Do you know what a home water distiller is? If not, you’re in for a treat. A water distiller is a machine that takes tap water and turns it into distilled water. This means that all of the impurities are removed from the water, leaving you with pure, clean H2O. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of owning a home water distiller and how to choose the right one for your needs!

Why you need a home water distiller

One of the reasons that home water distillers are gaining in popularity is the increased awareness of the importance of drinking pure water. Although most people think that their tap water is safe, it can actually be full of contaminants that can be harmful to your health.

Another reason to invest in a home water distiller is the taste. Distilled water has a clean, fresh taste that is much better than tap water. If you have ever had the experience of drinking distilled water from a store, you know how much better it tastes.

Finally, home water distillers are a great way to save money. If you are currently buying bottled water, you know how expensive it can be. By investing in a home water distiller, you can save a lot of money in the long run.

How home water distillers work

Water distillation is a process of separating water molecules from contaminants by heating water to its boiling point and then collecting the resulting steam. This process leaves behind any solid contaminants, as well as dissolved minerals and other impurities. The result is pure, distilled water that is safe to drink.

Most home water distillers use an electric heating element to boil the water. The steam produced by the boiling water is then passed through a cooling system, where it condenses back into a liquid. The resulting distilled water is collected in a storage container for later use.

Benefits of using a home water distiller

There are several reasons why you might want to use a home water distiller. One of the most obvious benefits is that it can help you save money. Buying bottled water can be expensive, and it’s not always the most environmentally friendly option. By distilling your own water, you can cut down on waste and reduce your carbon footprint.

Another benefit of using a home water distiller is that it can help improve your health. Distilled water is free of contaminants like bacteria, viruses, and minerals that can be harmful to your health. It’s also helpful for people who have certain medical conditions like kidney disease or diabetes, as it can help them avoid potentially dangerous complications.

Finally, using a home water distiller can simply make your water taste better. If you’re not a fan of the way your tap water tastes, distilled water is a great alternative. It’s also worth noting that distilled water is a good choice for making coffee or tea, as it doesn’t contain any minerals that could alter the taste.

Types of water distillers

There are several types of home water distillers on the market. The two most common are the batch distiller and the countertop distiller.

The batch distiller is the type most often used in commercial settings. It is a large, stainless steel unit that sits on the counter or floor and has a water reservoir that needs to be filled manually. These units can take up to four hours to produce a gallon of distilled water.

The countertop distiller is a smaller unit that sits on the counter and has a built-in water reservoir. These units typically have a one-gallon capacity and can produce distilled water in about 2 to 3 hours hour.

When choosing a home water distiller, it is important to consider your needs and budget. If you only need a small amount of distilled water, then a countertop unit may be all you need. If you need larger amounts of distilled water, then you may want to consider investing in a batch distiller. In most cases a countertop distiller is sufficient to start with.

How to choose the right home water distiller

When you want to buy a home water distiller, you will find that there are many models and options on the market. So, how do you know which one is the best for you? This guide will help you choose the right home water distiller for your needs.

There are several factors to consider when choosing a home water distiller. The first is the size of the unit. Home water distillers come in a variety of sizes, from small countertop models to larger floor models. The size you need will depend on how much distilled water you need to produce and where you plan to store it.

Another factor to consider is the type of heating element used in the unit. Some home water distillers use an electric heating element, while others use a stovetop heating element. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. Electric heating elements are more expensive to operate, but they are more efficient and easier to use. Stovetop heating elements are less expensive to operate, but they can be slower and more difficult to control.

Finally, you need to decide what features you want in your home water distiller. Some units come with filters that remove impurities from the water before it is distilled. Others have automatic shut-off features that turn the unit off when the desired level of purity is reached. Still others have storage tanks that allow you to store distilled water for future use. Choose the features that best meet your needs.

Typically the countertop image above are the most popular units. They require no filters and produce about 2 gallons of pure, clean, distilled water.

How to use a home water distiller – How they work

1)Fill the boiling chamber of your unit with water to the fill line.
2)Connect the power cord to an outlet, and then turn on the distiller by pressing the power switch. The red light will come on, indicating that the unit is heating the water.
3)It will take about 2-3 hours to distill a gallon of water. The green light will come on when distillation is complete.
4)Once distillation is complete, allow the unit to cool for 30 minutes before opening the lid.
5)Pour the distilled water into a clean container for storage.

