Buzz
Borax, a substance that's been in use for years, is experiencing a resurgence in popularity. Alexander Oganezov/ShutterstockSodium borate, commonly known as borax, was first discovered as a natural mineral in the dry lakebeds of Tibet and along the Silk Road trade routes in the 8th century C.E. Its popularity surged in the 19th century when it was promoted as a miracle solution, unmatched by any other products of that time.
Today, borax is more versatile than ever. It's not only a favorite for cleaning around the home but also serves in making safe slime for kids, eliminating pests, and even preserving fresh flowers.
What Is Borax?
Borax is a white, powdery substance known scientifically as sodium borate, or sodium tetraborate. It’s primarily advertised as a powerful household cleaner and is made up of boron, sodium, and oxygen.
When combined with washing soda or laundry detergent, powdered borax provides incredible cleaning power. Alternatively, you can create a homemade all-purpose cleaner by mixing equal parts borax and baking soda to combat grime and mildew around your home.
Borax can be easily found in the laundry section of most grocery stores or large retailers. It’s typically placed on the top and bottom shelves, so make sure to check there.
How to Make a Borax Mixture
Once a popular go-to for household cleaning, borax lost some of its prominence when newer brands entered the market. However, borax is still a reliable option for many of your regular cleaning tasks. Here’s how to make a simple borax solution:
- Mix 1/2 cup of borax powder into 1.5 cups of hot water until dissolved.
- Combine the borax solution with 1 teaspoon of dish soap or castile soap and 4 teaspoons of vinegar.
- Since borax has no scent, you can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil or some lemon juice to create a fresh, soothing fragrance for your cleaning spray.
5 Ways to Use Borax Around the House
Create a borax solution to tackle ants and other pests directly at their source. Maryana Stopchak/Shutterstock1. Eliminate Ants at Their Nest
Mix 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 cup of warm water, and 1 tablespoon of borax powder to create a solution. The sugar will draw the ants in, allowing them to carry the sweet yet lethal treat back to their colony, effectively dealing with the problem at its source.
While borax powder is considered safer than boric acid in small amounts, it should never be ingested. Keep your ant traps away from children and pets. You can also use this borax solution to eliminate other pests like spiders, mites, roaches, and water bugs.
2. Use It as a Universal Household Cleaner
Fill a spray bottle with the borax mixture mentioned earlier to enjoy the grime-busting power of commercial cleaners without the harmful chemicals. Apply it to areas that often gather soap scum and mildew, such as porcelain sinks, bathtubs, and showers.
Use the borax spray to clean carpets, stainless steel surfaces, and outdoor furniture. Add a little lemon juice to the solution to create a powerful rust remover. Just apply a small amount to rust stains and allow it to sit for a few hours before scrubbing, rinsing, and drying.
3. Weed and Feed Your Garden
Borax works great as an herbicide in the garden. Simply sprinkle it directly on the weeds you want to eliminate and watch them wither away.
You can also sprinkle a few tablespoons of borax around young fruit trees every few years to add boron back into the soil. This helps improve fruit and seed development, as well as increase the longevity of your fruit trees.
Borax can even preserve freshly cut flowers. Mix equal parts borax and cornmeal in a small container, then submerge delicate flowers like tulips and roses in the mixture. Seal it for two weeks, and the powder will dry the petals, preserving your floral arrangements for years to come.
4. Eliminate Unpleasant Odors
Add a touch of fresh lemon to your borax solution for a clean, refreshing scent. Kudzina/ShutterstockCommon problem areas in your home, such as your garbage disposal, trashcan, and shoe rack, can be easily cleaned with a borax paste to tackle the bad odors.
For example, rather than spending hours scrubbing in the bathroom, simply sprinkle 2 tablespoons of borax around the edges of your sink, tub, and toilet bowl. Create a paste by using a damp sponge and warm water, and allow it to sit for a few hours before cleaning.
To rinse, gently pour a few cups of boiling water over the paste to wash it away. Your bathroom will be sparkling clean and smell fresh too.
5. Enhance Your Laundry Detergent with Borax
For generations, homemade laundry detergent with borax was a staple in American homes. However, its popularity waned as mass-produced synthetic detergents with pleasant scents took over the market.
Still, many people use borax as a laundry booster, adding half a cup to their favorite detergent. For extra whitening and brightening of dull clothes, soak them in half a cup of borax and 1 gallon of water for at least an hour, then wash as usual.
One of the most unique uses for borax is to treat dog mange, a common skin condition that leads to rashes, hair loss, and weakened immune systems. By mixing borax with hydrogen peroxide, you can apply it to your dog's fur with a damp cloth to address the mites that have burrowed into their skin. Additionally, you can use borax in your cleaning spray or detergent booster to disinfect dog beds and remove stains from the mattress, helping to prevent pests and ensure your pet enjoys a clean, comfortable rest.
