what is borax

Borax is a powdery white substance that is also known as sodium borate, sodium tetraborate, or disodium tetraborate. It is a salt, a hydrated or anhydrous borate of sodium, with the chemical formula Na₂H₂₀B₄O₁₇. Borax is a combination of boron, sodium, and oxygen and is often found in dry lake beds in places like Californias Death Valley, where the water evaporated and left behind deposits of minerals. Borax is used in various household laundry and cleaning products, including specialty toothpaste and mouthwashes, cosmetics, and as a primary standard for acid-base titrimetry. It is also used to make kid-friendly slime, kill pests, and preserve fresh flowers. However, borax can be harmful if swallowed, particularly for children, and can also irritate the skin. Therefore, it is important to use borax with caution and follow the instructions on the product label.