Although it may not feel like it, spring is here! I have been using some of my extra time during this quarantine to do some spring cleaning, cleaning out drawers and closets, and paring down, donating things we don’t need or use.
I always love the smell after spring cleaning…the windows are open and I can smell the sweet scent of the hyacinths in the air blowing through and the fresh, clean smell of the lemon and orange oils from my homemade cleaners. I prefer to use chemical-free cleaners in our home and so I make my own. One of the most important staples I keep around for making homemade cleaners is 20 Mule Team Borax.
What is Heck is Borax?
Borax, also known as sodium tetraborate, is a white, powdery mineral mined from dried up lakes. Because it is a completely natural mineral, it is no more toxic than baking soda when used properly.
I first came across this magic mineral when I had my first child. My son had been put on soy formula and the stains were terrible to get out! I was talking about this with my grandmother one day while visiting her with the baby. She suggested pre-soaking in borax and water solution before washing. I asked her, “What the heck is borax?” My grandmother goes to the laundry room and comes back with a box of 20 Mule Team Borax. She was a cleaning lady for many years and also made her own natural cleaners.
I picked some up later that day. It was kind of hard to find in the laundry aisle at the store because it was shoved way back on a bottom shelf. I tried it that very night and was AMAZED at how well it worked! Why had I never heard of this before?
After it worked so well for removing the formula stains on the baby’s clothing, I was hooked! The box had a few other common uses printed on the back to clean rusty cooktops, remove mold and mildew stains and dissolve sticky messes. I had to know more…what else could I be using this for?
5 Great Uses for Borax
While Borax can be used for a myriad of household cleaning and deodorizing, here are FIVE ways to use borax around your home.
- Use as a deodorizer- Borax powder can be used to deodorize carpets, stinky sneakers, garbage cans, refrigerators, mattresses, and garbage disposals,
- Use to remove rust and limescale on tile, porcelain, cookware, and stainless steel. Because of its abrasive qualities, borax is a wonderful cleaner for bathrooms and kitchens.
- Use outdoors to deter common pests like ants, fleas, water bugs, roaches, and other pesky insects. Borax can also be sprinkled around the base of fruit trees to enrich the soil, used as a weed killer, or used to scrub your outdoor furniture in the spring.
- Use as a rinse agent in the dishwasher instead of the expensive and toxin-filled alternatives to prevent spots on glassware.
- Use as a laundry booster. Borax can be used to boost the power of traditional laundry soap or can also be used to make your own detergent. Works well on stains too!
Using Borax Around My Home
I love that borax is so multi-purpose and also safe for my family. I use it as a laundry detergent booster as suggested on the box, but I utilize it for so many other applications around my home.
Borax works fantastically on those crusty, stove burners to clean grease and cooking spills.
I also use borax to combat insects that sneak their way into the house in the spring like ants. Mix 1/2 cup of sugar, 1.5 tbsp borax, and 1.5 cups warm water. Soak some cotton balls in the mixture and place in corners of the room, windowsills, cabinets, and counters to keep ants away.
Another way I use borax at home is to make a natural weed killer to spray the cracks of my driveway and sidewalk. This mixture is extremely easy to make and can be applied once yearly. I apply in the spring for best results. Dissolve 10 oz. of borax into 4 oz of warm water. Once the borax is dissolved into the warm water, mix into a home and garden sprayer and add 2.5 gallons more water. Do not use around flower beds or vegetable gardens.
Cleaning with Caution
Although borax is a naturally occurring mineral with low toxicity, it can still be absorbed through the skin causing mild skin irritation. As with any other cleaning substance, using gloves and following directions, along with heeding package warnings, is always recommended.
Conclusion
Cleaning with natural ingredients is not as difficult or time-intensive as one may think. Natural cleaners are just as effective and much less toxic! Making your own natural cleaners with borax and other household staples like white vinegar, baking soda, or salt are budget-friendly and eco-friendly too! If you haven’t heard of borax, give it a try! I have given you [at least] five great ways to try it in your home while spring cleaning!
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I use borax when I wash clothes. Always have a box handy for this purpose.
We still use baking soda and vinegar. Sometimes a coffee pulp too to get rid of unwanted odors.
I would love to try this! I need my stove looking clean and shiny.
I’ve been gradually adding green cleaning products to my home as I run out of the bad stuff.
That is wonderful Cindy!
I’ve heard so much about this in cleaning, but haven’t tried it. I guess I need to!
I never heard about this natural cleaners corex, It seems good and safe…
I could use BORAX in my kitchen right now for the STENCH… But the problem is my husband and I cannot friggin’ find WHERE the stench is coming from, it’s quite annoying!
I’ve read a lot about using Borax to control and prevent flea infestations. We don’t have a flea issue at this house, but I know that I would be MUCH more comfortable going with a natural solution if it’s available!
Amazing blog. I didn’t know that borax could have so many great uses and same here I used to make slime with it as well.
My husband uses this all the time with greasy hands after he’s spent the day in the shop. I didn’t realize I could use it, too! I am going to try some of your suggestions and see how they work for me. Thank you for sharing these amazing ideas!
This is the first time I heard about Borax, and I love that it comes with natural ingredients. Need to check this one out.
I’ve never even heard of this before but I totally want to try it! Thanks so much for sharing this with all of us!
Awesome tips! Thanks! Going to have to try a couple of these.
Oh well if I give it to my mom I make her the happiest woman in the world! Super effective! Wow!
yes i’ve heard this too….heard borax is great as an ant killer too!! i’m about it
The recipe I included with borax and sugar works AMAZING for keeping ants away! We seem to have issues with those super tiny ants in the spring, but have not seen even one since using this remedy!
This is perfect! I have used Borax before and will be printing this up to use later. I will put it in my cleaning box. Thank you.
Thanks for reading Marie! I am glad you enjoyed the read and printout!
I used to make my own laundry detergent and dishwasher soap when I was a stay-home mom to cut costs and use more natural cleansers. It really does work great!
First time coming across Borax. I think I need it for my restroom.
I’ve never heard of Borax before now to be honest! I would loooove to try it out and I will, a good natural cleaner is BEST.
I’ve heard of Borax before but have never used it before. I should to see how it works for me!
I love experimenting with cleaning products especially at this time we are leaving. I would like to know more about this brand and I will even want to try it.
Who knew there were so many uses for Borax? It’s funny because when I hear that name, the first thing I think of is how we used to use it to make gak as kids. So many great reasons to keep this around the house!
Absolutely Tessa! We also have used the borax to make slime at home. The kids love it!