Caring for your home water distiller

Once you have your home water distiller properly installed, you only need to do a few things to keep it running smoothly and ensuring it produces the best quality distilled water.

The most important requirement is to keep your distiller clean. After about 3 or 4 uses of the countertop unit you will notice a limescale build up. This can be difficult to remove. The way that you clean this build up is to use a ‘Still Clean’. The one I use is shown below which came with the unit. Click the image below to find alternative products on Amazon.

To use the Still Cleaner I fill the distiller with water and add a table spoon of Still Clean. I use a wooden spoon so as not to scratch the inside of the unit and mix the descaler until completely dissolved. I then leave to sit for approximately 2 to 3 hours. After that time tip the water down the sink and wipe the bottom clean.

To clean the limescale without the descaler is very difficult without damaging the distiller.

Frequently asked questions about home water distillers

Frequently asked questions about home water distillers

How often should I clean my home water distiller?
You should clean your home water distiller unit once a week or after using 3 to 4 times. Change the water in the storage tank every two to three days, and clean the housing and boiling chamber with a descaler as shown above.

What are the white flakes in my distilled water?
The white flakes are residue from the boiling process and are completely harmless. They will not affect the taste or quality of your distilled water.

Why does my distilled water have a funny taste?
If your distilled water tastes strange, it could be caused by a number of factors, including:
-a build-up of minerals in the boiling chamber,
-the type of filter you are using,
-the quality of the water you are using to fill the unit, or
-the length of time the unit has been in use.
If you notice a change in the taste of your distilled water, it is recommended that you clean your unit and replace the filter.

Final thoughts

Home water distillers are a great way to improve the quality of your drinking water. By removing contaminants and other pollutants, these machines can provide you with clean and safe water for drinking, cooking, and bathing. If you’re interested in purchasing a home water distiller, be sure to do your research first. There are many different models on the market, so it’s important to find one that fits your needs and budget. And remember, always use distilled water for making baby formula or coffee! Thanks for reading our guide on home water distillers. We hope you found it helpful.

The post Home Water Distiller: What You Need to Know appeared first on EpicPrepper.

Would you like to learn how to purify rainwater for drinking? If so, you have come to the right place! In this blog post. We will teach you everything you need to know about purifying rainwater. We will discuss the different methods that can be used, as well as the benefits of using purified rainwater. So, if you are interested in learning more about this topic, keep reading!

Benefits of drinking rainwater:

There are many benefits of drinking rainwater. For one, it is a natural source of water that is free from chemicals and other pollutants. Additionally, rainwater is naturally soft, which means it can be easier on your digestive system. Finally, rainwater contains minerals that are beneficial for your health, such as calcium and magnesium.

Rain water harvesting is also a great way to help the environment but limiting storm water runoff therefore does not spill into our clean rivers.

Can you get sick from drinking rainwater

Some people may ask if you can get sick from drinking rainwater. The answer is no, as long as the water has been properly purified. While rainwater itself is clean, it can pick up pollutants from the air and ground as it falls. This is why it’s important to purify your rainwater before drinking it.

According to NSW Government website rainwater is a safe and suitable to drink providing it has little taste or smell and is free of suspended material. There are no guarantees of course so additional methods of purification may be required as we discuss later.

Different methods of purifying rain

There are several ways to purify rainwater. One method is to boil the water for at least one minute. Another is to use a water filter that can remove contaminants, such as bacteria and viruses. You can also purify rainwater using ultraviolet light or chlorine tablets.

Whichever method you choose, be sure to follow the instructions carefully to ensure that the water is safe to drink.

With a little bit of effort, you can purify rainwater and have access to clean drinking water, even when the tap water is not safe. By using one of the methods described above, you can purify rainwater and make it safe to drink.

Best way to collect rainwater

The most popular way to collect rainwater is with a rain barrel. A rain barrel is a large container that collects water from your roof and stores it for later use. Most rain barrels have a spigot on the bottom so that you can easily access the stored water.

Methods to purify rainwater

There are several methods of purifying your water, but the two most common methods are boiling and using a water filter.

Boiling is the most effective way to purify water, but it does require some effort. You will need to bring the water to a boil and then let it cool before you can drink it.

Using a water filter is an easier method of purifying

 Ultraviolet light

The most efficient method for disinfecting bacteria from water is ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV rays ( Ultraviolet light ) harm germs’ genetic core (DNA) and destroy disease-causing microbes. This is very successful in preventing germs from reproducing.

