This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #BoostWithBorax #CollectiveBias

It’s time to talk about the not so pretty side of maintaining your home: cleaning. Although most of us don’t like to do it, the results when you’re done leave a feeling like no other. But the truth is, sometimes it takes forever. I remember having all the time in the world to clean my home. Did I want it to take long? Absolutely not. But my point is, I had unlimited time to clean until little Oliver came along. We now find ourselves cleaning a lot during nap times and at night which gives us limited time. I needed to find a solution that would allow me to clean my home, make the transition to all natural products, and to be able to clean quickly. Don’t worry I’m spilling all my secrets today with you. 

One of my go to cleaning products is 20 Mule Team® Borax. This product has endless possibilities when used in your home due to it being all natural and a multi-purpose household cleaner. You’ve probably heard about Borax being used in the laundry room, which we will talk about, but I’m excited to show you other ways it’s beneficial for most of your cleaning needs. I promise my top 10 are quick, especially when they all involve the same thing: Borax. There are plenty of images you can pin to save for later and even a free printable to add to your cleaning bucket as a quick resource guide.  

What Is Borax?

Before we start talking about how to clean with borax, let’s dive into what borax actually is and why so many people love to make DIY cleaners with it.

Borax, scientifically known as sodium borate, is a naturally occurring mineral compound, mined from dried-up lake beds. It’s been used for centuries for various purposes, from preserving wood to cleaning clothes.

Today, you can buy it in powdered form at most grocery and home improvement stores. Just make sure you’re buying borax powder, not boric acid. My favorite brand is 20 Mule Team® Borax.

What does borax do for cleaning?

Borax is like a superhero in the world of cleaning! It has powerful properties that make it a go-to ingredient in many DIY cleaning recipes. It acts as a natural laundry booster, helping to soften water, remove stains, and brighten whites. It’s also a fantastic multi-purpose cleaner, tackling everything from grimy sinks to stained carpets.

Is borax toxic?

This was one of my first questions when I learned about the cleaning uses of borax because I was looking for a non-toxic, more environmentally-friendly cleaning solution. 

Like many cleaning agents, borax should be handled with care. While it’s generally considered safe for cleaning purposes when used appropriately and in moderation, it’s essential to keep it away from children and pets and avoid ingesting it. In concentrated form or when ingested in large amounts, borax can be harmful. However, when used responsibly and in diluted form for cleaning, it’s generally regarded as safe.

MY TOP 10 BORAX CLEANING HACKS & RECIPES

There are so many cleaning uses for borax. The possibilities are virtually endless! But here are some of my favorite cleaning with borax recipes that you can try in your home today.

1. Borax Laundry Softener

Sometimes laundry needs an extra boost to help soften the water, remove any left over soap residue, to neutralize odors, and to enhance detergent performance. Yes, Borax can do all this! Just add 1 cup of Borax to your wash load.

2. Borax Sink Cleaner

Combine 1 cup of Borax and 1/4 cup of lemon juice to create a paste. Use a sponge to scrub out the stains and tough spots. Rinse well with warm water. Now it’s even easier to go to bed with a clean sink.

3. Borax Window Cleaner

Use the cleaning powers of Borax to help clean your windows. In one spray bottle, mix 2 tablespoons of Borax and 3 cups of water. Clean your windows using a cloth with this solution. Repeat with another spray bottle with equal parts water and vinegar. Hello clear windows!

4. Borax Patio Furniture Cleaner

We can’t forget the patio furniture that quickly gets dirty if we don’t pay it any attention. You’ll need a gallon of hot water with 1 tablespoon of Borax and 1 tablespoon dish detergent mixed in. Soak a sponge in the solution and wipe down your patio furniture. 

5. Borax Floor Cleaner

Did you know that Borax can also help clean floors? Surprise! No more streaks and harsh chemicals being wiped all over your floor. Mix 1/4 cup Borax, 1/2 cup vinegar, and 1 squirt of dish detergent into a bucket full of hot water. 

6. Borax All-Purpose Cleaner

We all need an all purpose cleaner to help clean counter tops, spills, sinks, and anything else that might need a quick clean. Mix 2 tablespoons of Borax with hot water in a spray bottle. You now have an instant all purpose cleaner.

7. Borax Cast Iron Cleaner

We have a few cast iron skillets we use daily. The trick with these is that you can’t use dish soap or you’re going to leave the taste of soap behind. Yuck! Instead, help clean your cast iron by mixing 1 teaspoon of Borax with 1 teaspoon of salt. Spread on your cookware and scrub with a sponge. 

8. Deodorize Your Trash Can with Borax

My least favorite thing to clean is the trash can but it has to be done. Borax helps clean it tremendously while keeping it smelling fresh. This one can be a little messy so take it outside. Fill your trash can with water and 1/2 cup of Borax. Give it a good stir and let it soak for 30 minutes. Rinse the trash can out, let it dry, then sprinkle Borax inside.

9. Deodorize Your Fridge with Borax

Borax also helps clean and deodorize your fridge. This can be done weekly, monthly, or however often you’d like. Mix 1 tablespoon of Borax with 1 quart of warm water. Using a damp cloth that was dipped in the Borax solution, wipe your shelves clean. Rinse any remnant residue using a cloth and cold water.

10. Borax Soap Scum Eraser

You can find soap scum and hard water marks on just about every faucet. Erase the scum marks with the help of Borax. Pour 1 tablespoon of Borax on a damp sponge and scrub. Rinse with water when done. 

