Mistral How To: 2012

Thursday, 28 June 2012

Using Hydrogen Peroxide for Cleaning

Hydrogen peroxide is a great way to clean all sorts of things. It works well at killing germs, whitening items, cleaning, and even fighting mould and mildew. In fact, it is a good replacement for bleach and can be used in all the ways that bleach can without the harmful side effects, dangerous fumes, and harm to the environment. You can use bleach all over the house and in a wide range of methods for a very sparkling home that has less bacteria.

Surfaces. Put hydrogen peroxide 3% into a spray bottle and use it as an all purpose cleaner. This can be used for appliances, counters, sinks, dish racks, and other surfaces in the kitchen. In addition, it can be used as a cleaner in the shower, tub, toilet, and the bathroom sink. Spray the surface, leave it for a few moments and wipe it clean for a fresh smelling and clean surface.

Floors. Use your spray bottle to spray the floor down and wipe it clean. Or add 1 cup of peroxide 3% to 1/2 gallon of hot water and give your floor a really good scrubbing.

Toilets. Pour hydrogen peroxide 3% from the bottle up and around the rim of the toilet. Pour additional hydrogen peroxide 3% on your brush. Scrub the toilet as usual. This will kill bacteria and clean it sparkling. It is also a good idea to spray down any surfaces on top, down the sides, and around the base with hydrogen peroxide 3% from your spray bottle for a very clean effect.

Mould and mildew. Hydrogen peroxide 3% will kill mould and mildew without the harsh results of bleach. Spray on heavily to mould and mildew spots or stains and let sit for ten minutes. Scrub clean.

Dishes. Add 1/2 cup of hydrogen peroxide 3% to your dishwasher or dish water and have cleaner dishes. This will aid in the cleaning, add a sparkling touch, and will kill bacteria. Plus if it is used in a dishwasher it will help keep the dishwasher cleaner longer.

Laundry. Add a cap full (the white cap on the bottle) to the laundry with about 1/2 the normal amount of soap and you will have cleaner laundry that is also whiter. If you use bleach on your whites then replace the bleach with peroxide 3% and wash as normal for white whites without the harm of bleach.

Stains. Peroxide 3% can help remove organic stains from grout, cloth, and carpet
It can bleach so test the material in a place that isn’t as easily seen. Then use it on the stain. Pour directly on stain, scrub clean with a brush and rinse well.

Sponges. Keep your sponges clean by soaking it in hydrogen peroxide 3% and then letting it dry. You will want to leave it in a dish of peroxide 3% (it can be diluted for making it go father, use 50% water and 50% peroxide 3%). Let soak five to ten minutes (or more). This will kill the bacteria in the deepest parts of the sponge. Then let it dry in the air. Let it dry thoroughly before using again.

Hydrogen peroxide 3% is inexpensive, easy to use, and can keep your house clean. Use it all over and you will have fewer bacteria without adding dangerous chemicals to your house. It is safe for people and their pets, won’t harm the environment, and will still keep your house clean.

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Using Hydrogen Peroxide for Ailments

Hydrogen peroxide has many different medicinal uses. It has been used over the years in home remedies, listed below are a few of these remedies.

A mixture of half 3% hydrogen peroxide and half water can be used to treat canker sores (mouth ulcers). Use a cotton bud to apply the mixture directly to the canker sore.
Swish your toothbrush in 1 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide solution prior to use. If you don’t like the taste of hydrogen peroxide, you may rinse your toothbrush with clean water prior to use, but if you choose not to rinse the peroxide mixture off before brushing your teeth, in addition to disinfecting your toothbrush, the hydrogen peroxide will help whiten your teeth.
Hydrogen peroxide for foot fungus may work, although scientific studies have not been done to confirm its usefulness. Use a 3% solution, as the stronger preparations are less safe and may cause skin reactions. Approaches include soaking in the peroxide, wiping onto the affected areas several times daily, or spraying it on and allowing it to dry. It is likely to produce results much faster for athletes foot fungus than for a nail infection. On thing is undeniable: as a foot fungus remedy, it is one of the cheapest.
Remarkable results can be achieved in curing colds and the flu within 12-14 hours when we administer a few drops of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) into each ear. The H2O2 starts working within 2-3 minutes in killing the cold or flu. There will be some bubbling and in some cases mild stinging might occur. Wait until the bubbling subsides – usually a few minutes – then drain onto a tissue and repeat with the other ear.
If you have a toothache, put a capful of 3% hydrogen peroxide into your mouth and hold it for ten minutes several times a day. This will relieve the pain.
Put half a bottle of 3% hydrogen peroxide in your bath to help rid boils, fungus, or other skin infections.
If you like a natural look to your hair, spray a solution of half 6% hydrogen peroxide half water on your wet hair after a shower and comb it through. You will not have the peroxide burnt blonde hair like the hair dye packages, but more natural highlights if your hair is a light brown, faddish, or dirty blonde. It also lightens gradually so it’s not a drastic change.

If you have any of your own home remedies using hydrogen peroxide, please feel free to post them up in the comments section.
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Using Calcium Hypochlorite Instead of Bleach to Disinfect Water

Many outdoorsmen, survivalists, and households preparing for emergency disasters rely upon common household bleach as a disinfecting agent to make water safe to drink.
Bleach will destroy most disease causing organisms (boiling water to make it safe to drink is always the best method).

What is not well known is Calcium Hypochlorite is far better for chemically disinfecting water.

Old Way: Using Bleach to Disinfect Water

Some people who have emergency preparedness stocks of survival food and survival gear often keep a gallon or two of unscented household bleach on hand for making safe drinking water in large quantities. Bleach is often the chemical of choice because it is commonly available and frequently mentioned when discussing the how-toâ€™s of drinking water.
Typical fresh household chlorine bleach has about 5.35% chlorine content (be sure to read the label).
To use household bleach for disinfecting water:
1. Add two drops of bleach per quart or litre of water.
2. Stir it well.
3. Let the mixture stand for a half hour before drinking.
If the water is cloudy with suspended particles:
First filter the water as best you can.
Double the amount of bleach you add to the water.

Why Using Bleach to Disinfect Contaminated Water is a Problem

A little known problem with long term storage of bleach in your disaster emergency supply cache is that it degrades over time. A bleach manufacturing representative produced this statement:
â€œWe recommend storing our bleach at room temperatures. It can be stored for about 6 months at temperatures between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. After this time, bleach will begin to degrade at a rate of 20% each year until totally degraded to salt and water. Storing at temperatures much higher than 70 degrees Fahrenheit could cause the bleach to lose its effectiveness and degrade more rapidly.â€
So if bleach is unreliable for long term storage in emergency preparedness kits then what other commonly available chemical methods of disinfecting water are there? As it turns out a better solution is easily available.

Use Calcium Hypochlorite for Disinfect Water

A 500g bag of calcium hypochlorite in granular form will treat up to 10,000 gallons of drinking water
Calcium hypochlorite is one of the best chemical disinfectants for water, better than household bleach by far. It destroys a variety of disease causing organisms including bacteria, yeast, fungus, spores, and viruses.
Calcium Hypochlorite is widely available for use as swimming pool chlorine tablets or white powder that is much more stable than chlorine.

