Borax

[hollyisalovelyname]

What is it used for?
I know I saw it mentioned here before.

you can't get it any more. Apart from some industrial purposes, it was banned some years ago due to being a poison that causes birth defects.

It used to be used to kill ants, and in laundry. You can get substitute products.

Thank you Piglet.
I was able to buy it in a pharmacy. Not in the U.K.

Does it whiten whites in the wash ?

I think there are two types- laundry + something else?

this link has some info

Thank you for your replies.
I'm not in the U.K. so borax is available from our local chemist/ pharmacy.
I'm hoping that it will whiten my grey looking whites and the link JenniferJen gave me says it does have a whitening effect.
Strange we can buy Borax over the counter here but have to get a doctor's prescription ( at some cost - not free like on the NHS) for some natural remedies UK mumsnetters can buy off the shelf in Boots.