Introduction: Boron Green Cleaning Products
On product labels, boron green cleaning products are “safe for people, pets, plants, and the environment” on product labels. These products are indeed environmentally friendly. They are alkaline, non-corrosive, non-toxic in low amounts, and don’t contain any petroleum-derived chemical or phosphate compounds.
Boron in Cleaning Products
Boron green cleaning products have softening, anti-bacterial, antiallergen, and hygienic properties. They reduce water consumption, leave no residue, and prove sustainable in the long run. These cleaning products can include borax, boric acid, borax pentahydrate, and sodium metaborates.
Borates produce laundry detergents, industrial or household cleaners, and hand soaps. Borates or perborates are used in many household and industrial products for cleaning metals, glass, sinks, bathtubs, toilets, floors, and machinery. The final product’s type, composition, and quality will determine the borate’s choice.
Borates have many unique properties that provide benefits, including stain removal, bleaching, color control, alkaline buffering, stabilizing enzymes, inhibiting dye transfer, and controlling viscosity. They also emulsify waxes and oils and soften water. They boost surfactant performance, act as a biostat, and help control bacteria and fungi.
Environmental Benefits of Boron in Cleaning Products
Boron is an environmentally-friendly, non-phosphate household cleaning product that is safe for human health. Boron is non-corrosive, alkaline, and has negligible toxic effects in small amounts. Boron is a powerful cleaner that can remove the most stubborn stains. It softens water by balancing active oxygen levels and makes it easy to eliminate stains. Boron reduces water consumption and saves time by minimizing washing times.
Traditional dishwashing detergents are primarily on sodium metasilicate and sodium tripolyphosphate and contain chlorine-releasing chemicals, such as sodium dichloroisocyanurate, to remove stains and kill bacteria, saponify fat and grease, suspend loose soil and prevent its repositioning.
Due to the corrosive nature of sodium silicates, chlorine-release agents, and a desire to decrease phosphates because of environmental concerns, boron cleaning products prove to be a better choice. These cleaners are more effective at removing stains at lower temperatures than the older versions. Borates and perborates have an extended shelf life and are increasingly used in automatic dishwashing detergent.
The laundries are less likely to last due to chemical residues left by petrochemical detergents. On the other hand, Borates do not leave any residue in the areas of use. Anti-bacterial properties do not pose a threat to human health. It is highly hygiene-friendly and extends the laundry’s useful life. Thus, in the long run, boron cleaning products provide sustainability.
The steel will wear from the buildup of detergent residues in the washing machines that use petrochemical products. This can adversely impact both cleaning performances and the machine’s service life. Boron does not leave any residue in washing machines. Boron does not cause damage to the device and helps decrease steel wear. This allows for more prolonged use and reduces the waste of resources.
Another significant concern is the protection of animals and plants from the toxic effects of high boron levels in greywater. Effective boron removal methods are complicated due to the complex chemistry and dependence on pH. Boron can, however, be removed from wastewater and water using a variety of technologies. Thus, it poses no significant danger.
Types of Borates in Cleaning Products
Borax
Borax, a naturally occurring mineral, has been used for over 4000 years. Borax can be found as a salt in nature, but it is more commonly used commercially as a powder. Caves at the base of new volcanic lava flows can also contain borax. Native Americans used naturally-occurring borax to clean their homes and for medicinal purposes. They called it “White Soap Rock” as the mineral dissolves into soapy water. This substance can be combined with water to make natural cleaners for the home safe and effective.
Borax is a natural anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent that will keep your bathroom smelling fresh. Borax is not toxic to the environment and doesn’t absorb through the skin. It can safely be mixed with water, lemon juice, and vinegar for cleaning all kinds of purposes.
Borax is not only great for eliminating odors, but it also works well as a tile cleaner. Borates are very effective against calcium deposits in grout lines between tiles. These heavier minerals become lighter when they contact with laundry detergent’s natural ingredient. Borax can be used on various surfaces, including dishes, toilets, and sanitary items.
Borax can be used for various cleaning purposes. It can easily clean the toilet bowl, get rid of bugs, clean cookware, remove sink stains, get rid of mildew in the bathroom, clean the pet bed, and eliminate pet accident odor.
Boric Acid
Boric acid is a great cleaning agent. This solution can be mixed with water and vinegar to remove rust stains on metal and limescale teaware. It also works well for cleaning other items with hard surfaces, such as sinks and fountains. This product can also dissolve organic matter, such as moss from roofs and weeds that grow between asphalt pavement cracks.
Borax Pentahydrate
Borax pentahydrate, a pH-balanced cleaner, cleans without over-cleaning. Borax pentahydrate is excellent for allergy sufferers, pet owners, and families with sensitive skin. It’s hypoallergenic, leaves no residue to irritate, is non-toxic, and does not contain harsh chemicals or perfumes. Borax pentahydrate can be used on countertops, floors, and other surfaces throughout your home to quickly clean up any accidents. It can also be used to clean glass.
Sodium Metaborate
Sodium Metaborate, a great alternative to chlorine, is suitable for cleaning. It is safer and more beneficial to the environment, creating safer water. Additionally, it eliminates limescale buildup quickly. It is a naturally occurring mineral salt used in cleaning products due to its deodorant and astringent properties. Sodium metaborate has anti-bacterial properties, making it an excellent cleaner. However, it is gentle enough to be used on clothing fabrics such as wool.