Where to Buy Calcium Hypochlorite online in the UK

How To Make Your Own Perfume

What you will need:

Distilled water
Perfumer’s alcohol
Coffee filters
Strainer
Coloured glass bottles with stoppers
Dropper
Funnel
Wooden spoon
Non-metal bowl
Essential oils (see recipes below)

Instructions
1. Pour the alcohol into your bowl. Add the essential oils one drop at a time into the alcohol in the bowl, stirring slowly after each addition. Make sure that you stir slowly, but long enough to completely disperse the oils
2. Allow the blend of oils and alcohol to stand undisturbed for 48 hours
3. Add the distilled water. Stir it slowly until it is completely dispersed.
4. Place the mixture in a cool, dark place where it wonâ€™t be disturbed for at least three weeks. This will allow the perfume to mature.
5. Filter the resulting pure perfume through a coffee filter to remove any sediment that may have formed. Bottle your perfume into glass bottles with a stopper. Enjoy it as you would any commercial perfume.

Recipes
Here are a few recipes for you to try.Â These will help to start you off, but donâ€™t be afraid to experiment and tweak them as you see necessary, or if you are feeling adventurous you could try creating your own blend.Â If you have any recipes of your own please feel free to post them in a comment.

Rain Shower
5 drops Bergamot
3 drops Sandalwood
5 drops Cassis
1 cup distilled water
5 teaspoons of perfumer’s alcohol

English Country Garden
5 drops Valerian
5 drops Chamomile
3 drops Lavender
1 cup distilled water
5 teaspoons perfumer’s alcohol

Amaze Perfume
2 cups distilled water
3 tablespoons perfumers alcohol
5 drops hypericum perforatum essential oil (St. John’s wort)
10 drops cypress essential/fragrance oil
10 drops rosemary essential/fragrance oil

Citrus grove
5 tsp perfumers alcohol
1/2 tsp distilled water
15 drops lemon oil
10 drops bergamot oil
10 drops bitter-orange oil
5 drops grapefruit oil
5 drops lemongrass oil
4 drops benzoin oil
2 drops cedarwood oil

Tips & Warnings

Don’t be afraid to experiment with a fragrance recipe. Learning how to make your own fragrances is as much about experimentation as about following recipes. Just keep a notebook of everything you do so that if you do discover how to make the perfect perfume, you can duplicate the results. Remember that one less or one more drop of an essential oil can change the fragrance of a perfume entirely.
Be sure to test the ingredients by placing a single drop of each on a discreet area of skin to check for any adverse reactions. If redness or irritation ensues after 24 hours, reformulate the ingredients to suit you.

Be sure to use coloured glass bottles, this is because the coloured bottle serves the dual purpose of both looking attractive and helping to shield the contents of the bottle from UV light that can eventually cause a fragrance to deteriorate. The perfumer’s alcohol acts as a preservative/fixative but coloured bottles add just one more layer of protection.

Where to Buy Perfumer’s alcohol online UK
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Using Perfumers Alcohol To Make Perfume

Using these perfumery methods will help you take your homemade fragrances to a more professional level, in fact, if you use these techniques, you could actually sell your end result! The basic professional perfume making process is the same as the amateur perfuming process, but the materials are not.

Use pure ethanol or perfumer’s alcohol instead of vodka. Perfumer’s alcohol makes a great solvent for even the most resinous oils. It is what all commercial perfumes are made with, except some boutique brands that make roll-on scented oil or solid perfume.
Use different fragrance materials, not only essential oils. There are many more fragrance materials available other than essential oils. If you only use essential oils, you limit your perfume blending possibilities. It’s like wanting to paint a mural, but only having red and yellow paint.
In addition to essential oils, there are also absolutes, fragrance oils, and isolated aroma chemicals, all supplying scents that can’t be produced with essential oils.

Absolutes are stronger and smell more like the plant than essential oils, and are used extensively in perfumery. Some plants are too delicate to be pressed or steam-distilled; making an essential oil out of them is impossible. Jasmine is one of these plants. The absolutes are expensive, but a little goes a long way. They are much more concentrated than essential oils.

Fragrance oils, despite what you may have heard, aren’t merely cheap substitutes for essential oils. They are a completely different spectrum of scent, containing a combination of absolutes, essential oils, and synthetic aroma chemicals. Fragrance oils give you access to scents that you can’t get naturally, for example strawberry, peach, and watermelon.

Fragrance oils also have the benefit of being skin-safe (as long as you get cosmetic grade.) If you want to create an entire line of perfume and bath and body products in a favourite scent, you can use the same skin-safe fragrance oil to scent all of them.

Aroma chemicals are isolated fragrance molecules that are either synthetically produced or refined from plant sources. For example, the compound vanillin is what gives vanilla its characteristic odour and flavour. Artificial vanilla flavour is usually pure synthetic vanillin. Natural vanilla has many more compounds than just vanillin, which is why it tastes better!

Strawberry fragrance oil, one of the most sought-after scents in the cosmetic and fragrance industry, is a combination of strawberry aldehyde (Ethyl methylphenylglycidate) and other compounds to round out the scent.

Using Fixitives

Use fixatives in your perfume. If you’ve experimented with essential oils such as mint and bergamot, you’ve probably noticed that they disappear within an hour. This is because they evaporate quickly, aided by the heat of your skin.

Fixatives are a way to help make fragrances last longer. They are natural or synthetic substances that enhance scent and slow down the evaporation of scents that tend to disappear. Why do fixatives work? They are very high in scent molecule count, often with no distinct odour of their own. They just blend with the key fragrance and make it seem stronger.

For example, musk, a traditional fixative, can enhance the scent and make its perceived strength stronger. It only takes a small amount for a big effect – with effective use of musk, you won’t smell it, but the entire perfume will last longer and smell stronger. (Musks have been synthetic since the 1970s due to cruelty and endangerment laws.)

Plant fixatives include many resinous, sticky oils and absolutes like benzoin, frankincense, vetiver, and orris. They often have an earthy scent that “deepens” a blend. With a little experience, you’ll have a good idea of what fixatives can enhance and give subtle character to your perfumes.

As you can probably tell, using professional methods are not much more difficult than what you may have tried already. However, I must say that the techniques given here are more expensive than the home-brewed. They require the use of specialized, more costly materials.

Using perfumer’s alcohol and absolutes are only for people who are somewhat serious about perfume, but it is a fun, fascinating activity. It is definitely possible to get started cost-effectively; Many botanical absolute suppliers have samples that you can use at first.

It’s also a good idea to try absolute dilutions before going for the real thing. Dilutions will help you work with the absolute without becoming overwhelmed by the un-concentrated fragrance, and they are also less expensive. Most dilutions are 3% – 5% absolute in jojoba oil, similar in strength to essential oils.

Where to Buy Perfumer’s Alcohol online UK
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How to Make Ear Wash for Dogs

Things You will Need:

White vinegar
Water
Cotton balls
Cotton swabs
16 oz. witch hazel
16 drops gentian violet (1%)
4 tablespoons boric acid powder
Small ear syringe bottle

Instructions

1. Mix 1 part white vinegar to 2 parts water for general cleaning. If the dog has an active infection, mix the witch hazel, gentian violet, and boric acidpowder and use this as the wash.
2. Shake the solution well before each use.
3. Apply the wash outdoors or in a bathroom. Washing dog’s ears can get messy, and gentian violet can stain.
4. Dip a clean cotton ball into the wash, squeeze out the excess liquid and apply to the ear. At this point, the dog will probably shake his head to get rid of the excess liquid in his ear. This is okay.
5. Dip the end of a cotton swab into the solution. Apply the swab very carefully to the narrow parts of the ear, but don’t go in too far.
6. Repeat this cleaning ritual every day for active infections, and once a month for general cleaning.

