Borax

Dh works for a supermarket chain, so he's pretty well versed on what products are available and what aren't and he's never heard of Borax. Anyone have any idea if there's a UK equivilent?

Borax is here, but it's often hard to find.  Boots usually carries it.

Ahhh, I didn't even think of Boots. Thanks Cait!!!

No probs!  If you can't get it at Boots, some local chemists will stock it or get it for you.  If all else fails and you have to have it, let me know because I have a website that will sell it as well.  The problem with buying online is that the shipping is a bit expensive.

What's the UK equiv to Arm & Hammer baking soda?

Straight bicarbonate of soda, though grocery stores only seem to sell them in little containers.

Not sure if this will help you but it appears you can order  borax from here:
http://www.dripak.co.uk/sodacrystals.htm
I bought their soda crystals at Sainsburys..it did a great job of cleaning my tea pots.

Damn. Now this thread has to get a tad complicated because of that link, hantsmamma! 

Right, "saf" passed on a home remedy for fleas (our fluffy child has apparently found a place outside where they are plentiful and brought them home with her) that involved Borax. So far, so good. But that sodacrystals site says:

Don't use Borax around food, keep it out of reach of children and pets, and make sure you rinse borax out of clothes and off surfaces before use.

So what is it? Safe for pets? Not safe for pets? OK to shake into the carpet and hoover up or in need of rinsing? Urgh.

Sorry about that!  According to this link there are two types of borax-household and laundry
http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/forum/8204602601.html
And here is something dealing with fleas and pets that states borax is OK
http://www.pethealthcare.co.uk/dogs/asktheexperts/qadetail.asp?section=dogs&questionid=88

I get it in Boots and make a surface cleanser w/it.

What section in Boots is it and is it just called Borax or is there a different brand name? I've never used it before and will be asking my husband to pick it up this afternoon so I need to know what to tell him to get. I plan on using it for the carpets and laundry, are there different kinds?

Boots has a small section of own brand laundry powders and liquids.  Not all Boots.  It should be in there.  It's also good for clearing out the U-bend in your kitchen sink.  Saw it on Kim & Aggie last week, tried it, and it worked like a charm.

And it's called Borax? Is it in a big container or small?

And it's called Borax? Is it in a big container or small?

Yep, it's called 'Domestic Borax' and is sold in a slim white box w/a Boots logo on it.  Think it's 500g - the box has two plastic pouches of it inside. 

Thanks muchly -- hopefully the big Boots here has it.