Borax (sodium tetraborate) is a compound that contains boron, an element that is found naturally in our environment in the air, soil, and food we eat, says Maryann Amirshahi, PharmD, MD, MPH, PhD, FACMT, FACEP, FASAM, FCP, co-medical director of Poison Control, the National Capital Poison Center. Also known as sodium borate, borax is available in powders, granules, and crystals. It dissolves well in water and is often used as a laundry booster.
I’ve always been amazed at how something as simple as borax, which is literally mined from the earth, can be such a versatile cleaner. Its ability to dissolve in water makes it super easy to mix into solutions for various cleaning tasks. Boron, the key element in borax, is fascinating because it’s naturally present in small amounts in fruits like apples and oranges, which makes me feel a bit better about using it around the house. If you’re curious about its origins, borax is typically extracted from mineral deposits in places like California’s Death Valley, where it forms naturally in evaporated lake beds. Knowing this gives me a sense of connection to the natural world when I use it to scrub my sink!
Is Borax Safe?
Borax is safe to use as a household cleaner and laundry booster, as long as you carefully follow the instructions on the product container. “Wear gloves when cleaning with borax, and when you are done cleaning, wash your hands immediately with soap and water,” says Dr. Amirshahi. “Use borax products in a well-ventilated area and do not mix borax with other cleaning chemicals. If you get borax on the skin or in the eyes, wash the area with running water.” Be sure to store borax out of reach from children and pets.
Borax is not meant for consumption, and it should not be applied to the skin or eyes. “When ingested, borax can be irritating to the gastrointestinal tract,” says Dr. Amirshahi. “When large doses of borax are consumed, kidney damage, anemia, and seizures can occur.”
I’ll admit, I was a bit nervous the first time I used borax because of the warnings about ingestion, but following these safety tips has made it a staple in my cleaning routine. One thing I’ve learned is to keep the box high up in a cabinet, especially since I have curious pets who get into everything. The ventilation tip is key too—when I’m using borax in a small bathroom, I always crack a window to keep the air fresh. For those worried about toxicity, it’s reassuring to know that borax has been used safely in homes for decades when handled properly. A study from the Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology notes that borax’s toxicity is low when used as directed, which gives me confidence in its safety for household tasks.
Borax vs. Baking Soda
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and borax are both used as household cleaning products, but there are some key differences. “The pH of borax is 9.5 versus 8 for sodium bicarbonate, meaning that borax is more alkaline,” says Dr. Amirshahi. “The more alkaline a product, the harsher it is.”
The pH difference between borax and baking soda is something I’ve noticed in practice. Baking soda is my go-to for gentler tasks, like deodorizing the fridge, but when I need something with a bit more punch for tough stains, borax is the winner. The higher alkalinity of borax makes it better at breaking down greasy or oily residues, which is why it’s so effective for laundry. If you’re wondering which to choose, think about the task: for delicate surfaces, stick with baking soda, but for heavy-duty cleaning, borax’s extra alkalinity gives it an edge. I’ve also found that borax is often cheaper per ounce than baking soda, which is a nice bonus when you’re stocking up on cleaning supplies!
Borax vs. Boric Acid
Both borax and boric acid contain boron and belong to a class of chemicals called borates, but there are some distinctions between the two. “Boric acid is a processed and more refined chemical than borax,” says Dr. Amirshahi. “Boric acid has also been used as a cleaning product in the past, but less commonly so in recent years.” Today, boric acid is more commonly found in insecticides, pesticides, and is also found as a preservative and disinfectant in many personal care products. Like borax, boric acid products can be toxic if ingested.
I used to confuse borax and boric acid, thinking they were interchangeable, but learning the difference cleared things up. Boric acid’s role in pest control makes it less common in my cleaning cupboard, while borax is my go-to for household chores. If you’re ever unsure which you’ve got, check the label—borax is usually marketed as a laundry booster, while boric acid is often labeled for pest control. One practical tip: if you’re using borax for cleaning, store it separately from any pest-control products to avoid mix-ups. The refining process for boric acid makes it slightly more expensive, so sticking with borax for cleaning can save you a few bucks.
How to Use Borax at Home
There are many practical uses for borax in the home, but these are some of the most common:
Brighten Clothes
One of the most common uses for borax is in laundry. “Using borax in the laundry can whiten and brighten clothes, get rid of odors, and soften hard water to reduce mineral deposits left behind on fabrics,” says Kristin DiNicolantonio of the American Cleaning Institute. Add 1/2 cup of borax to your laundry to brighten white or colored clothes.
I’ve been adding borax to my laundry for years, and it’s a game-changer for keeping whites crisp and colors vibrant. The way it softens hard water is especially helpful if you live in an area with high mineral content—my towels used to feel scratchy, but borax fixed that. If you’re dealing with hard water, you might notice your clothes looking dingy over time due to mineral buildup. Borax helps by binding to those minerals, letting your detergent work more effectively. A quick tip: I add the borax directly to the drum before starting the wash for even distribution.
Freshen Drains
Give kitchen drains a refresh with borax. “Add 3 tablespoons of borax to the garbage disposal and let the powder sit for at least 15 minutes,” says DiNicolantonio. “Turn on the disposal and flush it with hot water for one minute.”
This drain trick is one of my favorites because it’s so simple and keeps odors at bay. I’ve found that doing this once a month keeps my kitchen sink smelling fresh, especially after cooking strong-smelling foods like garlic. The hot water flush is key—it helps dissolve the borax and carries away any gunk. If your drain is particularly sluggish, you might want to follow up with a vinegar rinse to boost the cleaning power, though be cautious not to mix too many chemicals at once.