Tips & Warnings

If you can’t see the end of the swab anymore, you’ve inserted the cotton swab too far into the dog’s ear.
Consistently handle your dog’s ears while petting it to get it used to you touching his ears. This will make the cleaning process much easier.
If you notice any abnormal changes, inflammation, discharge, strong odor, or sensitivity in your dog’s ears, go to the veterinarian. Some ear infections won’t respond to ear wash, and they need to be treated as soon as possible to avoid long-term side effects.

Where to Buy Boric Acid powder online UK

Buy Gentian Violet

Uses of Boric Acid

What is Boric Acid?

Boric acid (also known as boracic acid or orthoboric acid) is a naturally occurring compound containing the elements hydrogen, boron and oxygen (H3BO3). In nature, the element boron does not exist by itself. Boron is combined with other common elements, such as sodium to make salts like borax and with oxygen to make boric acid. Boron is considered to be an essential micronutrient for plants and perhaps humans. Boron in the diet most commonly comes from the boric acid naturally present in most foods. Fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts are particularly high in boron. In fact, the average person eats between one to three milligrams of boron each day as part of a normal healthy diet. Boric acid also occurs naturally in water and soil.
Boric acid crystals are white, odourless, and nearly tasteless. It looks like fine table salt in the granular form or like baby powder in the powdered form. Borates (the general term associated with boron containing minerals such as borax and boric acid) most commonly originate in dried salt lake beds of deserts or in arid areas or other geographic regions that expose similar deposits

Uses of Boric Acid

Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics: boric acid is a mild antiseptic as well as a mild acid that inhibits the growth of microorganisms on the external surfaces of the body.Â It can also be used for minor cuts and burns. It is commonly used in contact lens solutions, eye disinfectants, vaginal remedies, baby powder, anti-aging preparations and similar external applications.

Nutritional Supplements: boric acid and other borates are increasingly being used in over-the counter nutritional supplements as a source of boron. It is thought that boron has a potential therapeutic value in promoting bone and joint health as well as having a limiting effect on arthritis symptoms. It is very important to note that the health effects of boric acid and boron-based supplements are based on very new studies and/or are based solely on the claims of the manufacturersâ€™ of the supplements. It should not be implied that boric acid should be directly ingested as a supplement or for any other reason.

Flame Retardants: boric acid inhibits the release of combustible gases from burning cellulosic materials, such as wood, cotton, and paper-based products. Boric acid also releases chemically bonded water to further reduce combustion. A carbon char is formed that further inhibits combustion. Futons, mattresses, upholstered furniture, insulation, and gypsum board are common consumer items that use boric acid as a flame retardant. Plastics, textiles, specialty coatings, and other industrial products also contain boric acid to strengthen their ability to withstand exposure to flames.

Glass and Fibreglass: heat resistant, borosilicate, and other specialty glasses rely on boric acid and other similar borates to increase the chemical and temperature resistance of the glass. Halogen light bulbs, ovenware, microwavable glassware, laboratory glassware, and many everyday glass items are enhanced by the addition of boric acid. Boric acid also aids in the manufacture of fibreglass, which is used as insulation as well as in textile fibreglass (a fabric-like material commonly used in skis, circuit boards, and other similar applications).

Wood Preservatives: boric acid is a common source of boron compounds when used in the formulation of products that control fungus and insects. Fungi are plants that contain no chlorophyll and must have an outside source of food. Boron compounds inhibit the growth of fungus and have been demonstrated to be a reliable wood preservative. Similarly, boric acid is used in swimming pools and spas as a safer and â€œsofter feelingâ€ substitute for chlorine. Boric acid, borax, and other salts are commonly used to soften pool water and prevent contamination.

Pest Control: Boric acid is a natural and increasingly popular insect control product. Unlike hornet or ant sprays, boric acid does not kill bugs on contact using highly toxic chemicals. Rather, it acts as a desiccant that dehydrates many insects by causing tiny cracks or fissures in their exoskeletons. This eventually dries them out. The saltiness of boric acid also interferes with their very simple electrolytic metabolism.

Ear Wash for Dogs: Boric Acid can be mixed with vinegar, witch hazel and gentian violet to make an ear wash for dogs with a minor ear infection.

Buy Boric Acid Powder

Buy Boric Acid Granuler

How to Store Eggs in Waterglass

Believe it or not, you can actually store eggs for up to a year. While this may not be an issue for most people who pick up their eggs at their local shop, people who keep chickens very often cannot keep up with the volume of eggs their brood produces. Following the steps described below and you can store 6 to 8 dozen eggs for up to a full year.

You will need:

1 pint of Sodium Silicate (Waterglass)
9 pints of water, preferably rain water as it has less impurities then tap water
Food grade stone crock or a large screw cap glass jar

Instructions

Sterilize the inside of your container with boiling water. Discard the water.
Mix 1 pint of sodium silicate with 9 pints of boiled, cooled water in your container. This should be enough to preserve six to eight dozen eggs.
Select fresh eggs free from any cracks. Do not wash them prior to storing them (an egg is coated with a light layer of a natural sealing agent called “bloom”. Washing them removes this natural protective coating leaving the eggs more subject to aging and attack by bacteria in the air).
Add eggs to the sodium silicate mixture. Make sure the eggs are at least a couple inches below the sodium silicate at all times.
Cover the container with a lid or cheese cloth when you cannot fit in anymore eggs. Place the container in a cool, dry place and the eggs will store for nine to twelve months.

Tips

Wash the eggs thoroughly before using them.
Smell the eggs as you crack the shells in case any have gone off. Some eggs may have had undetectable hairline cracks, which let bacteria in before you preserved them.
If you plan to boil the eggs, make a pinhole in one end to release pressure as the waterglass seals the pores during storage.
As you use the eggs throughout the winter, top off the container with cooled boiled water to replace evaporated sodium silicate mixture.

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Is Borax about to be banned in the UK?

As you may have read in our previous post, Borax (aka Sodium Borate) is a chemical with a myriad of practical uses around the home. However, speculation has been growing recently online that this helpful household product is soon to be reclassified as a dangerous substance and banned for sale in the EU and consequently the United Kingdom. On hearing this alarming news we set out to find out if there was any truth to these rumours and what the future really holds for Borax.

Current Legislation

Some light can be shed on this matter by looking at a piece of EU regulation called “Adaptations to Technical Progress”, specifically the 30th and 31st ATP’s. In this legislation the group of chemicals known as Borates (including Borax) were reclassified as “Reprotoxic Category 2“. This classification suggests that the product is harmful to the reproductive functions of humans in high doses, and means the substance must carry the skull and crossbones symbol. The reclassification came about because of a study carried out on pregnant rats who were exposed to high doses of borates [1]. The study suggests that Boric Acid is harmful when exposed regularly to concentrations of more that 5.5%. For other Borates this limit may be higher depending on the amount of Boric Acid contained.
EU Law states that this reclassification of Borates must take place in each member state by 1st December 2010, however the reclassification itself does not restrict the sale of the substances. What it means is that Borax is now on the list of Substances of Very High Concern for the REACH Regulation which was set up to protect the population from exposure to harmful substances. REACH introduces a process in which those substances that are considered to pose an unacceptably high risk to human health and theenvironment may be removed from the market unless there is a justifiable need for them to remain.

