Cleaning, Pest Control, And Everything In Between: 40+ Ways To Use Borax Around The House

By Harpreet K

Borax is a versatile and common cleaning agent found in many households. While it is mainly known for its use in laundry detergents and kitchen cleaners, it also has many other uses around the house.

Borax is effective at removing dirt, food particles, and residue from surfaces. It can also be used to clean windows and mirrors, clean sinks and bathtubs, remove grease and oil from cookware, and clean tile floors. This wonder powder can also be used as a disinfectant and pesticide.

While borax is safe to use around humans and pets, it should not be ingested or get into contact with the skin in large amounts. If that happens, rinse the area with plenty of water. After you’re done with this listicle, we guarantee you’ll be rushing to get a can of it! Keep reading to learn more about borax uses to try at home. 

1.  Make your clothes fire-resistant

Borax is an excellent product to have around the house because it can clean just about anything. Additionally, it’s also a fire retardant. If you want to make the clothes in your closet fire-resistant, you should sprinkle borax on them.

Image courtesy: closets.etc / ig

Borax is effective at stopping fires from starting and spreading, and it can be used in both residential and commercial settings. Just ensure that you never spray it directly onto a flame, and always ventilate any room where the chemical is being used.

2. Easy shower cleaner 

Do you hate cleaning your shower and shower area? Here’s how to make the process a little bit easier: first, mix one cup of borax with three cups of water in a spray bottle. Next, use this solution to clean your shower and surrounding area.

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Simply spritz the solution on the walls, floor, and tiles, then scrub with a brush. Finally, rinse off the area with water. This simple shower cleaner is effective and easy to use since you don’t need special tools. Just make sure to keep the mixture in an easy-to-use spray bottle.

3. Clean the dishwasher

Borax is a natural detergent that may be used as a cleaner for your dishwasher. It helps to remove tough food stains and odors, making your machine clean and fresh. Add borax to the dishwasher’s detergent reservoir’s top before starting it.

Image courtesy: rudolf_langer / Pixabay

You can also use Borax on items that tend to build up dirt and grease over time, such as pots and pans. It will clean them quickly and easily. Finish off by running a hot water cycle with Borax added to it to complete the cleaning process. 

4. Refresh garbage cans 

If you’re like most homeowners, your garbage cans are probably a little dated and could use a bit of a facelift. If you’re searching for an easy way to do this, sprinkle some borax in the garbage can and add a few cups of water.

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Let the cans soak in this mix before you clean them with fresh water. After that, leave the cans out to dry and then put them back in use. The chemical is effective in cleaning garbage cans and removing odor.

5. Disinfect the swimming pool

Swimming pools are a popular spot to cool off during summertime, but they can also be a breeding area for bacteria and other contaminants. To keep your swimming pool germ-free, you can use borax as a cleaning and disinfecting agent.

Image courtesy: Lisboa Hotel / Trip Advisor

First, add enough Borax to cover the bottom of the pool. Swirl it around to distribute it evenly and allow it to sit in the pool for several hours or overnight if possible. Next, use a strong hose to rinse the pool clean. Finally, add fresh water and chlorine to the pool and enjoy! 

6. Clean and deodorize your fridge 

Borax is a natural and environmentally-friendly cleaner that can be used to clean your fridge. It’s also great at removing odors, as we’ve seen. To get started on this taxing but necessary chore, get a spray bottle and add one cup of warm water and a tablespoon of borax.

Image courtesy: u/spezial87 / Reddit

Sprinkle the mixture on the inside and outside of the fridge. Let it sit for 20-30 minutes, then wipe it with a cloth. For an even better outcome, use a wet cloth followed by a dry one. If your fridge looks anything like this, borax is your best bet!

7. DIY detergent

Detergent is one of the most frequently used products in households. Most people use store-bought, but a number also make their own at home. There are several homemade detergent recipes out there, and one of the most popular ones uses borax as the primary cleaning agent.

Image courtesy: naturesnurtureblog

There are a few things you may keep in mind when using borax as a detergent. Ensure to use the correct amount. Too much borax can irritate your skin and clothing, while too little will not do much to clean your clothes. Rinse your clothes thoroughly after using borax to avoid any buildup. 

8. Remove molds

If you have a mold problem, there’s one surefire way to remove them: using a paste made of borax and water. This mixture eliminates molds from any surface, including wood, plastered walls, plastic, and even leather. If your wall looks anything like the one pictured here, this is a fantastic tip for you.

