dumb question - is borax the same thing

[becstarlitsea]

... as washing soda crystals, or are they different?

I've got a recipe for an all-purpose cleaner that uses borax, and another different recipe that uses washing soda crystals. I managed to get some washing soda but don't know whether I can safely use in both recipes or not? If so I'd like to try both and then decide which I like best. If not, I don't want to end up gassing myself!

[ceres]

they are different.

i think i bought borax from wilkinsons - i know the make was dri-pak. not sure if the main supermarkets do it or not.

[PandaG]

you can get borax from tesco - their own brand, in the cleaning aisle

[eatincakealot]

or from any pharmamcy...also use it to make silly putty with my DS!

[becstarlitsea]

Great, thank you! I'll get some borax as well.