Borax
Health Benefits

Borax Scent: What to Expect and How to Use It

| Modified on Dec 14, 2024
The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Borax Scent
Posted by Mary (Boston, Ma, Usa) on 04/29/2013

Has anyone else here had problems with 20 Mule Team Borax lately? The recent boxes I purchased seemed to have a noticeable fragrance added. Was very irritating as I'm highly chemical and scent sensitive. I called the manufacturer and they told me that nothing's been changed or added; I'm unconvinced. I've used Borax for years and never experienced this until just recently. Am hopeful my experience was a fluke but am looking at other sources for Borax.

Some previous posters here had noted a scent so was wondering if anyone else here might have noticed it as well. Many at Earth Clinic use it for medicinal reasons and they'd notice a change.

Borax Scent
Posted by Bess (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) on 04/30/2013

Hi Mary - I just checked my container of borax and there is no smell BUT I've had the box for awhile so perhaps the new stock carries a fragrance. Also, I'm in Canada so maybe there are different formulas for export to various countries.

Does borax absorb odours like baking soda does? The smell in the detergent aisle of the supermarket is so overpowering, I'm wondering if it's absorbing odours from the other products. It's too bad so many people feel the need for toxic fragrance in just about everything.

Have you tried the health food store in the laundry section? If they don't have it in stock, they may be able to order it for you (as long as it isn't a "repackaged" 20 Mule Team product). Good luck! Bess


Borax Scent
Posted by Rebel (Somewhere, Usa) on 07/30/2014

I have seen a lot of posst on here about BORAX now being scented in many markets. I also read, where some guy that was promoting borax as an arthritis cure, said to stock up on it, as soon it would be removed from shelves.... Sorry for not having that source to list, I read so much it is impossible for me to add everything to my favorites and list.

Just my opinion, maybe the company that makes the borax is coming under fire from some outside source and is being encouraged to add fragrance to the product now. I have been able to still get 100% all natural 20 mule team at my area grocery stores, but any day that could end. I don't think they would quit making the stuff or selling it, but adding fragrance may be a way to discourage internal use.

I want to buy several boxes to put up, but not sure how or where to store it long term. We have to continue to think ahead of them, because no sick people equals no money for them. So I would strongly encourage people that have access to the 100% all natural to stock up on it as soon as possible.


Borax Scent
Posted by Evi (La Center,wa) on 07/29/2014

I just bought 20 mule borax at walmart.. no scents at all...


Borax Scent
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee) on 07/30/2014

Another thought on storing Borax...it does seem to absorb odours, thus the common concern that it has fragrance...it is on the shelf with strongly scented laundry products and absorbs their odours.

For long term storage, I think glass jars, of light, would be ideal. Even food grade freezer weight storage bags will have an odour transfer, so I don't think they would be the best, though they may be better than the box the borax comes in.

Just a few thoughts....

~Mama to Many~


Borax Scent
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee) on 07/30/2014

Meant to say,

"For long term storage, I think glass jars *out* of light, would be ideal. (In other words, in a cool dark place.)

~Mama~


Borax Scent
Posted by Jacqui (Devon, Uk) on 03/02/2016

Strange that Canada should ban Lugol's. Spoke to a friend recently returned from Canada, and she was surprised by how many cannabis plants she saw growing in people's back gardens. Definitely weird country.