Bore salt

BORAX

Borax – Properties and Uses

Borax (also known as sodium borate or borate compounds) is a natural mineral widely used in wood preservation, mould and rot fungi control, and industrial applications. It is a water-soluble, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly substance that acts primarily as an antiseptic and fire retardant.

🔹 Properties of Borax

✅ Antiseptic and anti-mould – Inhibits the growth of mould, rot fungi, and bacteria.
✅ Pest repellent – Protects wood from destructive insects (e.g., common furniture beetles, wood wasps).
✅ Fire retardant – Slows down the ignition and burning of wood.
✅ Water-soluble – Can be dissolved in water and easily applied to wood surfaces.
✅ Biodegradable and environmentally friendly – Contains no heavy metals or toxic chemicals.
✅ Does not alter wood colour – Also well-suited for indoor protection.

🔹 Uses of Borax

1. Wood preservation and impregnation 🌳

✔️ Log houses, wood exterior cladding, and outdoor structures – Prevents the growth of mould and rot fungi.
✔️ Floors and wooden structures – Protects against moisture damage.
✔️ Restoration of old wooden buildings – Helps combat existing rot and insect damage.

2. Mould and rot fungi control 🍂

✔️ Protective agent for wood and stone structures – Also suitable for damp spaces (e.g., cellars, saunas, bathrooms).
✔️ Prevents mould growth under paint – Used as a primer before painting.

3. Fire retardant 🔥

✔️ Slows down the ignition and burning of wood – Especially used in wooden structures exposed to heat.
✔️ Can be combined with other fire retardants – Added to, for example, water-based wood preservation treatments.

4. Insect control 🐜

✔️ Protects wood from destructive insects – Prevents, for example, common furniture beetles, wood wasps, and ants from nesting.
✔️ Can also be used to repel ants and cockroaches – Sprinkled dry or applied as an aqueous solution.

5. Industrial and household uses 🏡

✔️ As a cleaning agent – Removes grease, dirt, and mould.
✔️ In laundry – Softens water and enhances washing results.
✔️ For stain removal – Removes tough stains from clothes and surfaces.

🔹 Benefits of Borax

1. Environmentally friendly and safe 🌱

✔️ Does not contain toxic chemicals.
✔️ Does not release harmful gases or compounds into the air.

2. Effective protection against mold and decaying fungi 🍃

✔️ Prevents wood decay due to moisture and mold.
✔️ Suitable for both preventative and remedial treatment.

3. Versatile and easy to use 🔧

✔️ Suitable for wood, stone, and concrete.
✔️ Can be used as a water solution, spray, or dry powder.

🔹 Boron Salt use and application

1. Preparation and use of water solution

✔️ Mix 10–15% boron salt in warm water.
✔️ Apply with a brush, sprayer, or by immersion.
✔️ Allow to dry for at least 24 hours before further treatments.

2. Use of dry powder

✔️ Sprinkle directly onto wood surfaces or areas where insect or mold control is desired.
✔️ Used to repel common furniture beetles and ants.

3. Fire retardant treatment

✔️ Mix boron salt in a water solution and brush or spray onto the wood.
✔️ For best fire protection, repeat the treatment 1–2 times.

🔹 Disadvantages and precautions

⚠️ Water solubility – Boron salt can be washed away by rain, so it is not suitable for completely unprotected outdoor surfaces without additional treatment.
⚠️ Not resistant to continuous moisture without surface treatment – Treated surfaces should be protected with tar paint, oil, or varnish.
⚠️ May irritate skin and eyes – Use protective gloves and avoid inhaling dust.