Borax, also known as sodium borate, is an all-natural mineral that has been used for decades as a powerful cleaning agent and household staple.
It’s incredibly versatile and can be used for a wide variety of tasks around the home. From deep-cleaning surfaces to eliminating pests, borax is a must-have product that can make life easier in so many ways.
If you don’t already own borax, here are 15 reasons why you should go buy it right now.
1. Deep Clean Laundry
Borax is a laundry booster that helps remove stains, neutralizes odors, and softens hard water, making your clothes cleaner and fresher.
It enhances the effectiveness of your regular detergent and is especially useful for brightening whites and softening fabrics.
How to Use: Add ½ cup of borax to your laundry load along with your regular detergent for an extra deep clean.
2. Remove Carpet Stains
Stubborn carpet stains, such as those from food, drinks, or pets, can be tough to remove. Borax can break down stains and lift them from carpet fibers without harsh chemicals.
How to Use: Mix borax with water to form a paste, apply it to the stain, and let it sit for 30 minutes. Scrub gently, then vacuum or blot away the residue.
3. Eliminate Mold and Mildew
Borax is a natural antifungal agent that can effectively kill mold and mildew. Whether in your bathroom, basement, or laundry room, borax helps remove these harmful fungi while also preventing their regrowth.
How to Use: Mix 1 cup of borax with 1 gallon of water, apply the solution to the affected area, and scrub with a brush. Let it sit, then rinse.
4. Unclog Drains
Clogged drains can be a hassle, but borax can help dissolve the gunk and buildup that causes blockages. It’s a natural, non-toxic alternative to chemical drain cleaners.
How to Use: Pour ½ cup of borax down the drain, followed by 2 cups of boiling water. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then flush the drain with hot water.
5. Clean Toilets
Borax can make cleaning toilets a breeze by dissolving hard water stains, soap scum, and buildup in the bowl. It’s a natural alternative to harsh toilet cleaners.
How to Use: Sprinkle 1 cup of borax into the toilet bowl, let it sit overnight, and scrub with a toilet brush in the morning. Flush for a sparkling clean finish.
6. Deodorize Your Fridge
If your refrigerator has lingering odors, borax can help freshen it up. It acts as a natural deodorizer, neutralizing bad smells and leaving your fridge smelling clean.
How to Use: Mix 1 tablespoon of borax with 1 quart of warm water and use a sponge to wipe down the interior of your fridge.
7. Clean Outdoor Furniture
Outdoor furniture is exposed to dirt, grime, and weather elements, making it difficult to keep clean. Borax can be used to scrub away dirt and mildew, leaving your outdoor space fresh and ready to enjoy.
How to Use: Mix 1 cup of borax with 1 gallon of warm water and use the solution to scrub outdoor furniture. Rinse thoroughly with water.
8. Control Pests
Borax can act as a natural pesticide for controlling ants, cockroaches, and other pests. It disrupts the digestive systems of insects, effectively eliminating infestations without harsh chemicals.
How to Use: Mix equal parts borax and sugar and place the mixture where pests are active. The sugar attracts the pests, and the borax takes care of the rest.
9. Clean Grout
Grout can become stained and dirty over time, but borax makes it easy to clean and whiten. It effectively removes dirt and mold, leaving grout lines looking fresh and new.
How to Use: Mix borax with water to form a paste, apply it to the grout, scrub with a brush, and rinse with water.
10. Freshen Trash Cans
Trash cans are prone to developing unpleasant odors, but borax can help neutralize smells and kill bacteria, leaving them fresh and clean.
How to Use: Sprinkle borax into the bottom of your trash can before placing the liner. It will absorb odors and keep the can smelling fresher.
11. Polish Stainless Steel
Borax can restore the shine to stainless steel appliances and fixtures without leaving streaks or scratches.
How to Use: Mix borax with water to create a paste, apply it to the stainless steel surface, and gently buff with a microfiber cloth. Rinse with clean water and dry.
12. Deodorize Mattresses
Over time, mattresses can accumulate odors from sweat and spills. Borax can help deodorize your mattress and leave it smelling fresh.
How to Use: Sprinkle borax over the surface of your mattress, let it sit for 30 minutes, then vacuum it up to remove odors.
13. Neutralize Pet Odors
If you have pets, borax can help eliminate the lingering smells from pet beds, carpets, and upholstery. It neutralizes odors and helps keep your home smelling clean.
How to Use: Sprinkle borax on pet beds or carpets, let it sit for 20 minutes, and vacuum thoroughly to remove odors.
14. Brighten Tiles and Floors
Tile floors can accumulate grime and stains over time, but borax can bring back their shine. It’s an effective cleaner for removing dirt and brightening tiles.
How to Use: Mix ½ cup of borax with 1 gallon of hot water and mop your tile floors with the solution for a bright, clean finish.
15. Clean Windows
Borax can leave your windows sparkling clean without streaks or residue. It’s a great alternative to commercial glass cleaners.
How to Use: Mix 2 tablespoons of borax with 3 cups of water, apply the solution to your windows with a cloth, and wipe clean with a microfiber towel for a streak-free shine.
Borax is an incredibly versatile household product that can help with a variety of cleaning tasks, from deodorizing to stain removal.