15 Ways to Use Borax Around the House

Wondering what borax is used for? Borax, also known as sodium borate, is a powerful, all-natural cleaner that can tackle everything from pests and weeds to bathroom grime and laundry stains. Whether you’re dealing with stubborn bathtub dirt, keeping bugs at bay, or searching for eco-friendly cleaning hacks, borax is a versatile product every home should have.

In this guide, we’ll share 15 effective ways to use borax for home cleaning, pest control, and more. You’ll also learn about using borax in the bathroom, the kitchen, for bug problems, and whether you can safely mix borax and bleach.

Borax for Laundry Cleaning

• Laundry Booster: Add ½ to 1 cup of borax to your laundry load along with regular detergent. This will soften hard water, eliminate stains, and keep your clothes fresh.
• Stain Remover: Mix 1 part borax with 2 parts water and soak stained fabrics before washing. For tougher stains, add lemon juice for a deeper clean.
• Eliminate Musty Smells: Soak clothes and linens in 1 cup of borax per quart of water to eliminate musty odors.

Borax for Bathroom Cleaning

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  Borax Toilet Cleaner: Mix ½ cup of borax with 1 gallon of warm water. Scrub the toilet thoroughly to eliminate stains and bacteria.
• Borax Bathroom Cleaner for Showers & Bathtubs: Sprinkle borax directly onto a damp sponge and scrub your bathtub or shower. This natural solution is great for removing soap scum and grime.
• Homemade Soft Scrub: Mix 2 parts borax with 1 part dish soap to create a gentle yet effective cleaner for sinks and tiles.
• Unclog Drains: Pour ½ cup of borax down the drain, followed by 2 cups of boiling water. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then flush with more boiling water to clear clogs.

Borax for Kitchen Cleaning

• Surface Cleaner: Mix 2 tablespoons of borax with 2 cups of hot water and use it to wipe down countertops, cutting boards, and appliances.
• Trash Can Deodorizer: Fill the trash can halfway with hot water, add 1 cup of borax, scrub, and rinse. This will eliminate lingering odors.
• Drain Cleaner: Pour 2 to 3 tablespoons of borax down your kitchen drain, let it sit for 15 minutes, and rinse with hot water.
• Water Spot Remover: Add 1 tablespoon of borax to your dishwasher to prevent water spots on glasses and dishes.

Borax for Bug Control

• Borax for Bugs and Roaches: Sprinkle borax in corners, under sinks, or near entryways where ants and roaches are common. Borax is toxic to many common pests and helps eliminate infestations.
• Borax for Fleas: Lightly sprinkle borax on carpets and let it sit for 24 hours before vacuuming. This helps to kill fleas and their larvae. Repeat every two weeks for effective control.
• Weed Killer: Sprinkle borax directly onto weeds growing in driveways or walkways. Avoid placing it near plants you want to keep, as it can damage them.

Other Unique Borax Uses

• Keep Kitty Litter Fresh: Sprinkle a few tablespoons of borax into litter to help absorb odors. Ensure your cat doesn’t ingest the product.
• Adhesive Remover: Mix 1 part borax with 2 parts water and apply it to sticker residue or adhesive marks. Let it sit before scrubbing off.
• Deodorize Carpets: Lightly sprinkle borax onto carpets, let it sit for 30 minutes, then vacuum to remove odors and refresh the space.

Safety Considerations

Borax can irritate your skin, so take caution when using it.  Also, note that it is toxic when swallowed, so keep it far from kids and pets.

• Wear Gloves: Borax can be irritating to the skin, so always wear gloves when handling it.
• Keep Away from Kids and Pets: Borax is toxic if ingested, so store it in a secure place.
• Ventilate the Area: When using borax for larger cleaning tasks, keep the space well-ventilated.