There are so many uses for borax! You might already be familiar with borax for its use in the laundry or, more recently in making slime. But do you know uses of borax go way beyond laundry or slime? You can use it as a general cleaner, deodorizer in your kitchen and bathrooms, or even keep ants away. In this article, we’ll be taking look at some of the amazing uses of borax around the home.
Borax is a versatile cleaner that can be found in many cleaning products and homemade recipes. With so many different ways to utilize this versatile ingredient, borax will become an essential part of any home.
32 Brilliant Borax Cleaning Hacks for Home
1. Grout Cleaner
There are many ways to clean grout, but using borax is one of the most effective methods. To clean grout using borax, simply mix one part borax with two parts water. Apply the mixture to the grout using a sponge or brush.
Scrub the grout until it is clean. Rinse the area with water and dry it with a towel.
2. Unclog The Drain
If you have a clogged drain, don’t reach for the toxic chemicals. Instead, try using borax. Borax is a natural cleaner that can be used to unclog your drain quickly and safely.
To use borax to unclog the drain, mix 1/2 cup of borax with 1/4 cup of warm water. Pour the mixture down the drain and let it sit for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, flush the drain with hot water.
3. Sparkle your Sink
When cleaning your sink, you can use borax to help remove any dirt or grime. Simply mix together a solution of one part borax to four parts water.
Then, use a clean cloth to scrub the sink in circular motions. Rinse away the solution with warm water and dry the sink with a clean towel. Your sink will be sparkling clean in no time!
4. Clean Showers And Tubs
If you’re looking for an easy and effective way to clean your shower or tub, then using borax is a great option.
To clean your shower or tub with borax, simply mix 1/2 cup of borax with 1 gallon of hot water. Once the mixture is fully dissolved, use a sponge or cloth to apply it to the surface of your shower or tub.
Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing it away with hot water. For tough stains, you may need to scrub the area with a brush before rinsing.
5. Clean Toilet Bowl
You will be surprised to see that borax is an excellent cleaner for your toilet. All you need to do is sprinkle some onto the bottom of one pot and then add ½ cup white vinegar so its mixture sits overnight before scrubbing away at those dirt stains!
6. Get Rid Of Soap Scum
If you’ve ever had soap scum build-up in your shower doors, glass and faucets you know how difficult it can be to remove. But there is one cleaning product that can help you get rid of soap scum quickly and easily – borax.
Just mix equal parts borax and water to form a paste, and then apply it to the soap scum. Let it sit for a few minutes, and then scrub it away with a sponge or brush. You’ll be amazed at how easily the soap scum comes off, and your shower will look sparkling clean!
7. Deodorize The Garbage Can
If your garbage can is starting to smell, you can deodorize it using borax. Just sprinkle some borax in the bottom of the can and then add a layer of newspapers.
Every time you change the garbage bag, add more borax and newspaper. The borax will absorb the smells and the newspaper will help keep the garbage can clean.
8. Laundry Cleaner
If you’re looking for a laundry cleaner that is both effective and environmentally friendly, look no further than borax. To use borax as a laundry cleaner, simply add one cup of borax to your laundry detergent.
Borax will help to boost the cleaning power of your detergent and will also help to remove tough stains. For an extra boost of freshness, add a few drops of essential oil to the borax before adding it to your laundry.
9. Remove Mold or Mildew
If you have mold or mildew in your home, you can remove it easily with borax. To remove mold or mildew with borax, simply mix one cup of borax with two cups of water. Then, apply the mixture to the affected area and let it sit for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, scrub the area with a brush or sponge and rinse it off with water. You should see the mold or mildew start to disappear. If the mold or mildew is stubborn, you can repeat this process until it is gone.
10. Bring Shine to Your Old China Dish Set
If you have an old china dish set that’s looking a little dull, you can bring back the shine with some borax. Just mix a solution of 1 tablespoon borax per 1 cup of water and soak your dishes in it for about 15 minutes. Then, rinse them off and enjoy your sparkling clean dishes!
11. Remove Rust (From Pans, Appliances, Tiles, Or Almost Anything)
While there are many ways to remove rust, using borax is one of the most effective. This method will not only remove the rust but also protect the metal from further rusting.
