With or Without Borax
Apparently there is concern about the toxicity of Borax, particularly with dish detergent due to the residual ingestion that comes from any leftover film on dishes. A quick compilation of concerns was compiled by Crunchy Betty:
- The EWG’s Skin Deep Database lists it as a 5-6 (or moderate hazard), but trying to find the studies they used for their rating proved difficult, and the ones I did find were the nebulous “borax or boric acid” test studies.
- Looking through the ToxNet studies on the NIH website, I see very few that are concerning for any major danger (unless ingested in high quantities). In addition, the Material Safety Data Sheet lists borax as a health hazard of 1, the same as baking soda and salt.
- However, the FDA banned borax as a food additive, and the European Chemicals Agency added it to their “list of substances of very high concern” a few years ago. From what I could find, that had much to do with the ongoing debate as to whether excess boron in the soil harms crops.
- Borax is classified as non-carcinogenic and a mild skin irritant. The high alkalinity of borax is likely what causes skin irritation (just as excessive use of baking soda would cause irritation). There are also several studies in the ToxNet database that show its only a very mild lung irritant and causes no lasting damage. In addition, it does not penetrate the skin well, and is not considered to be bio-accumulative. (Meaning, repetitive use over time does not mean it builds up in your system.)
- The one concern is with its potential to disrupt the reproductive system. Studies have not been done in humans regarding this; however, potential reproductive issues in mice are suspected from high levels of (ingested) borax.
- Borax is acutely toxic in the same manner that salt is (in rats, it’s 4500-5000 mg/kg of body weight, which is A LOT). Ingested in moderate quantities, it causes gastrointestinal upset and nausea. Bottom line: While it may be listed as “poison” on the box, it’s only toxic at very, very high levels. (Like salt, baking soda, and even water is.)
Borax also has some critics citing high residue left on dishes when used in DIY detergents and the recipes I've attempted have definitely struggled with residue and lots of film left on the dishes, so I was game to try something new.
I took a cue from some discussions online ultimately tried a recipe without Borax and featuring a product called Lemi Shine detergent booster.
The company (Envirocon Technologies based in Texas) could be a little less vague, but the made with label lists only real fruit acids and natural citrus oils. The bottle also advertises being manufactured domestically and no phosphates,
I tried the Lemi Shine formula and had really good success. Dishes are clean, no film, and the glassware is clear.
I did cheat a little though because the film and cloudiness created from past DIY detergents has had a severe legacy. After months of using vinegar as a rinse aid, I jumped at the Lemi Shine Shine + Dry when I saw on the shelf next to the detergent booster. Sorry to have confounded variables, but I was desperate to get rid of that film on my dishes.
The rinse aid boasts similar pro and cons as the booster:
Made with Cutting Edge Ingredients: Surfactant: innovative, biodegradable formula that fights spots and film. Fruit acids: specifically formulated to boost! and eliminate hard water minerals. Contains no dyes or preservatives.