UV disinfection is a very simple, successful, and ecologically safe method to sanitize your water. UV systems destroy 99.99 percent of harmful germs without adding chemicals or altering the taste or odor of your water. UV purification is frequently used in tandem with other types of filtration, such as reverse osmosis units and

Filtration

Simply, filtration removes impurities from water, significantly lowering the risk of anything undesirable or tiny that may have been present. This results in filtered water that is cleaner and purer than it was before, making it suitable for Ballast Tanks, industrial systems, and a variety of other applications.

Water filtration can help avoid the contamination of other objects. Farmers, for example, use filtered water to guard against chemicals or germs changing the pH levels in their soil. The composition of soil is very important when growing a variety of plants, therefore farmers cannot take any risks with unpredictable contaminants affecting the mix of their soil.

Consider the case of ballast water. It’s important to carefully monitor how it affects other parts of our ocean, because even one little mistake can have lasting effects on wildlife and biodiversity in an entire region!

Data shows that filtering cargo ships’ dumping grounds will help prevent animals from getting carried away by currents or ending up somewhere new where they might drastically altering ecosystem diversity – so keep this practice going strong with your own business today!.

In the end, any business that uses water to conduct its operations can benefit from filtering it before use. Filtering your water will lead to clearer and safer water for everyone.

Chlorine

Chlorination is one of the most common water disinfection techniques. This technique was first employed over a century ago, and it is still in use today. It’s a chemical disinfection process that uses various forms of chlorine or chlorine-containing chemicals to oxidize and disinfect any water that will be used for drinking.

Solar Pasteurization

Pasteurization is the process of heating water to 65°C (149 °F) for 6 minutes or more, which will kill all germs and viruses. This treatment can be achieved through pasteurized solar energy as well! However it’s not easy when you need point-of use equipment because there are many factors that affect how effective this form on disinfection might actually turn out being in some cases .

Final Thoughts

As you can see collecting, purifying and drinking rainwater is not as difficult as it may seem. There are several options you can choose to be certain that the rainwater you storing is clean and safe to drink. With a little bit of preparation, you can have an endless supply of clean drinking water for you and your family.

Self-disinfecting rainwater is important to do if you are in an emergency situation and do not have access to clean drinking water.

The post How to Purify Rainwater for Drinking appeared first on EpicPrepper.

There is no one definitive answer when it comes to the best storm shelter to this question. It depends on your needs and what type of storm shelter will best suit those needs. Some factors you may want to consider include size, cost, portability, and durability. A storm shelter should protect you from most if not all severe weather conditions and natural disasters. If you’re not sure which option is best for you, consult an expert for advice. A qualified professional can help you choose the right storm shelter for your home and locality.

What are the types of storm shelter?

There are several different types of storm shelters available on the market. Some of the most popular include above ground shelters, below ground shelters, and portable shelters. The most common type being the underground shelter. They can be made of steel, fiberglass or concrete. If made of concrete the mixture is typically classified as #3000 or greater test strength which meets FEMA and NSSA recommendations.

1. What type of storm shelter is best for your family and home.

The best type of storm shelter for your family and home depends on your specific needs and requirements. You may need to consider factors such as size, cost, portability, and durability when making your decision. It is also a good idea to consult with an expert before making a final decision. A qualified professional can help you choose the right storm shelter.

2. The benefits of each type of storm shelter.

Underground shelters can provide a high level of protection, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider Each type of storm shelter has its own unique benefits. For example, underground shelters are typically very durable and can provide a high level of protection from severe weather. They can also be customized to meet your specific needs. Fiberglass shelters are often lighter and more portable than other types of shelters, making them a good option for those who may need to evacuate quickly. Above-ground shelters can provide a great view of the surrounding area and are typically easier to access than underground shelters and cheaper to build.

3. The potential drawbacks of each type of storm shelter.

The potential drawback for an underground storm shelter is that it can be difficult to access in an emergency situation. Above-ground shelters may not provide as much protection from the elements as underground shelters, but they can be a good option for those who need to evacuate quickly. Fiberglass shelters are often more expensive than other types of shelters and may not be as durable.