REACH

The process for removing SVHC substances from the market can be briefly summarised as follows:
Identification as an SVHC
Entry onto the Candidate List
Prioritisation for Authorisation
Addition to the Annex XIV List of Substances subject to Authorisation

At each stage of this process, there is no certainty that a substance at one stage will necessarily proceed to the next, although if a substance completes the final stage, it will be potentially removed from the market for all uses that are not exempted or for which authorisations have not been granted.

Boric acid and disodium tetraborate salts have reached the second stage in this process. They were added to the Candidate List in June 2010. Entry onto the Candidate List places some legal obligations on suppliers of those substances, but it does not restrict their use in any way [2].

The Future

Whether or not Borax will make it to the end of the REACH process and become completely restricted is still very much uncertain. Until then it remains legal to buy and sell Borax provided that it is correctly labelled and packaged with the appropriate hazard warnings. You can buy Borax online here. Even if Borates themselves are restricted in the future under REACH, exemptions will probably be made for certain applications [3]. For example the concentration of boric acid used in laundry detergents is much less than the limit imposed by EU classification. Even if Borates become illegal for the general public to buy, other alternatives exist such as sodium percarbonate which is an effective product for cleaning and bleaching.

Check back soon for further updates on this issue.

Refrences:
[1] http://www.mtib.gov.my/techalert/3-2007/BORATESIssue.pdf
[2] http://www.ueil.org/health_environment/documents/boric-jul10-rev02.pdf
[3] http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/sectors/chemicals/files/docs_studies/final_report_borates_en.pdf

Top 10 everyday uses of Borax.

If you are viewing this article it is a safe assumption that you have heard of Borax. In fact, you are probably curious as to why it is regarded as such a valuable asset for everyday chores. Well, we are here to help.

Borax has been widely used for centuries. Borax mining train (above) circa late 1800′s.

1. Rub out heavy sink stains
Get rid of those stubborn stains — even rust — in your stain-less steel or porcelain sink. Make a paste of 1 cup borax and 1/4 cup lemon juice. Put some of the paste on a cloth or sponge and rub it into the stain, then rinse with running warm water. The stain should wash away with the paste.

2. Remove Rug and Carpet Stains
Remove stubborn stains from rugs and carpets. Thoroughly dampen the area, then rub in some borax. Let the area dry, then vacuum or blot it with a solution of equal parts vinegar and soapy water and let dry. Repeat if necessary. Don’t forget to first test the procedure on an inconspicuous corner of the rug or on a carpet scrap before applying it to the stain.

3. Eliminate urine odour on mattresses
Toilet training can be a rough experience for all the parties involved. If your child has an “accident” in bed, here’s how to get rid of any lingering smell: Dampen the area, then rub in some borax. Let it dry, then vacuum up the powder.

4. Unblock your drain.
Borax is a safe drain opener and a great alternative to those expensive store-bought drain cleaners. Just mix a cup of Borax with some boiling water and empty it down the drain. Any grease stuck in your drain that is causing the clog will melt away.

5. Keep away weeds and ants
Get the jump on those weeds that grow in the cracks of the concrete outside your house by sprinkling borax into all the crevices where you’ve seen weeds grow in the past. It will kill them off before they have a chance to take root. When applied around the foundation of your home, it will also keep ants and other six-legged intruders from entering your house. But be very careful when applying borax — it is toxic to plants.

6. Clean windows and mirrors
Want to get windows and mirrors spotless and streakless? Wash them with a clean sponge dipped in 2 tablespoons borax dissolved in 3 cups water.

7. Smelly bin?
Sprinkle some Borax into the bottoms of your garbage bin to keep it smelling fresh.

8. Help! My cat smells bad and has fleas!
Borax can help! To control the odor of your cats litter box try mixing Borax in with the cat litter. Borax can also kill fleas in your home, simply sprinkle Borax on your carpet and let it set for an hour or more then vacuum it away.

9. Soften Hard Water
If you have hard water add a bit of Borax to your bath to soften it. Hard water makes soaps and shampoos less effective.
And last but not least.

10. Remove mildew from you household and car fabric
To remove mildew from upholstery and other fabrics, soak a sponge in a solution of 1/2 cup borax dissolved in 2 cups hot water, and rub it into the affected areas. Let it soak in for several hours until the stain disappears, then rinse well. To remove mildew from clothing, soak it in a solution of 2 cups borax in 2 quarts (2 litres) water.
There are many more uses of Borax, but we feel that these 10 are the most commonly used and certainly enough to get you going. So what are you waiting for, go and buy borax today and start saving money on all those other expensive cleaning products you no longer need!

A little extra information:
Borax, or sodium borate, is a naturally occurring mineral compound best known as a laundry booster and water softener. Borax is also excellent as a multi-purpose household cleaner with many uses throughout your house including craft projects. Borax is not flammable and is not reactive. It can be mixed with most other cleaning agents, including chlorine bleach.

Why is Methanol used as a petrol additive?

Methanol , also known as methyl alcohol, carbinol, wood alcohol, wood naphtha or wood spirits, has the chemical formula CH3OH(often abbreviated MeOH). It is the simplest alcohol and is a light, volatile, colourless, flammable, toxic liquid with a distinctive odor that is very similar but slightly sweeter than ethanol. It is used as an antifreeze, solvent, fuel and as a denaturant for ethanol. It is also used for producing biodiesel via transesterfication reaction.

So, Why should you add it to your Petrol Tank ?

Well, the simple answer is there are 3 answers! It is used for 3 reasons…
* One is that some areas have restrictions on fuel due to the local pollution levels so it may be required to add it as it burns cleaner.
* Reason two is that many stations use it to help evaporate water that gets into the fuel storage tanks.
Reason three for adding Methanol to Petrolis that it is the best from the point of view of reducing Detonation, followed by Acetone and then Benzole in that order.
Methanol can be added in all proportions up to 100 percent, but as an additive limited to 10 percent will give an Octane increase of about 5 points. For example 98 Octane can be increased to 103, or looking at it another way, cheap fuel of say 91 Octane can, by the use of 10 percent Methanol, or approximately three quarters of a pint per gallon, will produce fuel of 96 Octane.
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Created by Mistral Pure Chemicals. View website

How to use Boric Acid powder to kill fleas on carpets

People have been fighting fleas, ants, cockroaches and other pest with boric acid for decades. Boric acid is one of the most effective flea control agents ever developed. Fleas live off the blood they gain from their hosts, normally animals & pets like cats and dogs but they can also feast on the blood of humans.

Boric acid is a wonderful tool for controlling fleas in homes, especially on carpets where they tend to live and lay their eggs. It is effective in extremely small amounts and retains its potency almost indefinitely provided the deposit remains dry. Boric acid is deadly to fleas, but is low in toxicity to people, pets and other non target animals. It is also odourless and contains no volatile solvents. In humans, boric acid is only slightly more toxic than table salt but care must always be taken when using around pets and children.

