Borax
Borax is a naturally occurring mineral that can be mixed with water to make gentle, yet effective cleaning solution for walls. It is also a mild solvent for paints, glues, casein and emulsified wax. It is a light preservative and antiseptic. It can be used to decorate porcelain, in fertilizer and in soap making.
It's a compound of sodium, oxygen and boron and known generally as sodium borate, sodium tetraborate, or disodium tetraborate.
When mixed with water, Borax has a PH of about 9.5 which is similar to the PH of detergent. Borax works well as a natural cleaner, bactericide, deodorizer and insecticide. Borax is soluble in water and glycerin.
Borax is a gentle but effective cleaning alternative that raises the pH of your detergent enough to kill bacteria without being corrosive enough to damage the surface. Borax can be used to eliminate mold.
Rubber gloves and protective eyewear are recommended when using this product as it is an irritant.
How to effectively clean with Borax:
Mix 1 cup of borax powder with 2 tablespoons of dish detergent in a gallon ( 4 L) of warm water. Use a wet rag or cloth to apply the solution and let sit a few minutes before wiping down surfaces OR put the solution into a spray bottle, spray on surface to be cleaned, let sit a few minutes and wipe down. Once the surface has dried, you can apply paint or primer.
How to remove mold with Borax:
Mix 1 cup of borax into 1 gallon (4 L) of water. Put the solution into a spray bottle and spray on the area affected by mold. Allow the solution to sit for for a few minutes, then scrub the mold away with a scrub brush. Let dry and do not rinse off as a thin layer of borax will prevent mold from growing again.
Product Composition: sodium tetraborate or sodium borate
Characteristics: odourless white powder crystals
Chemical Formula: Na₂[B₄O₅(OH)₄]·8H₂O
