Top Borax Uses

Borax isn’t just for laundry! This versatile household product has tons of surprising uses that make life easier. From boosting cleaning power to tackling tough stains and even making slime for the kids, borax is your secret weapon for all kinds of DIY projects. Whether you’re looking to freshen up your home or get crafty, these borax uses will help you tackle it all with ease. Get ready to discover how this simple powder can transform your cleaning routine and more!

Top Borax Uses

 

I first added Borax to my cleaning supply list when I started making my own Homemade Dishwasher Detergent. It is also used in this DIY Laundry Detergent Recipe. Once I started having Borax in my house on a regular basis, I wanted to know what else it could be used for. It is important that products can multi-task and that products are used to their fullest potential. Now it doesn’t sit on my shelf between batches of detergent but instead helps me with a whole area of things.Keep your house clean with these Borax Uses. 

What is Borax?

Borax, also known as sodium borate, is a naturally occurring mineral composed of sodium, boron, oxygen, and water. It’s most commonly found as a white, powdery substance and has been used for centuries in a variety of household applications. Borax is primarily known for its cleaning properties, but it has many other uses as well.

Environmentally friendly and non-toxic when used properly, borax is a versatile tool in many households. However, it should be handled carefully as ingesting large amounts or prolonged exposure can be harmful.

Borax Uses That You Should Know!

A Supercharged Laundry Booster

Let’s start with what borax is best known for: boosting laundry detergent. Adding half a cup of borax to your laundry not only makes your whites whiter and colors more vibrant, but it also softens hard water and neutralizes odors. Stubborn stains? Gone. Dingy clothes? Revived. It’s like your laundry detergent just leveled up.

Pest Control the Natural Way

Hate ants and roaches? Of course, you do. Borax can help you win the battle without harsh chemicals. Just mix borax with sugar (1 part borax to 3 parts sugar) and place it where you’ve seen the pests. The sugar lures them in, and the borax does the rest. It’s safe for most homes, but be cautious if you have pets or small children.

Polish Your Pots and Pans

We all know the struggle of cleaning burned-on food or grease from pots and pans. Borax to the rescue! Sprinkle some on the cookware and scrub with a sponge or brush. The mild abrasive nature of borax breaks down the grime without scratching your cookware.

Universal Kitchen Cleaner

Dilute 1 gallon hot water with 1/2 cup Borax. Use this cleaning solution on counter tops, sinks, floors, appliances, and more. You can even use it on tile, ceramic, granite, stainless steel, porcelain, slate and marble.

Dishwasher Detergent Booster

Sprinkle 1/4 cup Borax to the bottom of the dishwasher. Run dishwasher as normal . You can expect to see a reduction in water spots and film on glasses and dishes.

Deodorize Mattresses

We all want a fresh, clean mattress, right? Over time, mattresses can gather dust mites and odors. Sprinkle borax on your mattress, let it sit for about 30 minutes, then vacuum it up. Your bed will feel fresher and cleaner without needing expensive sprays.

Carpet Cleaner

Dilute 1/2 cup Borax in 1 gallon hot water and use in Carpet Steam Cleaning Machines. 

Toliet Bowl Cleaner

Pour 1/4 cup Borax into toilet bowl. Swish around and scrub areas as needed. Let sit 10 minutes and flush. Repeat as often as needed. 

Soap Scum and Hard Water Stain Removals

Apply Borax to clean damp sponge and scrub shower walls, tubs and tile. Rinse with clean water and repeat if needed. 

Carpet Stain Cleaner

Combine 1/2 cup Borax with 2 cups hot water. Make sure Borax is dissolved and shake well. Rub directly onto stain. Let dry, vacuum and repeat as necessary.

Rust Remover

Make a paste with lemon juice and Borax. Scrub the rust with the paste and rinse with clean warm water.

DIY Shampoo

Mix 1 part borax with 5 parts warm water. Shake well to dissolve and let sit for a few hours. Pour onto hair and massage into hair and scalp. Let sit for 5 minutes and then rinse with clean,warm water.

Clogged Drain

Pour 1/2 cup Borax down drain and follow it up with 2 cups boiling water. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes. Rinse clear with warm water.

All-Purpose Cleaner

Tired of using chemical-laden bathroom cleaners? Borax is a fantastic natural alternative. Make a paste of borax and lemon juice to clean your sinks, tubs, and tiles. It cuts through soap scum and leaves your bathroom sparkling – all without the harsh fumes.

Mold & Mildew Remover

Borax is your new go-to for battling mold and mildew. Make a paste with borax and water, then apply it to the affected area. After letting it sit for a while, scrub it away, and you’re left with a clean, mold-free surface. It’s perfect for damp areas like bathrooms, basements, and even kitchens.

Slime Ingredient

Got kids? Then you’ve probably heard of the slime craze. Borax is one of the key ingredients to making the perfect stretchy slime. Mix borax with glue, water, and food coloring, and boom – hours of entertainment. The kids will love the fun, and you’ll love how easy it is to clean up.

Weed Killer

Sprinkle borax on weeds in your garden to eliminate them without harsh chemicals.

Garbage Disposal Cleaner

Pour borax into your garbage disposal to clean and deodorize it naturally.

Preserve Fresh Flowers

Want to keep those special blooms forever? Borax can help! Mix it with cornmeal and bury your flowers in the mixture. The borax draws out moisture, preserving your flowers in their most beautiful state. A lovely way to capture a moment in time.

Rust Remover  

If you’ve got rusty tools or metal items lying around, borax can help! Mix it with lemon juice to form a paste and apply it to the rusty spots. Let it sit, then scrub with a brush to reveal rust-free metal beneath. A simple fix for a frustrating problem!

These uses make borax a handy multi-purpose solution for many household needs!

These are just a few of the many great Borax uses. Tell us how you use Borax, we would love to hear.

Check out these other Helpful Cleaning Tips

Quick Bathroom Cleaning Tips

Tips for Cleaning Garage Floors

How to Remove Bleeding From Clothes