Fleas succumb to boric acid when they crawl over treated areas. Boric acid powder kills fleas by acting as a desiccant causing severe dehydration to them and ensuring death. In order to eliminate the fleas it is important to treat all areas by sprinkling the powder over the surfaces.

Where to buy boric acid powder

***How to make an applicator for using boric acid***

Take an old Pringles container or similar which has a detachable plastic lid. It is important to place stick a label on the outside of the container and write clearly that it contains Boric Acid so as there is no chance of it being misused at a later date. Put a few pebbles into the container (these help to prevent the powder caking when it is stored away and also helps when applying). Now fill the container up to about 2/3 full with the boric acid powder. Carefully, using a knitting needle or similar pointed tool pierce the plastic lid of the container 20 or 30 times to form a series of holes through which the boric acid can pass.
Alternatively just buy a shaker as for instance used for castor sugar but make sure that you label it for the boric acid and keep it away from food stuffs and out of reach of children.

***Where to apply the boric acid***

Where the powder is applied is just as important as how it’s applied. Fleas prefer to live in carpets, fabrics, upholstery, bedding etc. All areas can be treated with boric acid powder but care should be taken with coloured fabrics to prevent possible discolouration. If unsure pre-test an inconspicuous area first. Remember to apply under furniture.

NEVER apply boric acid onto countertops or other exposed surfaces, especially those used to prepare food.

***How to apply boric acid to kill fleas***

Before applying boric acid it is advisable to vacuum the carpets, upholstery etc first. Dispose of the vacuum bag into the bin as many of the fleas will been lifted. Remove all loose objects, toys, shoes, etc from the areas to be treated. For best results, the powder should be applied in a very thin layer barely visible to the naked eye. To apply a fine layer, shake the container and puff a small quantity of the powder into the target area. Then work the powder into the carpet pile with a soft bristled brush so that it gets down where the fleas tend to live. If applying to upholstery use a hand brush remembering to work the boric acid down into gaps.

After 1 – 2 days vacuum all surfaces treated and vacuum carpets regularly after this as the boric acid will continue to kill both the fleas and their larvae. After a month shampoo carpets.

Where to buy boric acid powder online UK

What is Magnesium Chloride FCC Food Grade and what is it used for ?

What is Magnesium chloride FCC

Magnesium chloride hexahydrate FCC is a high purity, naturally occuring salt with the formula MgCl2 6(H2O) which is suitable for ingestion. It is identified as E511 in the food industry. It is mostly produced from sea water and in particular the Dead Sea. Magnesium chloride as the natural mineral bischofite is also extracted (solution mining) out of ancient seabeds, for example the zechstein seabed in NW europe.
It is a colourless to white, odourless salt with a bitter taste. It has been used for centuries as an aid to improving health and well being. Its therapeutic properties are well recognised and people flock to the Dead Sea every year to bathe in its water to rejuvenate themselves. It is used in the pharmaceutical industry, pharmaceuticals, dialysis and infusion solutions, children and infantile diets, food complements, drinks, salts for sea aquariums.

SPECIFICATION

CAS No.: 7791–18–6
EINECS: 232–094–6
Magnesium chloride hexahydrate: 99% – 100%
Magnesium chloride: 47% minimum
Formula: MgCl2 6H2O
Mol weight: 203.303
Density: 1.569
Melting point: 500C
Dehydration temperature: 117C
Water solubility: 3043.05 g/L at 20 C
Appearance:: White powder
pH: 4.5–7

High quality magnesium chloride from the Dead Sea.
Free from phosphate, bromides and ammonia.
Dissolves quickly to provide clear solution with no residues.

Magnesium chloride is an ionic halide being highly polar and very soluble in water and alcohol. It is classified as a weak lewis acid.

USES OF MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE FCC:

For batheing in.
As a Food supplement to improve well-being
As a Food additive
Used as an ingredient in infant formulas.
Pharmaceutical preparations and medical applications.
Additive for marine aquariums (see below for details)
As a laboratory reagent.
For the manufacture of magnesium metal and other magnesium compounds.

Magnesium chloride BP in the food industry

Magnesium chloride is E511. It is an ingredient in infant formulas. It is used as acidity regulator. It is added to purified water to produced mineral water. E511 is an important coagulant used in the preparation of tofa from soya milk. It is used both as a colour retention agent and firming agent in canned peas. It acts as a stabilizer in foods.

For full CODEX applications of magnesium chloride in foods click here
Product is BSE/TSE, GMO, allergen free, suitable for vegan/vegetarian diet. All religious groups, vegans and vegetarians can use E511. It has certification under ISO, GMP, KOSHER, and HALAL

Magnesium Chloride BP for health benefits

For many years Magnesium chloride has been used for batheing and ingesting to improve health and well being. For an insight into the many health benefits of the “Miracle mineral” click here
Magnesium is an essential mineral for the body. Magnesium is a required cofactor for many enzyme systems. It is required for protein synthesis and for both anaerobic and aerobic energy generation and for glycolysis, either indirectly as a part of magnesium-ATP complex or directly as an enzyme activator (Bronzetti et al., 1995; Food and Nutrition Board, 1997).

Magnesium plays a multifunctional role in cell metabolism, particularly at the level of key phosphorylations. The role of magnesium in cell division is also well recognised and it has been suggested that cell division of various cell types is highly dependent on the availability of extracellular magnesium (Rubin, 1975).

In addition magnesium may play an important role in regulating blood pressure, bone and muscle growth and helps to reduce the development of atherosclerosis, cardiac arrhythmias, myocardial damage and arterial hypertension.

Magnesium deficiency has been linked to several disease states involving the cardiovascular, skeletal, gastrointestinal and central nervous systems. The most frequent causes of hypomagnesemia are reduced intake, impaired intestinal absorption, renal loss and genetic diseases.

Magnesium chloride BP in Medical industry

Magnesium chloride is an electrolyte replenisher and a pharmaceutical necessity for hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis fluids. It is used as a source of magnesium in the treatment of hypomagnesemia in cattle, and as a chemical defibrillator in cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Magnesium chloride acts as a laxative, an antacid and a anticonvulsant. It increases osmotic gradient in small intestine, which draws water into intestines and causes distention. These effects stimulate peristalsis and bowel evacuation. In antacid action, it reacts with hydrochloric acid in stomach to form water and increase gastric pH. In anticonvulsant action, magnesium chloride depresses CNS and blocks transmission of peripheral neuromuscular impulses.

MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE IN MARINE AQUARIUMS:

Magnesium chloride hexahydrate is for adding magnesium to sea water. Severely low values of magnesium (900 mg/L or below) can cause low pH values and an inability to maintain proper alkalinity and calcium values. If magnesium becomes too low, coral growth will stop and followed by a decline in coral health. Carbonates and calcium are essential for all growth of corals, coralline algae, clams and invertebrates. Maintaining the correct magnesium values is very important and is indirectly responsible for coral and coralline algae growth by making it possible to maintain correct calcium, alkalinity and pH values. The magnesium content must often be increased, as shortfalls in the content can arise for various reasons. The normal magnesium content is around 1.30 ??? 1.40 mg/litre (1300???1400 ppm). To increase the magnesium content you need magnesium chloride hexahydrate or a mixture of magnesium chloride and magnesium sulphate (ratio of 7:1).