4. How to choose the right storm shelter for your needs.

It’s important to choose a storm shelter that will meet your specific needs. If you live in an area that is prone to tornadoes, you may want to consider an underground shelter. If you live in an area that is susceptible to hurricanes, an above-ground shelter may be a better option. Fiberglass shelters are a good choice for those who need a durable shelter that is light and strong. The type of shelter you choose should be based on your specific needs and the type of weather conditions that are common in your area.

5. The benefits of having a storm shelter.

A storm shelter can provide protection from extreme weather conditions and can help to keep you safe during a storm. Storm shelters can also provide a place to store food and provisions when space is limited . Having a storm shelter can give you peace of mind knowing that you have a safe place to go in the event of a severe storm.

6. How to build a storm shelter.

Building a storm shelter is a relatively simple process. There are many different plans available online and in hardware stores. The most important thing to remember when building a storm shelter is to make sure that it is structurally sound and will be able to withstand the force of a severe storm.

7. Where to put a storm shelter.

The best place to put a storm shelter is in an area that is not prone to flooding or other weather-related hazards. It is also important to make sure that the storm shelter is close enough and easily accessible in case of an emergency.

8. What to put in a storm shelter.

When stocking a storm shelter, it is important to have enough supplies to last for several days. This includes food, water, first-aid supplies, and any other essentials that may be needed in case of an emergency.

Conclusion:

A storm shelter is a vital piece of emergency equipment that can help keep you and your family safe during a severe storm. When choosing a storm shelter, it is important to consider its size, location, and what to put inside of it. By following these guidelines, you can be sure that you are prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws your way.

The post What type of storm shelter is best? appeared first on EpicPrepper.

A drought can be a very frightening event. Not only does it put a strain on the environment, but it can also have a negative impact on our daily lives. In this blog post, we will discuss what you need to do to survive a drought. We will provide tips on how to conserve water and what you can do to make your home more drought-friendly. Stay safe and stay hydrated!

This article will mainly focus on homeowners or off gridders. We will focus on steps to take when a drought is eventuating and how to manage your water wisely to get past the drought.

Impacts of drought

Drought is a disaster that can strike without warning, and its impact grows over time. Unlike other natural disasters such as hurricanes or earthquakes which are typically limited in scope due to their intensity (though they still kill many people). The threat posed by droughts goes far beyond death figures. It wreaks havoc on crops through lack of rainfall leading towards food shortages and lack of fresh water.

Droughts are a natural occurrence that can be aggravated by human actions. However, there’s no way to predict when or where they’ll happen without considering the local weather patterns and water consumption rates in each area of interest!

Drought is a huge problem for developing countries and can have many impacts. It causes water shortages which lead to food inflation, civil unrest (especially when there’s no rain), as well an increase in pre-existing problems like hunger or migration because of how much it affects their lives on every level from economic perspective.

What can we do in a drought situation

Sometimes people feel helpless when they are confronted with a drought situation. This is the time to have a plan in place, but more importantly it is more advantages to have measures already in place that can alleviate the fear and strain this could cause to survive a drought.

Common sense is key when dealing with potential drought situations. Keep well informed of your environment, such as keeping an eye on river and lake levels in your local area. If you notices changes check with your local water board for reasons this could be happening. Even having an intimate knowledge of the rain waterfall in your area and checking it against you own rain gauge if you have one.

There is much we can do to help us get through a drought situation. The follow tips, will, if implemented withstand against most drought situations.

What do you need to survive a drought? – Here’s our list of water saving tips that should be implemented to minimize drought situations.

Indoor Water Tips

• Repair any leaky taps. This is as easy as replacing the washers. Make it a habit to check faucets regularly.
• Do a water meter test to check that there are no underground leaks. To begin the test turn of all taps, take a meter reading, wait 30 minutes and check that the meter is still the same. If not, you may have a leak somewhere.
• Take shorter showers
• You can replace your shower head, there are some great ones on the market that use less water.
• Placing a bucket in the shower and gathering any excess to use elsewhere is a great idea.
• When brushing your teeth don’t keep the water running.
• When waiting for the hot water to arrive, capture that cold water for other uses.
• Instead of using the sink disposal start a compost.
• Use the dishwasher only when it is completely full.
• Scrape plates instead of rinsing them before placing in dishwasher.
• Same goes with washing machine, wait until it’s completely full.
• When buying new appliances check the water efficiency ratings if it uses water.
• Install a dual-flush toilet

