When it comes to keeping our clothes and household items clean, we often turn to laundry detergents and boosters to get the job done efficiently. Two popular options in this realm are Borax and Oxiclean. These household names are trusted by many, but they serve slightly different purposes and have distinct compositions. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Borax Vs Oxiclean, exploring their differences, similarities, and the scenarios in which one might be preferred over the other.

Borax Vs Oxiclean – How They Differ?

First and foremost, let’s clear up a common misconception: Borax is not the same as Oxiclean. While both are used for laundry and cleaning purposes, they have distinct chemical compositions and purposes.

Borax: The Old-School Cleaner

Borax, also known as sodium borate, is a naturally occurring mineral composed of sodium, boron, oxygen, and water. It has been used for cleaning and laundry purposes for generations. Borax is known for its versatility, as it can be used as a cleaning agent, stain remover, and even a pest control solution.

One of the primary functions of Borax is as a laundry booster. When added to your laundry, it helps to soften water, enhance the cleaning power of detergents, and remove stubborn stains and odors. Borax can also be used in various DIY cleaning recipes for your home.

Oxiclean: The Stain Fighter

On the other hand, Oxiclean is a commercial cleaning product developed to tackle tough stains and brighten colors. It contains a mixture of sodium percarbonate and sodium carbonate, along with surfactants and enzymes. These ingredients work together to break down stains and remove them from clothing and other fabrics.

OxiClean is not intended to replace your regular laundry detergent but rather to complement it. You can use OxiClean as a pre-soak or add it directly to your washing machine to boost the cleaning power of your detergent. It’s particularly effective on organic stains like food, grass, and wine.

Borax Vs Washing Soda Vs Oxiclean – A Deep Dive

To better understand the differences between Borax and Oxiclean, it’s essential to consider another contender in the laundry booster arena: Washing Soda (sodium carbonate). Let’s take a deep dive into how these three substances compare.

Borax vs. Washing Soda

Borax and washing soda are somewhat similar in that they are both alkaline compounds and can enhance the cleaning power of detergents. However, they have some key differences:

• Composition: Borax is sodium borate, while washing soda is sodium carbonate. This difference in chemical composition affects their cleaning properties.
• pH Level: Borax has a pH level of around 9.5, making it mildly alkaline. In contrast, washing soda is highly alkaline, with a pH level of around 11.4. This means washing soda is more effective at breaking down grease and stains.
• Safety: Borax is generally considered safe for most laundry purposes, but washing soda should be used with caution. It can be harsh on fabrics and may cause fading or damage over time.

Borax vs. Oxiclean

Now, let’s compare Borax and Oxiclean:

• Purpose: Borax is a multi-purpose cleaner and laundry booster, while Oxiclean is primarily designed for stain removal and color brightening.
• Ingredients: Borax is a naturally occurring mineral, whereas Oxiclean contains synthetic compounds such as sodium percarbonate and surfactants.
• Effectiveness: Borax is effective at softening water, enhancing detergent performance, and removing odors. Oxiclean excels at removing tough stains, especially organic ones.
• Safety: Borax is generally considered safe for laundry, but it should be handled with care and kept out of reach of children. Oxiclean is also safe for laundry use but should be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Oxiclean Ingredients Vs Borax

To understand these products better, it’s worth taking a closer look at their ingredients.

Borax Ingredients

As mentioned earlier, Borax is a naturally occurring mineral. Its primary chemical composition is sodium borate decahydrate (Na2B4O7 · 10H2O), which is a combination of sodium, boron, oxygen, and water. This mineral has been used for cleaning and laundry purposes for centuries, and it is known for its versatility and cleaning properties.

Oxiclean Ingredients

Oxiclean, on the other hand, is a commercial cleaning product with a more complex composition. Its key ingredients include:

• Sodium Percarbonate: This is a solid compound that releases hydrogen peroxide when dissolved in water. Hydrogen peroxide is known for its stain-removing and disinfecting properties.
• Sodium Carbonate: Also known as washing soda, sodium carbonate is highly alkaline and helps to boost the cleaning power of OxiClean.
• Surfactants: OxiClean contains surfactants that help break down and lift away stains from fabrics.
• Enzymes: Enzymes in Oxiclean aid in breaking down specific types of stains, such as proteins and starches.

Can You Mix OxiClean & Borax?

Mixing cleaning products can be a tricky business, as some combinations can be harmful or ineffective. When it comes to Oxiclean and Borax, it’s generally safe to use them together, but there are a few considerations to keep in mind.

• Proportion: If you decide to mix OxiClean and Borax, be mindful of the proportions. Using too much of either product can lead to excessive alkalinity, which may be harsh on fabrics.
• Compatibility: Oxiclean is more effective at stain removal, so it’s best used as a pre-soak or spot treatment. Borax, on the other hand, is better suited for boosting the cleaning power of your regular detergent.
• Dilution: Always dissolve these products in water before adding them to your laundry. This ensures even distribution and prevents undissolved granules from coming into direct contact with your clothes.

Is Borax The Same As Oxiclean? Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Borax and Oxiclean are valuable tools in the realm of laundry and household cleaning. While they have some overlapping uses, they also have distinct purposes and compositions. Understanding their differences allows you to make informed choices based on your specific cleaning needs. Whether you’re dealing with tough stains or looking to boost your detergent’s cleaning power, these products can help you achieve cleaner, fresher results. So, next time you’re faced with a laundry challenge, consider whether Borax, OxiClean, or both might be the right solution for the job.

The post Borax Vs Oxiclean | UPDATED 2023 | Is Borax The Same As Oxiclean? appeared first on homemoni.com.