.wordpress.com
http://tasharose365.wordpress.com/
Homepage: http://mysticwoodsfarm.com
http://gaiasrose.etsy.com
Birth is safe, interference is risky; TRUST BIRTH |
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shelle
True Blue Farmgirl
404 Posts
Shelle
oklahoma
USA
404 Posts |
Posted - Mar 08 2007 : 4:02:09 PM
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I have been using a lot of it lately for cleaning too. I remember my mother using it when I was a kid. She also used Borateem which is just another brand name. Not sure if that is made anymore or not. I like to use vinegar and baking soda from a lot of my cleaning too.
Shelle
http://janzenfamilyjournal.blogspot.com/ |
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sweetproserpina
True Blue Farmgirl
535 Posts
meg
Vinemount
Ontario
Canada
535 Posts |
Posted - Mar 08 2007 : 7:01:53 PM
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Wonderful! This topic came along just in time. I was cleaning the bathroom a couple days ago and was practically asphyxiated by the cleaner I used (I won't say any names..) and bemoaned to fella that I had to find something a bit less toxic to use on the tub and toilet.
Borax seems like the answer! I have never used it before, can you ladies give me some instructions? I could clean the whole bathroom with it couldn't I? Do I need to mix it with baking soda? Do I just shake it on, and use a scrubby like I would with comet? How safe is it?
"Isn't it splendid to think of all the things there are to find out about? It just makes me feel glad to be alive--it's such an interesting world."
http://theprimroseway.blogspot.com/ |
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Vintage Redhead
True Blue Farmgirl
233 Posts
Kaylyn
Saint Charles
IL
USA
233 Posts |
Posted - Mar 09 2007 : 08:18:09 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by sweetproserpina
Borax seems like the answer! I have never used it before, can you ladies give me some instructions? I could clean the whole bathroom with it couldn't I? Do I need to mix it with baking soda? Do I just shake it on, and use a scrubby like I would with comet? How safe is it?
Meggie, you're going to love it! And yup, you can clean the entire bathroom with it! You can do all of the above - shake it on directly, mix it with water, mix it with baking soda...if you have a "preferred fragrance" in your home, you can even put a drop of essential oil in your mixture for a scent you like.
Hmmmm....for amounts? I shake it on about the same way I used to do comet cleanser. When enough looks like enough, I stop, then I fill with warm water and start cleaning. (And I don't wear gloves. I generally just work with one of my designated white washcloths.)
Regarding safety, here is the most link that paints the darkest picture (but I think in order to have a "skin reaction" that they are talking about, you'd have to mix *SERIOUSLY* saturated solution):
http://chemistry.about.com/library/weekly/aa091002a.htm
Regarding to how use, here is Dial Corp., who makes 20 MTB:
http://www.dialcorp.com/documents/borax.pdf
Regarding additional uses, Soaps Gone Buy (where you can also get other cleaning products from "Yesteryear" such as Fels Naptha (laundry bars!), Colgate Octagon (laundry bars!), and original red Lifebouy:
http://www.soapsgonebuy.com/category_s/13.htm
Check these out - and then play around. I think most of us "...tried and love it..." gals will still be here to help you out! ~ K
~ Kaylyn
(Living in Suburbia with a FARMGIRL Heart!)
My Current Cause: http://nickspavilion.blogspot.com/ |
Edited by - Vintage Redhead on Mar 09 2007 08:19:08 AM |
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westernhorse51
True Blue Farmgirl
1681 Posts
michele
farmingdale
n.j.
USA
1681 Posts |
Posted - Mar 09 2007 : 10:39:57 AM
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thats all I clean with, that & vinegar, been using it forever.
she selects wool and flax and works with eager hands Prov.31:13 |
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sweetproserpina
True Blue Farmgirl
535 Posts
meg
Vinemount
Ontario
Canada
535 Posts |
Posted - Mar 09 2007 : 5:19:33 PM
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Excellent! I've have to pick some up next time I go to the store. Yay! No more nasty chemical fumes
For those Canadian farmgirls (I don't think it's carried in the US??) Sunlight makes a laundry soap bar too. I get mine at local IGA. I have used it to make my own laudry soap (just grate it..) but I really like it for handwashing small items. They're cheap too!