To remove rust with borax, you will need:
-Borax
-Water
-Abrasive cloth or brush
Directions:
1. Make a paste with the borax and water.
2. Rub the paste onto the rusty surface with an abrasive cloth or brush.
3. Let the paste sit for several hours.
4. Rinse the paste off with water.
5. Dry the surface completely to prevent further rusting.
12. Remove Pencil And Crayon Marks From The Wall
If you’re looking for an easy and effective way to remove pencil and crayon marks from your walls, then look no further than borax! This common household product is inexpensive and works like a charm in removing those pesky marks.
13. Clean Windows
If your windows are looking a bit dirty, you can clean them using borax. Just mix 1/2 cup of borax with 1 gallon of warm water, and use a sponge or cloth to wipe down the windows.
You can also add a few drops of dish soap to the mixture if you want to give them a deeper clean. Rinse the windows with clean water when you’re done, and they’ll be sparkling clean in no time.
14. Carpet Cleaner
Carpets are often one of the first places where dirt and dust accumulate. Not only is it unsightly, but it can also be dangerous for your family if not cleaned on a regular basis. Borax is an effective and natural way to clean carpets.
To clean your carpets with borax, start by vacuuming them thoroughly to remove any surface dirt and debris. Then, mix 1 cup of borax with 1 gallon of water. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and spritz it liberally over your carpets. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes, then vacuum again.
You should notice a significant difference in the cleanliness of your carpets. For tougher stains, you may need to repeat the process. But overall, borax is a great way to get your carpets looking and smelling fresh and clean.
15. Clean Sticky Residue
Borax can be used to easily clean sticky residue. Just mix one part of borax with two parts of water. Apply the mixture to the sticky residue and let it sit for a few minutes.
Then, use a scrub brush or sponge to remove the residue.
16. DIY Floor Cleaner
Looking for a natural, DIY floor cleaner? Look no further than this simple recipe using borax! Borax is a natural disinfectant and cleaner, making it the perfect ingredient for cleaning your floors. Plus, this recipe is super easy to make and costs pennies to make!
What You’ll Need:
-1/2 cup Borax
-1 gallon of hot water
Instructions:
1. In a large bucket, mix together the borax and hot water.
2. Mop your floors, as usual, using the borax mixture.
3. Enjoy clean, disinfected floors!
17. Clean Brushes And Combs Easily
If you find it difficult to clean your brushes and combs, then using borax may be a good solution for you.
To clean your brushes and combs with borax, simply add a tablespoon of borax to a cup of warm water and stir until the borax is dissolved. Then, soak your brushes and combs in the solution for a few minutes.
After soaking, rinse your brushes and combs thoroughly with warm water.
18. Make an All-Purpose Cleaner
To make an all-purpose cleaner using borax, you will need:
-1 cup of borax
-1 gallon of hot water
-1/4 cup of white vinegar
-Spray bottle
Instructions:
1. Dissolve the borax in the hot water.
2. Add the vinegar and stir well.
3. Pour the mixture into the spray bottle.
4. Use as needed on surfaces that need cleaning.
19. Clean The Fridge
Cleaning your fridge with borax is a quick and easy way to get it looking like new again. Plus, you can rest assured that your food is safe from harmful chemicals.
To clean your fridge with borax, simply make a paste of equal parts borax and water. Apply the paste to any areas that need cleaning, and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, wipe the area clean with a damp cloth.
20. Clean Outdoor Furniture
If your outdoor furniture is looking a little worse for wear, don’t despair! With some simple cleaning using borax, you can have it looking like new again.
To start, mix up a solution of 1 part borax to 10 parts water. For tough stains, you can use a stronger solution of 1 part borax to 4 parts water. Next, using a sponge or brush, apply the solution to the affected areas of your furniture.
Allow it to sit for a few minutes, then scrub the area gently. Finally, rinse off the borax solution with clean water and allow your furniture to dry completely.
With just a bit of effort, you can have your outdoor furniture looking brand new again!
21. Clean And Deodorize Mattresses
Is your mattress starting to smell? Don’t worry, you can easily clean and deodorize it using borax. Here’s what you need to do:
1. First, vacuum your mattress to remove any dust or dirt.
2. Then, mix together 1 cup of borax and 1 cup of water.
3. Apply the mixture to your mattress, making sure to evenly distribute it.
4. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes, then vacuum it up.
5. Your mattress should now be clean and smell fresh!
If you have any stubborn stains on your mattress, you can pre-treat them with the borax mixture before vacuuming. Just make sure to spot test first to ensure that the borax doesn’t damage your mattress.
22. Deodorize Your Humidifier
If your humidifier has begun to emit an unpleasant odor, it is probably time to give it a good cleaning. And one of the best ways to do this is by using borax.
