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How to Make Borax Powder

Borax is a powdered form of boric acid crystals, which come from the element boron. Boric acid has many beneficial properties. It is used as an insecticide, antiseptic, flame retardant and mineral supplement. Rather than purchasing premade borax at a home supply store, you can make your own from boric acid crystals sold wherever chemistry supplies are sold. Use extreme caution when handling boric acid, as the exact effect on humans is unknown, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Things You'll Need

Latex gloves
Boric acid crystals
Small grinder
Airtight container

Instructions

- 1
  Purchase boric acid crystals at a home supply store or at a store that sells chemistry supplies. Purchase a small grinder that you can use to grind the boric acid. Do not use a grinder that you use for food, as boric acid can be toxic to ingest, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
- 2
  Place a small amount of the crystals into the grinder.
- 3
  Grind the crystals into a fine powder.
- 4
  Pour the powder into an airtight container. This will prevent the powder from clumping or causing injury to curious pets or children. Label the powder and store it in a safe place out of the reach of children and pets.

Rocks & Minerals