Outdoor Water Tips

• If you water your lawn, don’t over water it. Lawns can be watered every 7 days or so.
• Use a shut-off nozzle when washing your car.
• Use car wash that is environmentally friendly. So when washing your car over the lawn it doesn’t damage it.
• Check sprinkler systems – make sure there are no leaks and they are positioned in the right places and not watering walls.
• Cover pools and spas when not in use to reduce water evaporation.
• Plant natives and drought resistant grasses and shrubs. They require less frequent watering.
• Water plants in the early morning or late evening.
• Use mulch to retain water moisture and therefore requiring less watering.
• Use air-blower instead of hose where necessary.
• Re-use any grey water collected from shower and any taps your capturing water.
• Install a rainwater tank, they are sometimes funded by local governments.
• Install a well. This can be funded by local government and is relatively cheap if not.

Final thoughts

As you can see there’s much one individual can do to survive a drought. The question is what could many achieve? Get everyone in the family involved in changing habits that will make the world of difference. Another important factor is to share your knowledge with the community at large. Encourage everyone to change their habits. This type of wide reaching change can make a huge impact to our environment for the better. Just remember not to become complacent and keep in tune with your environment.

The post What do you need to survive a drought? appeared first on EpicPrepper.

A fishing survival kit should be small and compact enough to easily fit in a backpack, glove box, bug out bag or a survival bag. Although large enough to store enough fishing essential gear that will allow you to catch fish during emergency situations.

Today we will look at how you can setup your own fishing survival kit very cheaply and easily. The fishing components are few and easily obtained from your local tackle shop or bought online. If your a beginner to intermediate I will show you two easy fishing knots that you will learn in minutes. We will also discuss some tips and tricks to improve your chances to catching a feed.

Our diy mini survival kit will contain generic items to be used in many, if not all situations. As long as you have access to water, be it a river, creek, dam, estuary, pier, rocks, sea or anything in between you will have enough items in your fishing survival kit to attempt to catch a feed. This article will not specialize in any particular type of fishing but an all rounder with basic items to arm you with enough gear and knowledge to be successful.

Putting together the mini fishing survival kit

To begin, we will need a small tackle box or any small plastic container preferably more flat than squarish, this will make it easier to store. Down below I will provide a photo of one of several mini fishing kit which I keep in the in my bug out bag. If your concerned about water or moisture getting into the container you can buy a waterproof metal tin.

Fishing line

The most important item you require will be a good quality line. What I prefer to use is one that is not too thick as we wont be catching marlin. Our target fish will be small to medium native fish so we need a line that is flexible yet sturdy and rugged enough to withstand snags, rocks submerged branches and the like. In short a 10lb good quality line is ideal for our mini kit.

Our other consideration is to find or make something to carry and store the line in our container. Such as the below which took me minutes to make. Just wind the line via the notches, easy as pie.

Hooks

The next most important item you will need are hooks. So having a good amount and variety is paramount to success. I prefer the long shanked hooks as they can prevent getting cut lines. Purchasing stainless steel hooks are ideal, they resist salt water fairly well and last a long time.

Float

The next item we need is a float. this comes in handy when fishing in areas where there are many snags in the water. This is common with many rivers and lakes so having a float can be beneficial. One advantage in using floats is you can use the drift of the water to fish a larger area. We are limited for space so having a small float is a better option in this case.

Sinkers

Sinkers is another important item but not essential, we mainly require sinkers to keep the bait down and we only require a small one to do this job effectively.

Lures

Having a good selection of lures is also a good idea, we obviously have the constraint of space so we should choose something smallish but effective.

The celta lure is my favorite for freshwater fishing. I’ve had many successes with them over the years.

Swivels

Swivels are not paramount to store in our fishing survival kit as we want to keep the items at a minimum. The good news is they are generally very small so having a couple is not a show stopper. Keeping a half a dozen size 10 swivels would not take up much space so having a few on hand can be helpful but not essential if you have space constraints.

Fishing scissors

This is another handy item that I always carry. It doesn’t take a lot of space and can save you from chipped teeth, which is how I once cut fishing line.

Two fishing knots is all you need

Locked Clinch Knot

If you would like a knot to tie hooks, floats, swivels, sinkers and just about anything really then you will love this knot. You can learn this in minutes and with a some practice will stay with you forever.

The image on the left clearly shows how this knot is made. As you can see it’s basically a 3 step process. Get yourself a hook and some line and practice this until you get it down pat.

