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Borax: The Many Uses of Borax

Updated on November 27, 2013

What is Borax?

Your first question may be, what is Borax?

Borax, or sodium borate, is a naturally occurring alkaline mineral first discovered over 4000 years ago. In its naturally occurring state, sodium borate is found in large quantities in the Western United States and Tibet.

Borax is best known as a laundry booster. However, Borax has numerous other household uses, many of which can be found below.

What are the uses of Borax?

Now that you know what Borax, you may wonder about the uses of Borax. There are numerous household uses for Borax. Borax can be used for household cleaning, laundry, deodorizing, pest control, and many more great uses!

Laundry Detergent

Most popular use of Borax!

One of the many uses of Borax is as a laundry detergent. Simply add one cup of Borax to each load of laundry to significantly boost your cleaning power.

Remove Stains on Clothing

Use Borax to remove stubborn stains on clothes by mixing 1 cup of Borax with 2 cups of warm water to make a paste. Apply the paste directly to any stain and let it sit. Launder as usual.


All Purpose Cleaner

You can use Borax as an all purpose cleaner by mixing 2 tablespoons of Borax and 2 cups hot water in a spray bottle.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Use Borax as a toilet bowl cleaner. Pour 1 cup of borax into the toilet bowl at night before you go to sleep. The Borax will loosen the grime build-up over night and the next morning you will easily be able to clean the toilet bowl with a brush. You can also use Borax to clean bathtubs and sinks. It is very effective on rust rings.

Remove Rust

Use Borax to remove rust by making a paste of Borax, water, and lemon juice. Scrub the rust stain with the paste to remove.

Sink Cleaner

You can use Borax to remove stains from both stainless steel and porcelain by using a paste made from 1 cup of Borax and 1/4 cup of lemon juice. Using a sponge or cloth, rub the stain with the paste. Rinse with warm water.

Clean Pots & Pans

Combine 1 teaspoon of Borax with warm water and use this mixture to scrub pots and pans. Because Borax is non-abrasive, it will remove grime without damaging your pots and pans.

Remove Stains on Carpets & Furniture

Use Borax to remove carpet stains by dampening the stain thoroughly and rubbing Borax on it. Let it sit and then vacuum. Finally, pour a combination of vinegar and water over the stain. Let it dry and repeat if necessary. This same method can be used on soiled furniture and mattresses. It will get rid of the stain as well as any odors.

Dishwasher Detergent

You can make your own dishwasher detergent with Borax. Simply mix 1 tablespoon of Borax with 1 tablespoon of baking soda and voila a cheap and natural dishwasher detergent.

Floor & Wall Cleaner

You can make your own floor and wall cleaner with Borax by mixing 1/3 cup of Borax, 1 tablespoon of ammonia and 1 teaspoon of dish soap.


Mold Inhibitor

Borax can be used to inhibit mold growth. Combine Borax and water to make a thick paste. Smear the paste onto a moldy area and let set until dry (overnight or longer is recommended). Once dry, sweep up the powder and rinse the area. This is very effective for inhibiting mold growth in areas where mold and mildew is growing but you don't have to be concerned about paint being damaged--such as on bathroom tile.

Clean Outdoor Furniture

You can clean outdoor furniture and remove mildew by filling a spray bottle with 1 teaspoon dish soap, 1 teaspoon of Borax and 1 quart of warm water.

Reduce Odor in Litter Box

Use Borax to minimize the odor from your cat's litter box. Simply mix a few tablespoons of Borax in with the litter in the box.

Remove Mildew & Must

Get rid of mildew and mustiness in linens by soaking them in 2 cups of Borax mixed with 2 quarts of water. Let them soak for a few hours, then rinse clean.

Deodorize Your Refrigerator

You can deodorize and clean your fridge by washing it with a solution of Borax and water. refrigerator

Unclog Drains

Use Borax to unclog your drains by boring 1/2 cup of Borax down the drain and then pour 2 cups of boiling water down the drain. Let it sit for 15 minutes and then run the water for a few minutes to flush out the pipes.

Clean the Garbage Disposal

Use Borax to clean your garbage disposal by putting 3 tablespoons of Borax down the drain. Let it sit for one hour and then flush the disposal with warm water. The Borax will sanitize your disposal and remove bacteria which causes odors.

Deodorize the Garbage Can

You can us Borax to remove smells in your garbage can by filling it with Borax and water. Let it soak for awhile and then rinse out the garbage. Once the garbage can is clean, sprinkle some Borax in the bottom to keep away bugs and absorb any remaining odors.

Deodorize the Mattress

Use Borax to remove urine from a mattress, simply rub the mattress with a damp cloth and Borax. Let the mattress dry and then vacuum the remaining residue.

Kill Roaches, Waterbugs & Ants

Have a insect problems? If you want a great all natural way to get rid of roaches, water bugs, and ants--use Borax! Use a combination of equal parts Borax and sugar to entice and then kill roaches, water bugs, and ants.


You can also sprinkle Borax around the perimeter of your home to prevent insects from entering.


How to Kill Ants with Borax

Bed Bug Removal

Get rid of bed bugs with Borax! Bed bugs have become a serious issue in the past few years. These itchy buggers are hard to kill, but you can sprinkle Borax on your mattress, let sit, and vacuum. Borax is a natural way to get rid of bed bugs.

Kill Fleas

Use Borax to kill fleas. Sprinkle borax on dog beds, carpets, and other areas where you suspect that fleas are hatching. Leave for one hour and then vacuum. Borax releases boric acid, which is a poison that will kill fleas. Please be advised that boric acid would need to be ingested in very high doses to harm a pet or human.

How to Use Borax to Kill Fleas

Mice Repellent

Borax can be used as a mice repellent. Sprinkle borax on the floor along the walls of your house or apartment (mice like to run along the side of walls). Mice don't like getting the borax on their feet and are unlikely to return.

Kill Weeds

Borax can be used to kill weeds. Simply sprinkle Borax in places where you've seen weeds appear. Borax is best for weeds that grow in concrete cracks and on walkways. Borax should not be used in the garden because it will also kill your plants.

Renew Worn China

Use Borax to "bring your china back to life." Simply soak your worn Borax in a sink full of warm water and a 1/2 cup of Borax. Rinse well and wash a second time as usual.

Canker Sore Treatment

Borax can be used as a natural remedy for canker sores. Borax both treats canker sores and prevents them from recurring.

Soften Hard Water

You can use Borax to soften hard water when doing your laundry by simply adding Borax to the washing machine.

Make "Gloop" or Slime

You can use Borax to make gloop or slime which is super fun for kids to play with. Check out the video below to see how to make gloop.

How to Make Gloop

Where can I buy Borax?

Now that you know all the amazing uses of Borax, you probably want to know where you can buy Borax. You can find Borax in the cleaning aisle of your grocery store next to the powdered laundry soaps. Sometimes Borax can be tricky to find in stores and you may be asking yourself "Why can't I find Borax?"

Search no further that the link below. You can easily purchase Borax online at Amazon. It is even eligible for free standard shipping and free 2 day shipping if you are an Amazon Prime member.

Borax as a natural remedy?

Did you know that Borax can be used as a natural remedy to treat fungal infections? Check out the article below about fungal ear infections and learn how boric acid can be used to fight fungal infections.


© 2013 Maya Frances

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