Image courtesy: okpick

This cleaning mix has many advantages. First, it is very cheap. Since most people already have borax at home, you won’t need to buy anything else. It’s also easy to make as all you need is water and the chemical. Lastly, it’s environmentally friendly.

9. Clean grooming tools 

With all the dirt and dust that accumulates on our hair tools throughout the week, it’s essential to take extra steps to keep them clean. After all, these are items you use every day. Soak them in a sink with a solution of warm water, 1/4 cup of borax, and dish soap.

Image courtesy: simut_salon / ig

This will disinfect them and help keep them looking and feeling their best. Additionally, they will be more durable. Consider this product a must-have if you run a barber shop since you regularly need to clean and disinfect tools. After cleaning, leave them out to dry before subsequent use. 

10. Make a cloth freshener

Aside from the usual fabric softeners, borax is another product that keeps clothes smelling fresh. Simply mix half a cup of it with a pint of water and put the mixture in a spray bottle. You can spray this solution on rugs, mattresses, curtains, or clothes to keep them smelling clean.

Image courtesy: weareroyale

This is a fantastic alternative to Febreze if you’re on a budget. You can also keep it with you on the go in travel-size packaging. After spraying the borax mix, let the clothes air dry, and they’ll start to smell fresh. You may do this as often as required. 

11. Use it as a floor cleaner

Borax is a great floor cleaner because it is non-toxic and has high alkalinity. A mixture consisting of 1/4 cup of borax, 1/2 cup of vinegar, and hot water in a bucket will be enough to clean a big section of floors.

Image courtesy: u/CurrentSufficient809 / Reddit

Use the solution as needed, working it into the floor with a mop or cloth. It will disinfect the floor and make it smell fresh. You don’t have to rely on chemical or synthetic cleaners to mop the floors at home.

12. Remove carpet stains 

If you have carpeting in your home, it is important to keep it clean and free of stains. It can become stained from various sources like food and coffee, which are quite difficult to clean. If your carpet has stubborn stains, try using borax.

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Start by sprinkling borax on the stain and scrubbing. Next, rinse the area with water and ensure you get all the residue off your carpeting. Once the carpet is clean, let it dry completely before moving any furniture back into place. 

13. Make your dish soap at home

Are you looking for an affordable and easy way to make your dish soap? Then you’ve come to the right place. You’ll need a tablespoon of finely grated soap,1 tablespoon of Borax, and hot water. Borax is a natural detergent that’s great for dishwashing because it removes grease and food residue.

Image courtesy: livingwellmom.com

You’ll only need 1 tablespoon to make a batch of soap; it’s cost-effective too. Start by mixing borax in hot water and stir till it dissolves. The next step is to add the grated soap and keep stirring until the mixture is consistent. Finally, pour it into a mold and leave it to dry.

14. Deodorize the carpet 

Aside from stain removal, borax is a natural deodorant that can be used to remove odors from carpets. To begin, mix borax, salt, and vinegar in water and sprinkle it all over the carpet. Work the mixture into the fibers with a brush or your hands.

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This mixture is quite effective at breaking down dirt and bacteria that cause odors. After that, wait about 30 minutes for it to work its magic. After vacuuming the carpet, it will be so clean and smell so great that you’ll be tempted to sleep on it!

15. Remove stains

Where there are kids, stubborn stains always follow. Kids always find new ways to make cleaning difficult, but lucky for you, we have a new hack that will help ease the stress. You can use borax for its stain-removing qualities.

Image courtesy: u/furzigel / reddit

Borax can be used in various ways to remove stains like sauces and even grass. Some people use a scrub brush to scrub stains away from surfaces. Fo laundry, you can soak them in a mixture of water and borax for about half an hour before washing them.

16. Freshen up your humidifier 

Cleaning your humidifier with borax is a great way to freshen it up and make it work better. After a while, humidifiers can accumulate germs mainly because of stagnant water. To remedy that, you can use a mixture of water and borax.

Image courtesy: u/WillyWumpLump / Reddit

Add the mixture to the humidifier’s tank and turn it on. The borax will dissolve the buildup of bacteria and mold. After that, rinse the humidifier well before using it. To ensure the machine is clean, it’s advisable to do this weekly or once every fortnight.

17. For healthier fruit trees

Adding Borax to your fruit trees can have many benefits. It is a natural mineral that adds boron to the soil and helps in plant growth. Moreover, it’s an effective way to fight against pests and diseases that could potentially harm your fruit trees.