How to dose aquarium with magnesium chloride

50g will raise Magnesium levels by approximately 60ppm in 100 litres of salt water. It is not recommended to increase Magnesium levels by more than 60ppm per day. Simply mix the required amount into a few litres of Reverse Osmosis Water, once dissolved, slowly add to your tank in an area of high flow, preferably over a period of an hour. Alternatively add to your evaporation top up water and top up as normal.

Health & safety

Not a hazardous substance or mixture according to Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008.

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Where to Buy Magnesium chloride Technical grade online
Where Buy Magnesium Sulphate / sulfate online

What is Copper Sulfate Pentahydrate and what is it used for?

What is Copper sulfate pentahydrate:

Copper(II) sulfate pentahydrate (CuSO4.5H2O), is a common salt of copper. Copper sulfate is a bright blue, odourless crystalline solid which is soluble in water. The archaic name for copper(II) sulphate is “blue vitriol” or “bluestone”. It has numerous applications including as a fungicide, algaecide, pesticide, laboratory analytical reagent, feed supplement, zinc etching and as a mordant.

Specification for Copper Sulfate:

Synonyms: Cupric sulphate; sulphuric acid, Copper salt; Blue vitriol; Bluestone; Sulfate de cuivre; Kupfersulfat Pentahydrat;
Appearance: blue crystals
Formula: CuSO4 5H2O
Assay: 98.5% minimum
Cu: 25%
CAS No: 7758–99–8
EINECS No: 231–847–6
Mol weight: 246.48
Melting point: 150 C
Density: 2.28 g/cm3
Solubility: soluble in water 316 g/L (0C) 2033 g/L (100C)
pH: 4 at 50 g/L
Refractive index: 1.514

Copper sulfate is soluble in methanol (10.4 g/L @18C) but insoluble in ethanol. At 650C copper sulfate decomposes into copper (II) oxide and sulphur trioxide.

Where to buy copper sulfate online UK

How to use copper sulfate for killing Moss:

Copper sulfate kills moss on contact. It is commonly used for treatment of moss on roofs, paths etc but not for grass. For treatment of moss on grass it is best to use Ferrous sulfate.

Mix 5–8g per litre of water. apply this solution at a rate of 1 litre per 5m². When the moss is dead wash off under high pressure.

How to use copper sulfate for treating algae in ponds, fish tanks and aquariums:

Dissolve 30g of copper sulfate and 30g of citric acid in 1 litre of water. For each 5 litres of pond water add 1 drop of the made up solution (this equates to 0.15ppm). Do not allow levels of copper to exceed 0.20 ppm.

How to use copper sulfate for controlling tree roots in drains & sewers

CLICK HERE to read an aticle on how to contol tree roots in drains etc
Several chemical tests utilize copper sulfate as an indicator. In a flame test its copper ions emit a deep blue-green light. It is used infehlings solution and Benedicts solution to test for reducing sugars, which reduce the soluble blue copper(II) sulfate to insoluble red copper oxide. Copper(II) sulfate is also used in the Biuret reagent to test for proteins.

Copper sulfate is also used to test blood for anemia. A drop of the patient’s blood is dropped into a beaker of copper sulfate solution: if it sinks within a certain time, then the patient has sufficient haemogloblin levels and is not anemic. If the blood floats or sinks too slowly, then the patient is iron-deficient and may be anemic.
Copper sulfate is a commonly included chemical in children’s chemistry sets and is often used in high school crystal growing and copper plating experiments. However due to its toxicity, it is not recommended for small children.

Copper sulfate is often used to demonstrate an exothermic reaction, in which steel wool or magnesium ribbon is placed in an aqueous solution of CuSO₄.

It is used in school chemistry courses to demonstrate the principle of mineral hydration. The pentahydrate form, which is blue, is heated, turning the copper sulfate into the anhydrous form which is white, while the water that was present in the pentahydrate form evaporates. When water is then added to the anhydrous compound, it turns back into the pentahydrate form, regaining its blue colour. It can be used to plate metals with copper.

It finds use in agriculture as a fungicide. Mixed with lime it is called Bordeaux mixture, which is used to control fungus on plant leaves, grapes and other berries. Normally it is used as a 1% solution (100g copper sulfate & 100g Lime per 10 litres of water)

Its use as an herbicide is not agricultural, but instead for control of invasive exotic aquatic plants and the roots of other invasive plants near various pipes that contain water.

A very dilute solution of copper sulfate is used to treat aquarium fish of various parasitic infections, and is also used to remove snails from aquariums. However, as the copper ions are also highly toxic to the fish, care must be taken with the dosage. Most species of algae can be controlled with very low concentrations of copper sulfate.

Other uses include: hair dyes, as a fining in winemaking, and the processing of leather and textiles.

Health & Safety

Risk phrases: R22– Harmful if swallowed. R36/38– Irritating to eyes and skin. R50/53– Very toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment.

Safety phrases: S22– Do not breathe dust. S60– This material and its container must be disposed of as hazardous waste. S61– Avoid release to the environment.

For full information see MSDS for copper sulfate pentahydrate above in documents section.
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Where to buy copper sulfate online UK

Using Sodium Bentonite To Seal Your Ponds

What Is Sodium Bentonite And How Does It Work?

Sodium bentonite products are used to seal large ponds, such as man-made fish ponds. The sodium bentonite clay properties are what make the material work so well as a sealant. Sodium bentonite swells to as much as eighteen times its normal size when wet. As it swells, it fills in the holes of a porous material, thus creating a watertight seal.

Sodium bentonite is so effective for this purpose that it has a wide range of uses. Not only do you find people sealing ponds with sodium bentonite clay, but you will also see bentonite clay use for construction waterproofing. Landfills, sewer drains, and similar installations are sealed using bentonite products.

How Does Bentonite Work?

Sodium bentonite is used as a sealant when ponds are leaking. The application can be done through “blanketing” the soil beneath the pond with the product. This has to be done before the pond is filled. The sodium bentonite prevents water loss as the pond ages (and a normal liner can be placed above it.) When applied to a sufficient depth, however, the bentonite itself acts as a sufficiently strong seal to stop leakage through to the soil.

If you have an existing pond that is leaking, you can use the blanket method, provided you drain the pond first. If you cannot drain the pond, the sprinkle method is your best option. Simply sprinkle granular bentonite on the water’s surface. The particles will sink to the bottom where they will saturate the porous places.

Pros and Cons of Sodium Bentonite Clay

Sodium bentonite clay has a number of attract properties as a sealant:

Its ability to swell and block moisture allows it to seep into the soil at the base of a pond in construction or to patch a pond that is leaking.
When applied at a thickness of up to 4″, sodium bentonite produces a seal that will withstand use by animals.
Sodium bentonite is much more affordable than sealing options. (It does, however, have to be applied by a professional.)

One downside to using sodium bentonite clay is that for proper installation, the pond must be drained. If you have fish, this is easier said than done. While you can use the sprinkle method and not drain the pond, this type of application is not fool proof. There is a chance that the clay particles will not reach all of the places in the soil that may be allowing leaks through.

If you want a good pond seal with sodium bentonite, you will need to have a professional apply the materials for the best results. This method is, however, the best way of sealing ponds, when you can afford to do it. Sealing ponds with sodium bentonite clay will create a watertight seal that stands up to years of use.

Where to Buy Sodium Bentonite online UK

What is Potassium sodium 2,3-dihydroxysuccinate and what is it used for?

