Borax is a naturally occurring mineral with unique chemical properties that make it a powerful cleaning agent, deodorizer, and stain remover. Its natural alkalinity helps break down acidic stains (like coffee, fruit, and tomato sauce) and neutralizes odors by counteracting acidic molecules. Borax works similarly to the science behind using baking soda and vinegar as stain removers—the acid and base counteract one another to lift blemishes and odors.
I’ve always been amazed by how something as simple as borax can tackle so many laundry challenges. Its alkalinity, with a pH around 9.5, makes it a natural fit for breaking down tough, acidic stains that regular detergents sometimes miss. Chemically, borax (sodium tetraborate decahydrate) acts as a buffer, stabilizing the pH of your wash water to optimize detergent performance. I learned this the hard way when I moved to an area with hard water—my clothes started looking dull until I added borax to the mix. Studies show that about 60% of U.S. households deal with hard water, which can reduce detergent efficiency by up to 30%. Borax helps by binding with minerals like calcium and magnesium, softening the water and letting your detergent do its job better. If you’re in a hard-water area, trust me, you’ll notice the difference.
Boost Detergent Efficiency
Great for improving cleaning performance and removing residue from detergents, borax is a cost-effective and time-honored way to up the effectiveness of your go-to detergent, says cleaning professional Whitney White. “Adding a half cup of borax to your wash cycle also helps soften hard water which can be tough on your clothing, causing it to become more dingy with every wash.”
What You’ll Need:
- ½ cup of borax
- Laundry detergent
- Washing machine
Instructions:
- Load your laundry into the washing machine.
- Measure ½ cup of borax and add it directly to the drum of the machine.
- Add your regular amount of laundry detergent.
- Select the appropriate wash cycle and start the machine as usual.
You can use the same method to use borax in lieu of a commercial fabric softener. “Using borax directly in the wash has fewer ingredients than store brand fabric softener,” shares Gina McRae of Molly Maids. “It’s more natural, and you know that what you’re putting in your wash isn’t just full of water like most brand name fabric softeners.”
I’ve been using borax to boost my detergent for years, and it’s a game-changer, especially for larger loads. A box of borax costs about $5 and lasts for months, compared to commercial fabric softeners that can run $10 or more for a bottle that’s gone in a few weeks. The trick is to make sure you’re not overdoing it—stick to the half-cup measurement, as too much can leave a residue on clothes. Whitney’s tip about hard water is spot-on; I’ve noticed my towels feel softer and look cleaner since I started adding borax. For an extra boost, I sometimes toss in a quarter cup of washing soda with the borax—it’s like a one-two punch for stubborn dirt. Just be sure to check your washing machine’s manual, as some high-efficiency models may need less borax to avoid sudsing issues.
Pre-Treat Stains
Because of its natural alkalinity, borax is a great choice for removing any acidic stains, like those left behind by fruit, wine, and many bodily fluids. “Borax is an effective way to remove stains on colored clothing,” says White. “I choose to use borax because [it has similar] effects to bleach, minus the bleach.”
What You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon borax
- 2 tablespoons warm water
- Small bowl
- Soft brush or cleaning cloth
Instructions:
- Mix borax and warm water in a small bowl until a thick paste forms.
- Apply the paste directly to the stain, rubbing it in gently with a brush or a clean cloth.
- Let it sit for 30 minutes, allowing the borax to break down the stain.
- Rinse with warm water to remove excess borax.
- Launder as usual, and repeat if necessary before drying.
I’ve saved so many shirts from wine spills and berry stains with this method—it’s like magic. The key is to act fast; fresh stains are way easier to tackle. Borax’s ability to break down acidic compounds makes it perfect for organic stains, which are some of the most common culprits in laundry. I’ve found that letting the paste sit for a bit longer—say, 45 minutes—can help with older stains, but don’t let it dry completely, or it might be harder to rinse out. For delicate fabrics, I’d test a small area first, as borax can be a bit strong. If you’re dealing with a really stubborn stain, like blood, try soaking the item in a diluted borax solution (1 tablespoon per cup of water) before applying the paste—it’s worked wonders for me.
Deodorize and Brighten Whites
Borax helps restore white clothes by breaking down residue from wearing and washing. Its natural deodorizing and stain-fighting properties make it an effective solution for brightening and refreshing fabrics. “This also helps remove odors,” shares White.
What You’ll Need:
- ½ cup of borax
- 1 gallon of warm water
- Large bucket, sink, or basin
Instructions:
- Fill a bucket, sink, or basin with 1 gallon of warm water.
- Add ½ cup of borax and stir to dissolve.
- Submerge your laundry in the borax solution, making sure the fabric is fully soaked.
- Let it soak for 30–60 minutes. (For extra dingy whites, soak overnight).
- Transfer the soaked clothes to the washing machine and launder as usual.
My white towels used to look gray and smell musty no matter how much I washed them, but soaking them in a borax solution brought them back to life. The overnight soak is a lifesaver for things like bed sheets that have seen better days. Borax’s deodorizing power comes from its ability to neutralize acidic odor molecules, which is why it’s so good at tackling sweat and mildew smells. I’ve read that about 80% of laundry odors come from organic sources like sweat or food, and borax handles those like a pro. For an extra boost, I sometimes add a splash of white vinegar to the soak—it enhances the brightening effect without leaving a smell. Just make sure to rinse thoroughly before tossing in the washer to avoid any residue buildup.
