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I wanted to try using flannel for batting in my preemie quilts. There was some flannel here that had been washed and we declared it a little bit too 'pilly/fuzzy' for anything else so I gave it a try as batting. The flannel smelled like a "Hootchie Mama" (definition available upon request) and the detergent's scent was the suspect. Using my own Grandma's remedy, I washed the finished quilt with a serious amount (about ½ cup) of Borax. There was lots of foamy bubbles in the wash water, none in the rinses. Ta-dah! The quilt has no odor and the flannel is just a great choice for tiny baby quilts. If you decide to try the Borax for removing soap and scents, rinse thoroughly and do not eat any. Something in my memory tells me it is poison, at least to crawly critters. Polly

Reply to
Polly Esther
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I think it is boric acid the bugs don't like. ; ) Taria

Polly Esther wrote:

Reply to
Taria

Boric acid and Borax is what I used to use to extra "fire-proof" the jammies I made for my kids!

-- Connie :)

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Reply to
SewVeryCreative

You are right, Taria. We could try washing some bugs in Borax and see how it goes but we've had so many hard freezes here that even the mosquitoes have left. Polly

"Taria" I think it is boric acid the bugs don't like. ; )

Reply to
Polly Esther

Borax is a good laundry product, I don't care it if it does invoke some old-fashioned memories (20-Mule-Team Borax commercials, remember those?) I have used it for years as an additive for DH's dirty work clothes and for any laundry that's particularly stinky. Arm & Harmmer "washing soda" works well for odors too. It's kind of hard to find anymore though.

Sherry

Reply to
Sherry

If my biology serves me correctly, the borax is ingested by the little buggers (pun intended) which then sucks up all the moisture from their little bodies which makes them swell up like a balloon. Then- pop! Sorry for the visual so close to breakfast time.

AliceW "Hug them while they're here"

Reply to
AliceW

Our local grocery store, Publix, carries it quite a bit. They even had enough to sell to all the science classes in our local middle schools (it was a county wide project AFAIK) so they could make crystal ornaments for Christmas!

She just mixed up some Borax, some salt (or sugar, can't remember - I'll ask her if anyone's interested), and water, popped in two toothpicks tied together to resemble a cross and left it overnight - morning, we had a lovely ornament for the tree!!

-- Connie :)

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Borax is a good laundry product, I don't care it if it does invoke some old-fashioned memories (20-Mule-Team Borax commercials, remember those?) I have used it for years as an additive for DH's dirty work clothes and for any laundry that's particularly stinky. Arm & Harmmer "washing soda" works well for odors too. It's kind of hard to find anymore though.

Sherry

Reply to
SewVeryCreative

I wonder if Borax would work on getting rid of fire ants. H-u-m-m-m-m

My son reminded me of a class project he had as a child. He took cut flowers, just the flower and an inch or so of the stem, and carefully buried them in borax. Left them to dry out. He carefully brushed all the borax off each one and made floral arrangements in a big glass decanter. The flowers did not lose their color at all. He and grandma worked on this project. She had all the pretty flowers in her garden. He got an "A" and gave the arrangement ot the teacher.

I use a handfull of Borax when washing my fabric. Comes out nice and bright with no loss of color.

Kate T. South Mississippi

Reply to
Kate T.

I shall file this little tidbit of info away for later use!! Great tip!

Reply to
Ms P

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