The second knot is a little more complicated but not earth shattering. This knot is called a dropper loop and can be used to add extra hooks or lures to your rig. Being a strong and sturdy knot it’s rarely let me down. These two knots will get you through most if not all fishing situations.

Bait

Fresh bait is the best but that’s not say you wont have equal success with lures. As mentioned I’ve had many successes with celta lures and it’s my first option when fishing freshwater. If on occasion you find you have lost your lures then the best freshwater bait is worms, bugs, grasshoppers. They are plentiful and fairly easy to collect by scrounging around your immediate environment. If near saltwater finding a nearby rock pool will present you with crabs, worms, mussels, barnacles and small fish. I may create another post about how to collect fresh bait in fresh and salt water environments.

Final thoughts

I hope you’ve taken some great insights and learnings into putting together your own emergency fishing kit. If your not an avid angler this post should have given you enough knowledge from tying knots to gathering bait to get you started. It obviously isn’t a comprehensive fishing guide, there’s better websites that can teach you those skills. I would encourage you to put kit items together yourself but if you would like to buy a ready made survival fishing kit I have a recommendation for you down below which I purchased for someone a while back.

If you fell compelled or don’t have the inclination to make your own fishing kit this is my best Amazon fishing survival kit. For around $16 (at time of writing) you will get all the basic gear you need. The tin box is water and moisture resistant and enough gear to catch fish. They do have a standard version but I don’t it’s necessary for a fishing survival kit.

If your not an avid angler and you need to buy the items listed above separately it could get pricey. if your strapped for time it may be a better option to buy a ready made kit.

The post Best fishing survival kit to make yourself appeared first on EpicPrepper.

In this article we explain 20 borax uses that will surprise many not familiar with borax.

Borax is also known as boron, sodium borate, disodium tetraborate  or sodium tetraborate tetraborate. It’s a composition of boron, sodium, water and oxygen.

Borax is a component of many popular products found in stores all around the world. Products such as detergents, surface sprays, cosmetics, fire retardant ant-rid products just to name a few. It is also used to make fiberglass and a flux in metallurgy.

Where is borax found?

Borax is a naturally occurring mineral found primarily in United States, Turkey, Chile, Bolivia, Tibet and Romania. It is a product created by the evaporation of lakes and is in the form of crystals. When these lakes evaporate they leave a deposit of borax which is collected for manufacture. This biggest deposits are found in the countries listed above.

According to sciencedirect Borax has a ph of 9.13 when dissolved in water. This makes it very alkaline and naturally not a good idea to handle borax directly and undiluted as it could leave skin feeling itchy and irritated. Although using borax is much less toxic than some other commercial products which are used around the home. It can be used safely for many and varied borax uses.

Along with baking soda, lemon juice and vinegar it is a versatile and valuable product to store and keep around the house. They have many and varied uses, either around the home or garden. We will discuss in detail how we can use borax in so many different ways it will amaze you.

Borax uses

1. Remove clothing stains: Works best for grease, oil and soiled clothes. To achieve this add half cup of borax for each gallon of water, soak for 30 mins then add to washing machine with your preferred detergent.

2. Clear clogged pipes and drains: Pour a cup of borax down the clogged drain and then pour 4 cups of boiling water. Let it sit for 20 minutes and flush with more boiling water.

3. Toilet bowl cleaner: Simply add half cup of borax in the bowl and using a scrub brush give the bowl a good clean.

4. Remove bad odors in the home: To create an odor neutralizing spray, add half cup of borax with one and a half cups of warm water and add a few drops of your favorite essential oil and transfer to a spray bottle. Spray where bad odors reside such laundry, toilet areas or anywhere that’s a problem area.

5. General surface cleaner: Add a little borax to a damp cloth and clean your desired surface. When you have finished clean those same surfaces with damp cloth. You can clean just about anything from table tops, cookware, faucets, handles etc.

6. Controlling pests around the home: Insects that groom themselves don’t do so well with borax around. Specifically insects like ants, silverfish, cockroaches and fleas. Apply a light coating of borax around the problem areas, this will help to reduce or eliminate there numbers.

7. Grout remover: Removing grout is a breeze using our wonder cleaner. This will require making a thick paste by adding 1 cup of borax, 1.5 cups baking soda and continue adding vinegar until you get a nice thick paste. Add some of the paste onto a toothbrush or small brush and apply to the grout. Let it soak for around 10 minutes then using the brush scrub off the grout. When done rinse the area with clean water. This will also inhibit further mold to appear for longer than normal.

