Boraxo
Boraxo is an American brand of powdered hand soap.
As its name implies, Boraxo is composed largely of borax, and is marketed to those who get their hands especially dirty during work, such as mechanics and farmers.
About
Borax has also been scientifically called sodium borate, sodium tetra borate, and disodium tetraborate. Simply put, borax is a boron compound, mineral, and a salt of boric acid which most often comes in a powdered form. Consequently, Boraxo is powdered, white and somewhat grainy and will dissolve in water but only after a long period of exfoliating dirty hands. The powdered form of Borax has the ability to emulsify and trap dirt and oil.
History
Boraxo began as a product of the former Pacific Coast Borax Company (later bought by U.S. Borax), and became known as one of the sponsoring products of the long-running radio and television Western, Death Valley Days. While future President Ronald Reagan was host of this program, he frequently did commercials for it, including one at his ranch involving his family.
Podcasts:
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by Malvina Reynolds
Boraxo
by: Malvina ReynoldsChorus:
It's all right, it's all right,
If you're righteous it's all right,
Tho you've had your hands in blood up to the elbow;
You can always wash them clean with Boraxo.
Boraxo, Boraxo, the greatest stuff of all,
Boraxo in the bathroom, detergents in the hall,
Your dainty feet don't touch the street
Like people poor and mean,
And your conscience is washed clean with Boraxo.
The cop shot Rector on the roof,
The cop is clear of blame,
His uniform was spotless,
His rifle was the same.
The coppers carry dark wood clubs
So blood can not be seen,
And they always wash them clean
With Boraxo.
(Chorus)
The student is protesting,
The copper clubs his hair.
His head is private property
But no one seems to care.
The happiness he's fighting for
Is earth and life and green,
And it can't be scoured clean
With Boraxo.