This borax substitute is a natural mineral compound discovered over 4000 years ago it is usually found deep within the ground and has numerous domestic and commercial uses the crystals are odourless and can be mixed with most other cleaning agents dont use this borax substitute around food keep it out of reach of children and pets and make sure you rinse it out of clothes and off surfaces before use pure borax is on the eus list of substances of very high concern borax imported to eu m