What is Potassium sodium 2,3-dihydroxysuccinate

Potassium sodium 2,3-dihydroxysuccinate is Potassium sodium tartrate tetrahydrate, commonly called Rochelle salt is an odourless, colourless to white crystalline solid with a salty taste. It is the double salt of tartaric acid. It is soluble in water but insoluble in alcohols. Potassium Sodium Tartrate is prepared from potassium bitartrate and sodium carbonate. Commercially it is produced as a by-product of the wine industry.

Properties and specification of Potassium sodium 2,3-dihydroxysuccinate

Synonyms: Potassium Sodium Tartrate; E337; Seignette’s salt; Rochelle salt; Potassium sodium tartrate tetrahydrate; Potassium sodium 2,3-dihydroxysuccinate; L(+)-Tartaric acid potassium Sodium salt; butanedioic acid, 2,3-dihydroxy-, potassium sodium salt
CAS number: 304–59–6
EINECS: 206–156–8
Purity: >99%
Appearance: colourless / white crystalline solid
Formula:KNaC4H4O6.4H2O

potassium sodium tartrate structure
Molecular weight: 282.1
pH: 7–8.5
Density: 1.79
Specific gravity: 2.75 g/cm³
Solubility in water: soluble 630g/L @20C
Melting point: 75C
Boiling point: 220C
Refractive index: 1.59
Oil Absorption: 37g/100g

The chemical composition of Potassium sodium tartrate tetrahydrate consists of Water 24.53%, Potassium 13.85%, Sodium 8.15% and Tartaric acid 53.17%. When heated it melts at 70–80C; at 100C it loses 3 water molecules and eventually becomes anhydrous at 130–140C; at 220C it begins to decompose. Potassium Sodium Tartrate has the linear formula KOCOCH(OH)CH(OH)COONa.4H2O

Where to Buy Potassium Sodium Tartrate GRG

How to make Potassium sodium 2,3-dihydroxysuccinate

The salt is prepared by adding 0.5M sodium carbonate to a hot solution of 1M potassium bitartrate (cream of Tartar). The solution is mixed thoroughly and then filtered while hot. This solution is then dried to precipitate solid potassium sodium tartrate, as small crystals.

General Uses for Potassium sodium 2,3-dihydroxysuccinate

As additive in food industry ( E337 ) where it acts as sequestrant, emulsifier, stabilizer, buffer and antioxidant in cheese products, margarine, jellies, jams, minced meat, and sausage casings.

In pharmacology it is used as saline cathartics (usual adult dose: 5–10g). potassium bitartrate is administered rectally as a suppository with sodium bicarbonate to produce carbon dioxide, which promotes defecation by distending the rectal ampulla; administered for relief of constipation, and evacuation of the colon before surgical or diagnostic procedures or childbirth. It is not to be used on persons with heart problems or those on low sodium diets.

Potassium Sodium Tartrate is also used for the removal of toxic materials in some cases of poisoning.
Other applications include the preparation of piezoelectric crystals used in electrical appliances; as a laxative; in the manufacture of mirrors; in the plating industry; as a laboratory reagent; in the preparation of Fehlings solution for the detection of aldehydes; and for delaying the quick-setting of gypsum .

Health & Safety

This substance is not classified as dangerous according to Directive 67/548/EEC.
For full details see MSDS for Potassium sodium 2,3-dihydroxysuccinate
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Where to Buy Potassium sodium 2,3-dihydroxysuccinate GRG

Other Tartrate salts:
DiSodium Tartrate Dihydrate GRG
Sodium hydrogen tartrate monohydrate – Sodium Bitartrate
Potassium Tartrate – Sodium Bitartrate

What is Ketopentamethylene and what is it used for?

What is Ketopentamethylene

Ketopentamethylene, commonly known as Cyclopentanone is a clear colourless liquid organic compound with a peppermint-like odour and is a cyclic ketone. It is a flammable compound with vapour heavier than air. It is produced from adipic acid by heating to 285–295C in the presence of barium hydroxide.
Cyclopentanone is an intermediate used in the production of rubber chemicals, insecticides, biologicals and pharmaceuticals.
Properties of Ketocyclopentane

Synonyms: Cyclopentanone; Ketocyclopentane; Adipic ketone; Cyclopentan-1-one; Dumasin; Ketopentamethylene; oxocyclopentane;
Formula: C5H8O
CAS No: 120–92–3
EINECS No: 204–435–9
Purity: >99%
Appearance: Clear colourless liquid
Molar mass: 84.12 g/mol
Density: 0.95 g/cm₃
Solubility:almost insoluble in water (9g/L)

structure
Melting point: –58.2 C
Boiling point: 130.6 ^oC
Flash point: 26 C
Autoignition temperature: 445 C
Refractive index: 1.432–1.438
Relative vapour density (air=1): 2.3
Vapour pressure: 14 mm Hg @25C
Octanol/Water Partition Coefficient: log Kow= 0.24 (est)

Where to Buy Ketopentamethylene online

The composition of cyclopentanone consists of C 71.39%, H 9.59% and O 19.02%. Cyclopentanone has a vapour which is heavier than air making it a dangerous environment to work in. The substance easily polymerizes under the influence of acids. It is insoluble in water but soluble in alcohols, acetone, ether and most organic solvents. It reacts with oxidising agents like hydrogen peroxide.

Uses for Ketopentamethylene:

Used in production of cylopentanone derivatives for use in the perfume industry eg Cyclopentylamine, Cyclopentanol and jasmine-fragrant material.
Manufacture of insecticides and pesticides.
Used in the production of synthetic resins and rubber adhesives.
Intermediate in the pharmaceutical industry.
Laboratory reagent.
Used as a thinner for epoxies.
As a solvent it is used in paint and varnish removers, as dry cleaning agent and for oil extraction.

Health & Safety:

Symbol – Xi
Risk phrases: R10 Flammable. R36/38 Irritating to eyes and skin.
Safety phrases: S23 Do not breathe gas/fumes/vapour/spray.
UN Hazard Class: 3
UN Packing Group: III
For full details see MSDS for Ketopentamethylene
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Where to Buy Ketopentamethylene online

What is Perfumers Alcohol and how is it used?

Perfumers Alcohol is a special formulation which can be used by both professionals and amateurs who wish to make perfumes. It allows the simple addition and blending of essential oils and fragrances to produce crystal clear solutions.

Perfumers alcohol is also used in the production of DIFFUSER OILS.
The blended solutions remain clear and free from cloudiness.

The 3 main ingredients of perfumers alcohol are:

Ethanol (denatured) –Alcohol which is the main carrier for the fragrance oils. This evaporates quickly as it is warmed by skin temperature releasing the fragrances evenly over the surface.
Isopropyl myristate – used in preparations where good absorption is desired.
Monopropylene glycol – a cosolvent which allows the fragrance oils to be solubilised in the alcohol carrier. This helps to control the evaporation of the alcohol so that it does not flash off too quickly.

How to use Perfumers Alcohol
Using these perfumery methods will help you take your homemade fragrances to a more professional level, in fact, if you use these techniques, you could actually sell your end result! The basic professional perfume making process is the same as the amateur perfuming process, but the materials are not.