Image courtesy: floridafruitgeek / ig

Adding Borax around the base of your fruit trees every 3-4 years can help keep them healthy and free from potential parasites. You may also add it to a mature tree before the flowering season. This will help them produce more fruits.

18. Clean garbage disposal 

The garbage disposal may get smelly and hard to clean over time. To remedy that, try using borax. Simply sprinkle three tablespoons of Borax down the drain, let it sit for an hour, and then rinse it with hot water.

Image courtesy: todayshomeowner

This will help remove any built-up dirt, food particles, and grease. Be sure to thoroughly clean the disposal after using this hack; otherwise, you may end up with a clogged drain. Repeat this a few times a month to have a fresh garbage disposal. 

19. Extinguish kitchen fire 

If you find yourself in a situation where you have a small kitchen fire and no fire extinguisher in sight, there is no need to worry. The best way to put it out is with borax since it’s a natural and effective fire retardant.

Image courtesy: u/ManiaforBeatles / Reddit

Start by wetting the area around the fire with borax. This will help stop it from spreading since it acts as an insulator and puts out any flames that are still burning. If the fire is small, use dry borax powder instead of wetting it.

20. Ant exterminator 

Ants are pesky little bugs that are quite common in homes. They can be a nuisance, raiding your home, especially the kitchen area, and leaving trails of dirt and debris behind. If you’re tired of seeing them crawling everywhere, there is a straightforward solution.

Image source: tucasaenlasierra/ ig

Sprinkle borax on their trails or around their food. It also has a strong odor, so it’s best to use it in small doses around the ant trails. Once they ingest the borax, it takes about 24 hours for it to work.

21. Clean sinks 

If your sink looks a little grubby, why not try cleaning it with a cup of Borax mixed with 1/4 cup of lemon juice? Thanks to its amazing cleaning and deodorizing properties, this fantastic hack will ensure your sink is sparkly fresh in no time.

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Add borax and lemon juice to a bowl, stir well, and pour into your sink. Use a scrubby brush to work the mixture into the dirt and grime, then rinse off with cold water. Your sink will look and smell sparkly fresh, and you’ll have saved yourself some time in your cleaning routine!

22. Window cleaner

If you have dirty windows, you can clean them using borax and water. It has natural properties that remove dirt, dust, and stains from surfaces. All you need is a bowl or container big enough to hold the borax and water mixture and a rag or cloth to clean the windows.

Image courtesy: u/DonaldoTrumpe / Reddit

First, pour the borax mixture into the bowl or container, wet the cloth, and wring out the excess water. Next, clean the windows by rubbing the rag against the glass. If they are excessively dirty, rubbing hard will remove more dirt than gentle rubbing.

23. Keep China shining and new 

Owning fine China is a point of pride for many people. They are great for occasional dinners and may last longer if you take care of them. Ignoring stains may ruin them, which we are sure you don’t want because, let’s face it, fine China is expensive.

Image courtesy: corelle

Borax is a natural cleanser and polish that can help keep your China looking its best. Mix 1/2 a cup of borax with enough water to make a slurry, and dip your pieces of china in the mixture. After a few minutes of soaking, remove them and rinse them with clean water.

24. Bye bye rust

Borax is your best option if you’re looking for a quick, easy, and affordable way to remove rust from metal surfaces. All you need is a damp sponge, lemon juice, and a little borax. Simply sprinkle it on the surface to be cleaned, add lemon juice and wipe the mixture away.

Image courtesy: gardenbetty

You may do this with old art pieces, keys, garden tools, and locks. Repeat it a few times to ensure all the rust is gone. Make sure you clean the solution to prevent damaging the material. This hack will give new life to your rusty tools.

25. Clean the patio furniture 

If you have patio furniture that needs a good cleaning, there is one easy, effective way to do it: mix one tablespoon of borax, one teaspoon of dishwashing liquid, and a quart of warm water together and use the solution to clean the furniture.

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This hack works best on wood or plastic pieces. Also, be sure to test the mixture on a small piece first to make sure it doesn’t damage the surface. You don’t want to stain your pretty furniture while attempting to clean it. When you’re done, dry it with a cloth.

26. No more mice

So far, this list has given us one pest control hack using borax, and now we have another one for you. If you’re on the hunt for a natural way to keep rodents away from your house, try sprinkling borax around the perimeter of your home.

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Before sprinkling, you may add a few drops of essential oil to the borax to help repel mice even further. How this nifty works against mice is that it discourages them from getting inside your house since they don’t like the feel of borax on their feet.