These were a lot of ways to use Borax, so here’s a cheat sheet that you can print to leave on your fridge, in your cleaning bucket, or pin for future reference. Click the image below to download your copy of all these DIY Borax cleaning recipes. 

Other Borax Cleaning Hacks

The 10 Borax cleaning solutions above are the ones I use most often around my house, but they’re definitely not the only ways to use Borax for cleaning. Keep reading for some other ideas for cleaning with Borax.

Borax for Cleaning the Washing Machine

Over time, washing machines can accumulate buildup from detergent residue and hard water minerals, leading to funky odors and less efficient cleaning. Enter borax! Adding a cup of borax to an empty washing machine and running a hot water cycle helps to dissolve grime, eliminate odors, and keep your machine fresh and clean, ensuring your clothes come out smelling and looking their best.

Borax to Unclog Drains

Dealing with a slow or clogged drain can be a nightmare, but borax can help! Mix half a cup of borax with boiling water and pour it down the drain to dissolve hair, grease, and other gunk that’s causing the blockage. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, then flush it with hot water. Voila! Your drain should be flowing freely again, without the need for harsh chemicals or a gross afternoon with a drain snake.

Borax on Mattress

Mattresses can harbor dust mites, odors, and stains, but borax can help freshen them up! Sprinkle a thin layer of borax over the mattress surface, let it sit for a few hours (or overnight), then vacuum it up. Borax absorbs moisture, neutralizes odors, and helps to eliminate dust mites, leaving your mattress feeling and smelling cleaner and fresher.

Using Borax for Blood Stains in Clothes

Blood stains can be one the hardest stains to get rid of. But Borax really helps! Mix a paste of borax and water and apply it to the stained area. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse with cold water and launder as usual. The alkaline properties of borax help to break down proteins in the blood, making it easier to lift stains from fabric.

Dry Clean Only with Borax

Some clothing items, curtains and rugs are labeled as “dry clean only,” but you can freshen them up at home with borax! Fill a spray bottle with water and add a tablespoon of borax. Lightly spritz the garment (or other material) and then hang it outside to air out. Borax helps to neutralize odors and refresh fabrics, giving your “dry clean only” clothes a quick and easy pick-me-up between trips to the dry cleaner.

Get Rid of Bugs with Borax

Dealing with pesky insects like ants, cockroaches, or silverfish? Borax can help banish them from your home! Mix equal parts borax and sugar and sprinkle the mixture in areas where you’ve seen bug activity. The sugar attracts the bugs, while the borax acts as a deadly toxin when ingested, effectively wiping out the infestation over time. Just be sure to keep it away from children and pets.

Borax can also be used to get rid of fleas that can come in on dogs or cats. Sprinkle Borax powder in places where fleas like to lay their eggs (like the seams of furniture and along the edges of carpeted floors) to get rid of fleas before they multiply.

Common Questions About Cleaning with Borax

Which cleans better, baking soda or borax?

Both baking soda and borax are effective cleaners, but they have different uses. Baking soda is known for its gentle abrasive properties and is excellent for scrubbing away stains and odors, especially in the kitchen and bathroom. On the other hand, borax is a more powerful cleaner and is particularly effective for tackling tough stains, disinfecting surfaces, and deodorizing fabrics and carpets. 

The choice between baking soda and borax depends on the specific cleaning task and the level of cleaning power required.

What should you not clean with borax?

While borax is a versatile cleaner, there are a few surfaces and items you should avoid cleaning with it. Avoid using borax on surfaces that are sensitive to acidic or abrasive cleaners, such as marble, granite, or aluminum. Additionally, it’s best to avoid using borax on surfaces that come into contact with food, as ingesting borax can be harmful. 

Always read and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning specific surfaces.

What can I mix with borax for cleaning?

Borax can be mixed with various other household ingredients to create effective cleaning solutions for different purposes. Common ingredients to mix with borax include vinegar, lemon juice, hydrogen peroxide, and dish soap. These combinations can enhance borax’s cleaning power and effectiveness on different surfaces and stains.

What should borax not be mixed with?

While borax is a safe and effective cleaner on its own, there are certain substances you should avoid mixing it with to prevent potentially hazardous chemical reactions. Borax should not be mixed with chlorine bleach, as this combination can produce toxic fumes. 

Can I sprinkle borax around my house?

Yes, you can sprinkle borax around your house to help deter pests like ants, cockroaches, and silverfish. Borax acts as a natural insecticide when ingested by pests, disrupting their digestive systems and ultimately leading to their demise. However, it’s important to use borax safely and responsibly, especially if you have children or pets. Keep borax out of reach of children and pets, and avoid sprinkling it in areas where they could come into contact with it. Additionally, avoid sprinkling borax directly onto surfaces where food is prepared or stored.

Clean Your Home with Borax

Now, it’s time to grab yourself a box of Borax. You can purchase the product on Amazon or if you’re out and about, you can find Borax at your local Target on the laundry aisle with “additives”. Here’s a photo to help you out because I know we don’t have time wander around the store.

What’s your new (or old) favorite way to help clean with Borax? Hopefully I showed you a few new ways to use this all natural product within your home for a quick clean. It has seriously come to my rescue on more than one occasion. Need more inspiration? Check out how others have used Borax and even more uses by visiting Borax. Still not sure? Discover even more about Borax by watching this video. 

Let’s keep in touch!

We have a brand new community over on Facebook, House & Home, where we’ll be chatting, sharing, and helping one another when it comes to home decor and projects. Come join us! Check it out here.

Like on Facebook || Follow on Instagram || Follow on Pinterest