"Isn't it splendid to think of all the things there are to find out about? It just makes me feel glad to be alive--it's such an interesting world."
http://theprimroseway.blogspot.com/ |
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Bluewrenn
True Blue Farmgirl
1122 Posts
Erin
Texas
USA
1122 Posts |
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therusticcottage
True Blue Farmgirl
4439 Posts
Kay
Vancouver
WA
USA
4439 Posts |
Posted - Mar 11 2007 : 1:40:05 PM
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Erin -- how did you use for the carpets? We have two male kittens and I think they've been spraying the in house.
The Rustic Cottage Etsy Shop http://therusticcottage.etsy.com |
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Past Blessings
True Blue Farmgirl
1083 Posts
Brenda
Orchard Prairie
WA
USA
1083 Posts |
Posted - Mar 13 2007 : 10:28:53 AM
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I have used it in the laundry . . . and love it . . . especially back when we had bed wetters! I didn't realize it could work for so many other things. I will be trying it . . . like the fact that it is safe and has a nice fresh smell. Thanks for sharing!
Hugs and blessings!
Brenda
Past Blessings . . . Celebrating Life as it used to be . . . when people loved God, loved their families and loved their country. |
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Vintage Redhead
True Blue Farmgirl
233 Posts
Kaylyn
Saint Charles
IL
USA
233 Posts |
Posted - Mar 14 2007 : 08:22:22 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by therusticcottage
Erin -- how did you use for the carpets? We have two male kittens and I think they've been spraying the in house.
I hope that Erin will still answer back in specific reference to the cats/kittens. I have a dog - and she's getting older - and here is what I do to get rid of her accidents:
I get out a pail of water and saturate the soiled spot. Then I sprinkle a *generous* amount of the 20 MTB onto the saturated soil spot. I work it in with my fingers - down deep, since I can be fairly certain that the "accident" went all the way deep! - and I know that sounds gross but hey, my hands will wash and it still beats touching turkey guts at Thanksgiving and Christmas!
Anywho...I wait about 24 hours for the 20 MTB to dry back up. Then I vacuum the dried crystals up...which have soaked up the dog urine and are now yellow. By the time I'm done, the stain is gone (usually, I have one *REALLY SUPER CLEAN* spot and the rest of the carpet needs to be cleaned!!) and the room smells fresh again.
(This tactic also works really well for cleaning kid messes out of car upholstery, upholstered furniture, and mattresses. My DH calls my 5lb box of 20 MTB my "miracle elixir.")
BTW: Did you know that turning on a "Black Light" and going slowly over your carpet will help you hunt down those cat accidents? Cat urine (maybe even dog urine, too) flouresces under black light. If you try it, make certain you get a true "black light" and not a blue/violet light. ~ K
~ Kaylyn
(Living in Suburbia with a FARMGIRL Heart!)
My Current Cause: http://nickspavilion.blogspot.com/ |
Edited by - Vintage Redhead on Mar 14 2007 08:25:40 AM |
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beckels
True Blue Farmgirl
237 Posts
becky
warrington
pa
USA
237 Posts |
Posted - Mar 17 2007 : 06:46:15 AM
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I also put some sprinkles inside my de-humidifer with vinegar and it keeps the container from getting moldy looking and I thinks help with the smells in the basement
beckels |
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levisgrammy
True Blue Farmgirl
9439 Posts
Denise
Beavercreek
Ohio
USA
9439 Posts |
Posted - Mar 17 2007 : 08:29:45 AM
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When this is used to clean the toilet do you just sprinkle it in and use a brush to swish it around? Does it take away that ring around the waterline?
Thanks,
Denise |
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Vintage Redhead
True Blue Farmgirl
233 Posts
Kaylyn
Saint Charles
IL
USA
233 Posts |
Posted - Mar 17 2007 : 3:38:18 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by levisgrammy
When this is used to clean the toilet do you just sprinkle it in and use a brush to swish it around? Does it take away that ring around the waterline?
Denise:
Yup - that is exactly what I do. I pour about 1/4 c. in to the toilet. That amount ensures that it will stay "granular" and will give some "...extra tooth..." to the brush.
As far as removing the ring from around the waterline, it depends on exactly *what* is causing the ring. Is it lime? Is it rust? Is it excess chlorine from the water supply? It is undissolved mineral deposits? Do you have well water? Could be from a number of sources. What I would recommend: I would clean the toilet per the above. If the ring isn't removed, I'd probably pour in 1/4" at bedtime and give it a few hearty swirls with the brush. Then I'd let the toilet soak overnight (or if you're like me, until the 3a nature call  )...just to see if that will make it disappear.
