Borax, also known as sodium borate, is a naturally occurring mineral that has been used for cleaning, laundry, and even pest control for over a century. This versatile, inexpensive, and eco-friendly product can replace many commercial cleaners while being gentle on the environment.
If you’re looking for ways to simplify your household chores, reduce chemical exposure, and save money, borax is a must-have. Below, we’ll explore 26 practical and surprising ways to use borax around your home.
1. Laundry Booster
Borax softens hard water, enhances detergent performance, and helps remove stubborn stains. Add ½ cup of borax to your laundry load to brighten whites and eliminate odors.
2. Homemade Laundry Detergent
Mix 1 cup borax, 1 cup washing soda, and 1 bar grated castile soap for an effective, chemical-free laundry detergent.
3. Carpet Stain Remover
Sprinkle borax on fresh carpet stains, let it sit for an hour, then vacuum. For tough stains, mix borax with water to form a paste, scrub, and rinse.
4. All-Purpose Cleaner
Combine 2 tablespoons borax, 2 cups hot water, and a few drops of essential oil in a spray bottle. Use it on countertops, sinks, and appliances.
5. Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Sprinkle borax into the toilet bowl, let it sit for 30 minutes, then scrub with a brush for a sparkling clean toilet.
6. Mold & Mildew Remover
Mix 1 cup borax with 1 gallon of water, scrub moldy surfaces, and rinse. Borax kills mold spores without harsh fumes.
7. Drain Cleaner
Pour ½ cup borax followed by 2 cups boiling water down clogged drains weekly to prevent buildup.
8. Dishwasher Detergent Boost
Add 2 tablespoons borax to your dishwasher to enhance cleaning power and reduce spots on glassware.
9. Silverware Polish
Make a paste with borax and water, rub it on tarnished silver, rinse, and dry for a brilliant shine.
10. Rust Remover
Mix borax and lemon juice into a paste, apply to rusted tools or metal, let sit, then scrub off.
11. Weed Killer
Sprinkle borax on sidewalk cracks or between pavers to kill weeds naturally (use sparingly to avoid soil damage).
12. Ant & Cockroach Killer
Mix equal parts borax and sugar—the sugar attracts pests, while borax kills them. Place in shallow containers near infestations.
13. Flea Treatment for Carpets
Sprinkle borax on carpets, let it sit overnight, then vacuum thoroughly to kill fleas and larvae.
14. Mattress Freshener
Combine borax with baking soda, sprinkle on mattresses, wait an hour, then vacuum to eliminate odors and dust mites.
15. Homemade Slime for Kids
Mix 1 teaspoon borax with 1 cup warm water, then combine with glue for safe, stretchy slime.
16. Flower Preservative
Add ½ teaspoon borax to vase water to extend the life of cut flowers.
17. Fire Retardant
Dissolve borax in water and spray on fabric, wood, or Christmas trees to reduce flammability.
18. Deodorize Garbage Cans
Sprinkle borax at the bottom of trash cans to neutralize odors and repel insects.
19. Clean Outdoor Furniture
Scrub plastic or metal furniture with a borax-water solution to remove grime and mildew.
20. Unclog Showerheads
Soak the showerhead in hot water mixed with ¼ cup borax to dissolve mineral deposits.
21. Eliminate Pet Odors
Sprinkle borax on pet bedding or accident spots, let it sit, then vacuum or rinse away.
22. Clean Grout Lines
Make a paste of borax and vinegar, scrub grout, then rinse for a whiter, cleaner finish.
23. Remove Crayon from Walls
Mix borax with water, gently scrub crayon marks, and wipe clean.
24. Freshen Musty Books
Place a box of borax near old books to absorb moisture and odors.
25. Clean Hairbrushes
Soak brushes in warm water with 2 tablespoons borax to remove oils and buildup.
26. Preserve Wooden Tools
Dissolve borax in water and apply to wooden handles to prevent rot and insect damage.
Safety Tips When Using Borax
- Always wear gloves when handling borax to avoid skin irritation.
- Keep borax away from children and pets (it’s toxic if ingested).
- Avoid using borax on aluminum or delicate fabrics.
- Store in a dry, sealed container.
Final Thoughts
Borax is a powerhouse cleaner, deodorizer, and pest controller—all for just a few dollars per box. By incorporating borax into your cleaning routine, you can ditch expensive chemical products and embrace a more natural, effective way to maintain your home.
Which borax hack will you try first? Let us know in the comments!