The Survivalist's Stockpile: Borax

By Cade Shadowlight 

The Survivalist's Stockpile is a new occasional feature here on Dystopian Survival. Each article highlights an item you might benefit from including in your stockpile of supplies.

Borax (Amazon link), best known as a laundry detergent, has a myriad of other uses. As an excellent disinfectant, it tackles a wide range of cleaning tasks, including odor control, all-purpose cleaning, and removing mold, mildew, rust, and various stains. It can unclog drains and toilets. Mixed with equal parts sugar, it serves as an effective bait to kill cockroaches, ants, and other insect pests. Combined with equal parts salt and a bit of elbow grease, it scrubs cast iron cookware clean without leaving a soapy taste. Borax is also used in candle-making to treat wicks, helping them burn longer with less smoke and ash.

In the Garden: Borax is a natural weed killer. Dissolve 10 ounces of Borax in 4 ounces of warm water. Once dissolved, add 2.5 gallons of water and mix thoroughly. This mixture treats approximately 1,000 square feet. Use a garden sprayer to apply evenly, adjusting the amount for the area you're treating.

Borax can also fertilize boron-deficient soil in small amounts. Typically, apply 1 tablespoon of Borax per 100 square feet of soil. Sprinkle it on the soil and till it in, or mix 1 tablespoon of Borax with 1 gallon of water and apply 1 ounce of the solution around each plant’s soil. 

Safety Note: Like many household chemicals, Borax can be toxic to people and pets if ingested. Never consume it or use it internally. Always store Borax safely, out of reach of children and pets.

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