8. Rust remover: Mix 1 cup borax with lemon juice until it turn into a thick paste. Apply it to the rusted area and leave to soak for about 15 minutes. Use either steel brush or steel sponge to remove the rust. You may need to repeat the process for difficult rust stains. Remember to rinse with clean water after removing the rust.

9. Clean windows: Create a spray mixture but adding 1 table spoon borax with warm water. Place in a spray bottle and away you go. I use scrunched up newspaper instead of a cloth and does a great job.

10. Carpet stain removal: For hard to get out stains use a quarter cup of borax with 1 cup of warm water. Add to the stained area and leave to soak for about 20 minutes. Use a moist rag and wipe or scrub the stain, if required, leave to dry. For better results use a steam cleaner, this does a really good job for hard to get out stains.

11. Home made soap for dishes: This is a great way to save some money by adding a cup of borax, 1 table spoons baking soda to a finely grated soap bar. Mix together in a shallow tray. Leave to dry overnight and cut the dried mixture in half to get 2 bars of soap.

12. Kill weeds: To create the mixture add 1 cup borax to 1 gallon(4 liters) of water and pour into spray bottle. This is great for clearing weeds in and around paved areas. If you do decide to spray weeds in amongst the garden then spray directly onto the leaves of the weed itself and not the soil and the plants you want to keep.

13. Garbage bin cleaner and deodorizer: This is my once a month chore and works great. In an empty garbage bin add 2 cup borax and 2 gallons (8 litres) of boiling water. Use a broom to scrub the inside and outside of the bin. Use a smaller brush for tight spots. This will leave your bin spotless and odor free.

14. Goo remover: This is great for removing goo such as chewing gum from hard surfaces around the home. Make a solution by adding 2 table spoons of borax in a small jar with another 3 table spoons of water and apply to the goo. Leave to sit for a few minutes and slowly with a toothbrush start peeling of from the sides.

15. Humidifier cleaner: This is another one of those borax uses that’s unusual but effective. Even humidifiers need a clean after a while. Add 1 cup with 1 gallon (4 liters) of water in the tank and run the humidifier for around 15 minutes. Once done rinse the tank with clean water and there you have it.

16. Nourish fruit trees: Use this method sparingly as too much would be counter productive. Sprinkle about 1 cup of borax around the base of a mature fruit tree. Only use a quarter of that for a young tree. This can be done every 4 years or so.

17. Car Upholstery cleaner: Simply sprinkle a thin layer of borax directly onto the upholstery, leave to sit for 5 minutes and either vacuum cleaner or for better results use a steam cleaner using just water.

18. Whitten pillows: We know how dirty pillows can get. Try this method first before running out to buy new ones. It’s a good idea to do this to all you pillow cases in the house. In a bucket of hot water add 1 cup of laundry detergent, 1 cup bleach and half cup of borax. Leave to soak for thirty minutes to allow the cleaning process to get started. Give them a hand scrub and now run the pillows through a full cycle in the washing machine.

19. Athlete foot soak: Do you have problems with athletes foot? Can be caught from hot environments like locker rooms, showers and pools, usually in public areas. Remember to wear thongs or slippers in these areas. First grab a bucket big enough to place you feet in comfortably and add half cup of borax to warm water and mix well. Soak your feet for as long as your comfortable and rinse feet thoroughly. The more frequent you soak the quicker you can rid yourself of athletes foot.

20. Clean violin and guitar strings: Make a diluted mixture of one part borax with 4 parts water and after dissolving the mixture dampen a towel into the mixture and clean the strings thoroughly. Now enjoy clean and longer lasting strings. Another little known borax uses that few people would know.

Final thoughts:

As you can clearly see borax is another one of those precious commodities that all preppers should have in stock. It has multiple borax uses, it is very cheap, easy to store and doesn’t take much space. As opposed to other detergents and cleaners according to NPIC it is non-carcinogenic and that’s got to be a good thing right! Sure it is highly alkaline with a ph of 9 but in diluted form it is relatively safe. Be sure to use common sense with it’s usage, but used safely it can be a safe and valuable product to have around. There are several varieties of borax to purchase but they are mostly fairly similar.

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