Borax is a natural disinfectant and deodorizer that can be used on many different surfaces, including your humidifier.
23. Homemade Dish Soap
This homemade dish soap recipe is simple to make and is gentle on the hands. It uses borax as the main cleaning agent, which is why it is so effective at cutting through grease and grime. This dish soap recipe is perfect for those who are looking for an alternative to store-bought dish soap that is filled with harsh chemicals.
To make this homemade dish soap, you will need:
1 cup of borax
1 cup of washing soda
1 cup of castile soap
1 teaspoon of essential oil (optional)
1 gallon of water
Instructions:
1. Combine the borax, washing soda, and castile soap in a bowl and mix well.
2. Add the essential oil, if using, and mix again.
3. Add the water and stir until everything is dissolved.
4. Pour the mixture into a clean, empty bottle and label it.
5. To use, simply add 1-2 tablespoons of dish soap to a sink full of water. Wash dishes as normal.
This dish soap can be stored at room temperature and will last for several months. If you find that it is no longer as effective as it once was, simply make a new batch.
24. Dealing With Pests
Borax is a natural mineral that can be used to kill and repel pests. It is safe to use around children and pets and is relatively inexpensive.
To use borax to kill and repel pests, simply sprinkle it around the affected area. For best results, do this in the evening so that the pests will come into contact with the borax overnight. In the morning, vacuum up any dead pests and dispose of them.
Borax can also be used as a preventative measure by sprinkling it around the perimeter of your home or in any area where pests are likely to enter.
25. Preserve Your Favorite Flowers
Borax is a naturally occurring substance that can be used to preserve flowers. When added to water, it creates a solution that helps to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi, which can cause flowers to rot.
To preserve your flowers using borax, start by trimming the stems and removing any leaves. Next, mix one tablespoon of borax with two cups of water in a large container. Submerge the flowers in the solution and allow them to soak for 24 hours.
After 24 hours, remove the flowers from the solution and allow them to air dry. Once they are dry, you can store them in a cool, dark place. Borax will help to keep your flowers looking fresh for months.
26. Take Care of Your Pool
If you’re like most pool owners, you understand the importance of keeping your pool clean and well-maintained. But did you know that you can use borax to help take care of your pool?
When used in pool care, borax can help to remove algae and bacteria, keeping your pool clean and safe to swim in.
To use borax in your pool care routine, simply add a few tablespoons to a gallon of water and mix well. Then, use a brush or cloth to apply the solution to areas of your pool that need cleaning. Allow the solution to sit for a few minutes before rinsing it away.
27. Clean The Dishwasher
If your dishwasher isn’t cleaning dishes as well as it used to, there’s a good chance that it needs to be descaled. One of the most effective agents for descaling dishwashers is borax.
To descale your dishwasher with borax, simply add 1 cup of borax to the detergent compartment of your dishwasher and run a normal cycle. You may need to repeat this process a few times to completely remove all the mineral deposits.
28. Improve Homemade Candles
If you’re looking for a way to improve your homemade candles, consider using borax. It can help to improve the scent of your candles and make them last longer.
29. Improve Growth Of Fruit Trees
Borax can be used as a fertilizer to help promote growth in fruit trees. It can also be used as a pest control measure, as it can help to kill pests that may be damaging the tree. Additionally, borax can help to improve the drainage of the tree, which can improve its overall health.
30. Make Your Clothes Fireproof
If you’re looking for a way to make your clothes fireproof, borax is a great option. To use borax to make your clothes fireproof, simply add it to a spray bottle filled with water.
Then, spray the mixture onto your clothing and allow it to dry. You can also add borax to your laundry detergent to help protect your clothes from fire damage.
31. Homemade Laundry Detergent
Making your own laundry detergent is a great way to save money and avoid all of the harmful chemicals that are found in many commercial brands.
Borax is an effective laundry booster and can help to remove stains and odors. It is also very economical, so you can save even more money by making your own laundry detergent.
To make this homemade laundry detergent, you will need:
1 cup of borax
1 cup of washing soda
1 cup of grated soap flakes
To make the laundry detergent, simply mix all of the ingredients together and store them in a sealed container. To use, add 1-2 tablespoons of the detergent to your washing machine per load of laundry. This recipe should last for several months and will save you a lot of money compared to buying commercial brands.
We hope that this post was helpful for you in getting to know the amazing uses of borax around the home.
