Borax, also known as sodium borate, is a versatile and affordable household product. You might be surprised to find out just how many uses it has around your home. From cleaning tasks to pest control, borax can be your go-to solution. So, let’s dive into these 20 incredible uses of borax that can make your life easier and your home cleaner.

1. Laundry Booster

Borax is fantastic for boosting your laundry. Just add half a cup to your washing machine along with your regular detergent, and you’ll see brighter, cleaner clothes. It’s especially effective for hard water areas.

2. Carpet Cleaner

For carpet stains, borax is a great solution. Mix it with water to create a paste, rub it into the stain, let it dry, and then vacuum it up. You’ll be amazed at how effectively it lifts stains.

3. Pest Control

Borax is a natural insecticide. Mix it with sugar and sprinkle it around areas where you see ants or cockroaches. The pests are attracted to the sugar but the borax is lethal to them.

4. Mold Remover

If you have mold in your home, borax can help. Make a solution of borax and water and apply it to the moldy area. Borax kills mold and prevents it from coming back.

5. Weed Killer

Borax is not just for inside your home. You can use it in your garden as a weed killer. Sprinkle it on the weeds, being careful to avoid your plants, as it can be harmful to them too.

6. Floor Cleaner

Mix borax with water to create a floor cleaning solution. It’s safe for tile, hardwood, and other floor types, leaving them shiny and clean.

7. Deodorizer

Borax can eliminate unpleasant odors. Sprinkle it on your carpets or in your trash can to neutralize bad smells.

8. Toilet Bowl Cleaner

For a sparkling clean toilet, sprinkle borax in the bowl, let it sit overnight, and then scrub with a toilet brush. It’s effective at removing stains and odors.

9. Garbage Disposal Cleaner

Keep your garbage disposal smelling fresh by sprinkling borax into it, letting it sit for a few hours, and then rinsing it away with warm water.

10. Unclogging Drains

Borax can help unclog drains. Pour a half cup down the drain, followed by two cups of boiling water. Let it work its magic for 15 minutes, then rinse with more hot water.

11. Silver Polish

Make your silverware shine by creating a paste with borax and water and gently rubbing it onto the silver. Rinse and dry for a brilliant shine.

12. Dishwasher Detergent Booster

Add a tablespoon of borax to your dishwasher to boost its cleaning power. It helps in removing tough stains from your dishes.

13. Preserving Flowers

Borax can be used to preserve flowers. Mix it with equal parts cornmeal, and bury the flowers in the mixture for a week to dry them out while maintaining their shape and color.

14. Cat Litter Deodorizer

Sprinkle borax into your cat litter box to control odors. It’s a simple way to keep the litter box fresh.

15. Refrigerator Cleaner

Clean your fridge with a solution of borax and warm water. It’s effective at removing grime and odors without being too harsh.

16. Fruit Tree Protector

Protect fruit trees from fungus and pests by washing the trunk with a solution of borax and water.

17. Pool Water Balancer

Borax can help balance the pH levels in your swimming pool, keeping the water clear and algae-free.

18. Homemade Candle Wicks

Soak twine in a borax solution to make your own long-burning candle wicks.

19. Glass and Mirror Cleaner

Create a cleaning solution with borax and water for a streak-free shine on mirrors and glass surfaces.

20. Rust Remover

Remove rust by creating a paste of borax and lemon juice. Apply it to the rusted area, let it sit, and then scrub off.

There you have it, 20 practical and easy ways to use borax around your house. This natural product is not only affordable but also a powerful ally in cleaning and maintaining your home. Keep in mind to always use borax safely, as it should be kept away from pets and children and used as directed. With these tips, you can harness the power of borax to make your household chores a bit easier and your home a bit cleaner.