When it comes to tough grease and grime, ordinary dish soap might not always cut it. That’s where dish soap with borax comes in—a powerful, natural cleaning agent that boosts your dishwashing routine and tackles stubborn messes with ease.
But what makes borax such a great addition to dish soap? And how can you use it safely and effectively in your kitchen? In this article, we’ll explore:
- What borax is and why it’s a cleaning powerhouse
- The benefits of using dish soap with borax
- How to make your own borax-enhanced dish soap
- Safety tips when handling borax
Let’s dive in!
What Is Borax and Why Is It Great for Cleaning?
Borax, also known as sodium borate, is a naturally occurring mineral that has been used for cleaning and laundry for over a century. It’s alkaline (pH around 9.5), which makes it excellent at breaking down grease, removing stains, and even acting as a mild disinfectant.
Key Cleaning Properties of Borax:
✔ Grease-cutting power – Helps dissolve stubborn oils and food residues.
✔ Deodorizing – Neutralizes odors instead of just masking them.
✔ Water softener – Improves soap’s effectiveness in hard water.
✔ Mild abrasive – Helps scrub away stuck-on food without scratching surfaces.
Because of these properties, adding borax to dish soap creates a supercharged cleaner that works better than regular dish soap alone.
Benefits of Using Dish Soap with Borax
1. Cuts Through Tough Grease Like Magic
Borax enhances the degreasing power of dish soap, making it perfect for:
- Baked-on pans
- Greasy stove tops
- Oily utensils
2. Helps with Hard Water Issues
If your water has high mineral content, soap doesn’t lather well. Borax softens water, allowing your dish soap to work more effectively.
3. Acts as a Natural Disinfectant
Borax has mild antibacterial properties, helping to sanitize dishes and kitchen surfaces.
4. Eco-Friendly & Budget-Friendly
Unlike harsh chemical cleaners, borax is a natural mineral and is much cheaper than many commercial degreasers.
How to Make Your Own Dish Soap with Borax
Want to upgrade your dishwashing game? Here’s a simple DIY recipe:
Homemade Borax Dish Soap Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup liquid Castile soap (or any mild liquid soap)
- ¼ cup borax
- 4 cups hot water
- 10-15 drops essential oil (optional, for fragrance—lemon or tea tree work great)
Instructions:
- Dissolve borax in hot water, stirring until fully mixed.
- Add liquid soap and essential oils (if using).
- Pour into a squeeze bottle or soap dispenser.
- Shake gently before each use.
Pro Tip: For extra grease-fighting power, sprinkle a little borax directly on a sponge when scrubbing tough messes.
Safety Tips When Using Borax in Dish Soap
While borax is natural, it’s still important to use it safely:
- Wear gloves if you have sensitive skin (borax can be drying).
- Avoid ingestion—keep away from children and pets.
- Don’t use on aluminum pans (borax can react with aluminum).
- Rinse dishes thoroughly after washing.
Final Thoughts: Is Dish Soap with Borax Right for You?
If you’re tired of scrubbing endlessly at greasy dishes or dealing with hard water stains, dish soap with borax might be the game-changer you need. It’s affordable, effective, and a more natural alternative to harsh chemical cleaners.
Have you tried borax in your dish soap? Share your experiences in the comments below!