27. Kill garden weeds

When it comes to killing garden weeds, there are several easy and effective ways to go about it. Among the most popular methods is to sprinkle a mixture of Borax and water over them. This simple hack will kill most weeds within a short period.

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Additionally, it will leave your plants undamaged. Whichever product you use to kill weeds, be sure to use it in a safe and responsible manner, as overexposure to weed killers can be harmful to your plants. This also applies to homemade herbicides like this one.

28. No more pests at home

Borax kills insects and other pests that come into contact with it. One great method of baiting these bugs is to mix equal parts of borax and sugar and then place the mixture in areas where you have seen pests.

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Another option is to make a paste out of borax and water and then apply the paste to areas where you’ve seen pests or where they’re likely to enter your home. Also, add borax to detergent to help keep your clothes bug free.

29. Reduce candle smoke

If you are looking for a way to reduce smoke when your candles burn, soak the wicks in salt and Borax. This will help to absorb the smoke and prevent it from billowing out. You can do this before you light the candle or if you notice the smoke starting to come.

Image courtesy: Claire Rickards / Pinterest

Simply snuff out the candle, then soak the wicks in the solution for a few minutes before relighting. This may also come in handy when you’re making candles. Dip the wicks in borax and water solution, and then add wax. 

30. DIY borax floor cleaner

As a cleaning product, it’s clear borax has no limits. Aside from clothes, dishes, furniture, and sinks, it can also be used to clean floors in your home or even at the office. Mix two tablespoons of borax with four to five tablespoons of vinegar in your mop bucket.

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The vinegar will help cut through dirt and grime, while the borax will disinfect and leave your floors sparkling clean. If you love cleaning or your job involves moping floors, you can easily do this each time you need to clean. After you’re done, let it dry and enjoy the results! 

31. Preserve cut flowers 

If you’re looking for a way to make your flowers last longer, mix two parts Borax with one part dry sand and place your flowers in the mixture. This hack is said to help dry flowers effectively so you can keep them displayed for as long as you want.

Image courtesy: pinkstripeysocks

Aside from the sand/ borax mixture, a better way to dry flowers is by using a mix of borax and cornmeal. Cornmeal is lighter than the sand; hence it’s easier on the petals. When you’re done prepping the mixture in a container, close it tightly and leave it for about two weeks before removing them. 

32. Remove wall writings

If you have kids at home, you know how notorious they can be when it comes to scribbling on the walls. If you’re on the hunt for an easy and effective way to remove wall writing, this borax paste hack is for you! Simply mix the borax powder with water to form a paste.

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Then, use that to scrub away any unwanted markings. Borax is a natural cleaning agent that’s gentle on surfaces but tough on dirt, so it’s perfect for this job. Keeping it handy is a must when you have kids and pets. 

33. Maintain instrument strings

If you play the violin or the cello, you know how crucial it is to keep your instrument strings clean. If you have no idea how to get started, we have a tip for you. One method is to dip a toothbrush in borax, wet it, and gently scrub the strings.

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Do this gently to remove any dirt stuck on the strings. This method is safe, fast, and easy, so you don’t have to worry about damaging your stuff. So, give this a try next time you need to clean your instrument before a performance!

34. Remove sticky residue

If you’ve ever tried to remove a sticker or label from a glass jar, you know how frustrating it can be. The adhesive is so strong at times that it seems the only way to get the label off is to use a razor blade or some other sharp object.

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But there’s an easy way to remove those pesky labels without resorting to dangerous tools. All you need to do is spray a mixture of borax and water and let it sit. The borax will loosen the adhesive, and the label will peel right off.

35. Odor-free litter box

If you’ve ever been to a friend’s house who has a cat, you know that the first thing you notice is the smell. Sometimes it’s even worse when you walk into a pet store. While we love our furry friends, their litter boxes can be pretty stinky.

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Luckily, there’s an easy hack to make your litter box odor-free. Mix two tablespoons of borax into the litter, and voila! You’ll instantly notice a difference in the smell. Not to mention, your cat will love you for it (they’re pretty sensitive to smells).

36. Deodorize your mattress 

If you’re looking for a way to deodorize your mattress, you can try sprinkling borax on it and then vacuuming it. Borax is known for its ability to absorb odors, so doing this will get rid of any bad smells that are present.