Perfumer’s alcohol makes a great solvent for even the most resinous oils. It is what all commercial perfumes are made with, except some boutique brands that make roll-on scented oil or solid perfume.
Use different fragrance materials, not only essential oils. There are many more fragrance materials available other than essential oils. If you only use essential oils, you limit your perfume blending possibilities. It’s like wanting to paint a mural, but only having red and yellow paint.
In addition to essential oils, there are also absolutes, fragrance oils, and isolated aroma chemicals, all supplying scents that can’t be produced with essential oils.

Using Fixitives

What is Ferrous Sulphate heptahydrate and what is it used for?

Ferrous sulphate heptahydrate also known as Iron (II) Sulphate is a blue green crystal with the formula FeSO4.7H2O. Originally it was known as “green vitriol” or “copperas”. It is soluble in water and melts at 64C. It is produced as a by-product of the pickling of steel. It is used as a mordant in dyeing wool, in the manufacture of ink, in water purification as a substitute for aluminum sulphate, as a fertilizer, and as a feed additive. It is also used to produce magnetic ferric oxide.

SPECIFICATION:

Synonyms: Ferrous sulfate; Iron (ii) sulfate; green vitriol; iron vitriol; copperas;
Appearance: blue/green crystals
CAS No: 7782–63–0
EINECS No: 231–753–5
FeSO₄.7H₂O: > 99%
Molecular weight: 278.01
Fe: 20% min
Pb: 0.002% max
Solubility: Soluble in Water 486g/L
Insoluble in: Alcohol
Melting Point: 64C
Boiling Point: 400C decomposes

Where to buy Buy Iron sulphate / Ferrous sulphate online uk

USES FOR IRON SULPHATE

It is used as a lawn conditioner,and moss killer. See below for full details on application.
Industrially, ferrous sulfate is mainly used as a precursor to other iron compounds.
It is a reducing agent, mostly for the reduction of chromate in cement.
Used in the manufacture of inks including iron gall ink.
It is used a mordant for wool dyeing.
Ferrous sulphate can also be used to stain concrete and some limestones and sandstones a yellowish rust color.
Woodworkers use ferrous sulfate solutions to color maple wood a silvery hue.

In horticulture it is used for treating iron chlorosis (yellowing of folliage caused by iron deficiency). Although not as rapid-acting as iron chelate, its effects are longer-lasting. It can be mixed with compost and dug into to the soil to create a store which can last for years. Ferrous sulfate is sometimes added to the cooling water flowing through the brass tubes of a turbine condenser. It forms a corrosion-resistant, protective coating on the inside of the tube.

It has been applied for the purification of water by flocculation and for phosphate removal in municipal and industrial sewage treatment plants to prevent eutrophication of surface water bodies.
It is used as a traditional method of treating wood panel on houses, either alone dissolved in water or as a component of water-based paint.

Application Rates for Moss Killing
As regards the rates of application for the above material, this very much depends on the end use of the material and also the location where the product is to be used. What has to be stressed is that no two sets of circumstances will be the same and therefore a small area would need to be tested to satisfy yourself of suitability

For use as a Moss Killer
We would advise that initially you test a small area with a 1% Ferrous Sulphate Heptahydrate solution (ie. 10gms/1L of water). If this does not give the desired effect a stronger solution can be used up to a maximum of 5% Ferrous Sulphate Heptahydrate (50gms/1L of water ).
A typical average strength to use would be a 3% solution. To make the solution add 30g of ferrous sulphate for every litre of water (for example for a 15L sprayer you will need 450g of ferrous sulphate).

How much ferrous sulphate is needed to treat 1 acre
An acre is approx 4050 sq m. Therefore a 3% solution applied at 5sq m per litre will require 810L of solution which equates to 24.3kg of ferrous sulphate powder.
Application of the solution should be at a rate of 5 square metres for every litre of chemical mix. Apply evenly over lawn etc avoiding overspray contact with other plants and paths, patios etc.

After 2 to 3 days you will see that the moss has turned black in colour indicating that the moss has been successsfully killed. At this point one should use a tined rake to loosen and remove dead moss. Application of a lawnmower set to low cut will help in the removal. Please note: the grass cuttings and dead moss should not be added to compost bins.

Please be aware that ferrous sulphate is only for use on grass areas and is not designed to be used on hard surfaces as it may stain. For hard surfaces like roofs, paths, patios etc Zinc Sulphate can be used or a proprietry chemical like MossKill Premium.

If ferrous sulphate comes in contact with concrete for example it will stain the surface brown which effectively is a rust stain. To remove this stain one will need to use an acid solution like Oxalic acid (used as a 5% solution).

When treating lawns etc with ferrous sulphate keep pets off the surface for at least one week. This protects their well being and prevents transfer of residues onto hard surfaces (i.e. brown staining).
For application on agricultural pasture land / paddocks etc use at the same rates as above. Animals like horses must be kept of grasslands for at least 4 weeks before being allowed back to graze.
An over usage of Ferrous Sulphate can be harmful if the land being applied to has a low pH (very Acidic) as Ferrous Sulphate is naturally very acidic with a pH of 2.5.

NOTE: We must stress that this information can only be used as a guideline and is given in good faith. We cannot be held responsible for any adverse effects that may be experienced as a result of use of the above product.

Health & Safety
R-Phrases: R22 Harmful if swallowed. R36/38 Irritating to eyes and skin.
S-Phrases: S46 If swallowed, seek medical advice immediately and show container or label.

Where to buy Buy Iron sulphate / Ferrous sulphate online uk

How To Change The Color Of Hydrangeas With Aluminum Sulfate.

Hydrangeas are fascinating in that, unlike most other plants, the color of their flowers can change dramatically.

It would be nice if one could change the color of hydrangeas easily. But for most of us, it is not easy. The people who have the most control over the color of their hydrangeas are those who grow them in containers. It is much easier to control or alter the pH of the soil in a container than it is in the ground.

On the other hand, hydrangeas often change color on their own when they are planted or transplanted. They are adjusting to the new environment. It is not unusual to see several different colors on one shrub the next year after planting.

It is much easier to change a hydrangea from pink to blue than it is from blue to pink. Changing a hydrangea from pink to blue entails adding aluminum to the soil.

Changing from blue to pink means subtracting aluminum from the soil or taking it out of reach of the hydrangea. This can be achieved by first treating the soil with a phosphorous based fertilizer followed by a treatment of lime or calcium. the pH should be raised to 6.0 to 6.5 but never higher than this.

In order to change the flowers of the hydrangea from pink to blue there needs to be aluminium present in the soil and a pH of less than 7 ideally between 5.2 and 5.5 (Acidic). Only plants older than 2 years which are established should be treated. Before commencing treatment to change colour it is strongly advisable to water plants thoroughly every day for a week. Where possible test soil around hydrangeas for pH.

Add 15g (1 tablespoon) of aluminium sulphate in a litre of warm water and allow to sit for 15-30 minutes to dissolve. Add this to a watering can and make up to 5 litres with cold water. Apply the solution around the based of the hydrangea. DO NOT OVERUSE as making the soil too acidic can result in damage to the roots. Check the pH and maintain it between 5.2 and 5.5. Other simple things you can do include adding as grass clippings, coffee grounds and fruit or vegetable peelings to help lower pH levels. Potassium rich fertilizers will also help to achiev this.

Where to Buy Aluminum Sulphate online UK