HTH! ~ K
~ Kaylyn
(Living in Suburbia with a FARMGIRL Heart!)
My Current Cause: http://nickspavilion.blogspot.com/ |
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FARMALLChick
True Blue Farmgirl
978 Posts
Lora
Alexandria
IN
USA
978 Posts |
Posted - Sep 19 2008 : 6:00:18 PM
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I have been using 20MTB for laundry and love it. My laundry smells fresh and clean and I don't use a fabric softener. I am going to try the toilet thing though. Our water is a mess. I don't know which is worse the rust, the lime or the smell when the filters need changed.
Do you know if it will take the smell out from tuna juice? Crazy cat knocked open can off the counter when I wasn't looking all over the carpet in my kitchen. (I know - why is there carpet in my kitchen? It was here when we bought the house and we are getting ready to remove it.)
Thanks,
Lora
If it ain't red, leave it in the shed. |
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catscharm74
True Blue Farmgirl
4687 Posts
Heather
Texas
USA
4687 Posts |
Posted - Sep 19 2008 : 6:09:13 PM
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Kaylyn..."my hands will wash and it still beats touching turkey guts at Thanksgiving and Christmas!"
HA..thanks for the visual..I am LMAO right now...hmmm dog pee or turkey guts....ha!!!
Heather
Yee-Haw, I am a cowgirl!!!
FARMGIRL #90 |
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farmgirl blessings
True Blue Farmgirl
777 Posts
Lea
TN
777 Posts |
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Ga Girl
True Blue Farmgirl
2355 Posts
Karen
Meansville
Ga.
USA
2355 Posts |
Posted - Sep 23 2008 : 06:21:13 AM
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Wow I have been using the 20 mtb for laundry as well but you better believe after this thread I will be using it for alot more! Thanks for all the great ideas. I am so allergic to other cleaners and I can't wait to get started cleaning. Has anyone ever used it on a laminate floor?
Blessings, Karen
Create in me a pure heart,O God and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalms 51:10 http://farmgirlingastyle.blogspot.com/ |
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Jana
True Blue Farmgirl
482 Posts
Jana
Eau Claire
Wisconsin
USA
482 Posts |
Posted - Oct 16 2008 : 02:30:41 AM
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I may have posted this elsewhere, but borax is excellent at getting rid of fleas! Work it into mattresses, carpet and upholstery, leave for anywhere from an hour to a few days if you can. It dries out larvae and eggs, stopping the flea life cycle cold. Amazing!
Jana |
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City Chick
True Blue Farmgirl
1402 Posts
Deb
Chattanooga
TN
USA
1402 Posts |
Posted - Oct 16 2008 : 03:56:55 AM
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I use it in my h/m laundry detergent. I was standing in line at Walmart and the woman in front of me told me that it works wonderfully for washing walls. Mix with water & wash. I didn't ask her the ratio though. ????
My walls need a washing really bad.
Do you think it's safe to use on wood floors?
http://www.xanga.com/My_Pondering_Place |
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ddmashayekhi
True Blue Farmgirl
4759 Posts
Dawn
Naperville
Illinois
USA
4759 Posts |
Posted - Oct 16 2008 : 09:45:32 AM
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I didn't think to use it for washing walls. Thanks for sharing that Deb.
Dawn in IL |
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wild daisy
True Blue Farmgirl
503 Posts
Madelynne
Billings
Montana
USA
503 Posts |
Posted - Oct 18 2008 : 10:46:03 AM
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Just another tidbit. My husband will use 20MTB as an insecticide. A friend of mine that worked for a pest control company told us that borax on the ground around your house would help deter insects from invading your home. We have use this almost every fall just before it gets cold and it works. Just put a small line around the house.
Madelynne |
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katalind
True Blue Farmgirl
177 Posts
Kathy
Chapin
SC
USA
177 Posts |
Posted - May 21 2010 : 08:43:24 AM
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| Yup, Mostly all I use to clean my house is Borax, baking soda, and vinegar. |
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MrsRooster
True Blue Farmgirl
1168 Posts
Amy
Seabrook
TX
USA
1168 Posts |
Posted - May 21 2010 : 11:14:07 AM
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I have a young child and Borax is toxic.
I use baking soda and vinegar.
www.mrsrooster.blogspot.com
Farmgirl #1259
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Try This: 20 Mule Team Borax... |
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20 Mule Team Borax...