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For deeper cleaning, wet the mattress and sprinkle borax to lift up the grime and odors. Then, when you vacuum it, the boron will be gone along with the smells. You can do this every few months to freshen up the mattress and disinfect it. 

37. No more fleas on pets

From felines, now we have canines. If you’ve ever owned a dog, especially a furry one, you know how much of a problem fleas can be. They are annoying and can also spread diseases. The best way to prevent infestation is to regularly treat your dog with a flea and tick prevention product.

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Sadly, sometimes these products don’t work as well as we would like them to. So, if you’re on the hunt for a natural solution, try sprinkling borax on carpets and rugs where your dog likes to sit. It has the ability to kill fleas, so it’s a great way to help keep your dog flea-free!

38. Use it as a plant fertilizer 

Using small amounts of borax in your gardening can make your plants healthier by increasing the boron compound in the soil. Boron actively helps plants absorb nutrients from the soil in addition to improving drought tolerance in dry areas and increasing yields.

Image courtesy: Pink Sherbet Photography from Utah, USA/ wiki commons/ CC BY 2.0

The best way to go about this hack is to add 1/8 teaspoon of borax to a gallon of water and mix well. Then, use this solution to water your plants once a month. This may also work well when starting seed mixes or when the saplings are small. 

39. Clean combs and brushes

As we mentioned before, hair grooming tools can get quite greasy and dirty after using them for a short while. If you’re like most people, you probably use your hairbrush at least twice a day which explains why it needs regular cleaning. So, to clean these essential items, use this borax hack.

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Make a paste by mixing borax powder with a little water, and then use it to scrub your brushes and combs clean. This paste is a fantastic way to remove built-up product residue, oil, and dirt. Do this every few weeks for clean hair tools and accessories. 

40. Effective and cheaper laundry cleaner 

Are you looking for something that will clean your clothes and make them smell amazing? Adding borax to your laundry process is a great solution. Of course, you can always use store-bought products, but the best thing about using borax is that it removes both stains and odors.

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Simply add 4-5 tablespoons of borax to your laundry load, and you’ll notice a difference in the cleanliness and smell of your clothes. It is also quite effective in washing delicate clothes when you wish to skip harsh chemical detergents.  

41. Stop tree stump from growing again

If you have a huge tree stump that is starting to grow back, one of the best ways to stop that is to spray it with borax. It is a natural organic agent that, when sprayed, can help to break down the stump and prevent it from growing back.

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You can find borax at most grocery stores and home improvement stores. Just read the instructions before using it, as there may be some safety precautions you should take note of. Keep spraying the borax mix until you’re convinced the stump is dead. 

42. Clean pots and pans

If your pots and pans look like they could use a deep cleaning, we have the perfect solution for you. Just sprinkle some Borax on them and rub them with a damp cloth. The dirt will come right off, leaving your pots and pans looking good as new.

Image courtesy: blog.blueapron

This hack works well on most pot and pan materials. After being in use for a long time, your pans may need a good cleaning, and as we’ve mentioned, borax is excellent at that. This hack is also better than using harsh chemicals on cookware. 

43. DIY slime and bouncy balls 

Borax is a natural ingredient that can be used in many ways to make your kids’ playtime more fun. For example, did you know that this cleaning agent could make slime? Borax is an excellent ingredient for making slime because it is thick and textured.

Image courtesy: www.delilah.com

It is also easy to add color and create a variety of textures with borax slime. To make it, mix one cup of borax with glue and three cups of water in a bowl. Stir until the borax is fully dissolved. Add glue/water to get the desired consistency, and knead it till it holds together. 

44. Remove towel odor

If you’re looking to eliminate an unpleasant odor from a towel, you can try dipping it in water that contains borax. This hack is both effective and environmentally friendly. To start, fill a bowl or container with enough hot water.

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Add 3 teaspoons of borax to the hot water and stir well. Next, place the towels in the water and let them soak for about 2-3 hours. Afterward, take them out and rinse them under running water. Finally, hang them to dry. You’ll later realize that they look and smell fresher.

45. Toilet cleaning has never been so easy

To end this list, we have a hack for cleaning the little boys’ room. A great way to make this chore a bit easier is to use borax. This chemical works by breaking down fecal matter and bacteria. Additionally, it gets rid of odors.

Image courtesy: Shutterstock1

Start by mixing a cup of borax with 1 gallon of hot water. Pour this mixture into the toilet and let it sit for 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can sprinkle borax powder on the bowl and scrub with a wet toilet brush. Finish with a quick flush.