Remove Stains From Sinks
Use borax to remove stubborn stains from your sink. “Create a borax paste using 1 cup borax and 1/4 cup of lemon juice,” says Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid, a Neighborly company. “Using a sponge or cloth, rub the paste into stains allowing it to sit for a few minutes before rinsing and gently scrubbing away with warm water.”
The lemon juice and borax combo is my secret weapon for tackling coffee stains in my stainless steel sink. The acidity of the lemon juice complements borax’s alkalinity, creating a powerful stain-fighting duo. If you don’t have lemon juice, white vinegar works too, though I love the fresh scent of lemon. For really stubborn stains, I let the paste sit for about 10 minutes—it’s amazing how it lifts marks without harsh scrubbing.
Remove Rust
Borax is even heavy-duty enough to remove rust from surfaces. “While wearing rubber gloves, spread the borax paste onto the rust stain you wish to remove and allow it to rest until it begins to dry,” says Mock. “Scrub the paste into the rust using a sponge or rag and then remove using a clean rag and warm water until the area is thoroughly rinsed.” Dry the area thoroughly彼此
System: ax thoroughly so rust doesn’t form again.
I was skeptical about using borax for rust at first, but it worked wonders on an old metal toolbox I found at a garage sale. The trick is to let the paste dry just enough to form a crust—it seems to help loosen the rust. Rust forms when iron reacts with oxygen and moisture, and borax’s alkaline nature helps break down those compounds. I’ve also used this method on rusty garden tools, and it’s saved me from having to replace them. Just make sure to dry the surface completely afterward, as even a little leftover moisture can start the rust cycle again.
Clean Outdoor Furniture
Outdoor furniture can get dirty quickly, but borax can make it look brand new again. “Use a cleaning brush to scrub away any dry debris or dirt,” says Kathy Cohoon, the director of franchise operations of Two Maids. “Then mix together 1 cup of borax with 4 cups of warm water. Apply the mixture to the furniture and allow to sit for up to 30 minutes, then rinse with warm water.”
My patio chairs were looking grimy after a rainy spring, and this borax solution brought them back to life. The warm water helps the borax dissolve fully, creating a solution that cuts through dirt and mildew. If you’ve got plastic or metal furniture, this method is a lifesaver, but I’d test it on a small area first for wooden pieces to avoid any damage. It’s also super cost-effective—borax costs about $0.50 per pound in bulk, so you’re saving money compared to pricey outdoor furniture cleaners.
Remove Mildew
To remove mildew from surfaces, combine 1 cup of borax with 1 gallon of hot water and pour it into a spray bottle. “Spray the afflicted area with the solution generously before allowing it to sit for 15 to 20 minutes,” says Mock. “Use a clean sponge or rag to scrub off any residue before rinsing thoroughly with warm water.”
Mildew in my bathroom grout was a nightmare until I tried this borax spray. The hot water helps activate the borax, making it more effective at breaking down mildew’s organic compounds. I’ve found that a second application sometimes does the trick for stubborn spots. Mildew thrives in damp, poorly ventilated areas, so I also run a fan after cleaning to keep the area dry and prevent regrowth.
Freshen Shoes
There are two ways to freshen shoes with borax. “You can sprinkle 2 tablespoons of borax into each shoe and allow it to sit overnight, shaking out before wearing,” says Mock. Alternatively, you can make a spray by dissolving 2 tablespoons of borax into 1 liter of warm water. Spray it into your shoes and allow it to sit for 15 to 20 minutes. Scrub the shoes with a damp cloth and then allow them to dry for a quick refresh.
My running shoes get pretty funky after a few weeks, and the borax sprinkle method is a lifesaver. It absorbs odors overnight, and I just shake it out in the morning. The spray option is great for a quick refresh before heading out. Borax’s deodorizing power comes from its ability to neutralize acidic odor-causing compounds. If you use the spray, make sure to let the shoes air dry completely to avoid any dampness that could lead to new odors.
Deodorize Rugs and Carpets
Refresh smelly rugs and carpets by combining equal parts borax and baking soda and sprinkling the mixture over the affected area. Allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes before vacuuming, says Mock.
This borax and baking soda mix saved my living room rug after a pet accident. The combo works because borax tackles tough odors while baking soda absorbs lighter ones, creating a one-two punch. I’ve found that letting it sit for an hour works even better for deep-set smells. Vacuum thoroughly to avoid any powdery residue, and your carpets will feel fresher than ever.
Clean the Toilet
Put 1/4 cup of borax into the toilet bowl and use a toilet brush to scrub the bowl, says Cohoon. Next, add 1 cup of vinegar and scrub again. Allow the mixture to sit for about 15 minutes and flush.
This toilet cleaning trick is a staple in my house—it’s simple and effective. The borax scrubs away stains, and the vinegar’s acidity helps dissolve mineral deposits. I’ve noticed it works especially well for hard water stains, which are common in my area. For an extra boost, I sometimes let the mixture sit for 20 minutes before flushing to tackle tougher buildup.
Make an All-Purpose Cleaning Spray
Turn borax into an all-purpose cleaning spray and use it on countertops, windows, and appliances and wipe off to remove tough stains, dust, and food residue, says Mock. “Combine 1/2 cup of borax with 1 gallon of water in a spray bottle for a simple cleaning solution for various surfaces throughout the home,” she says.
I keep a bottle of this borax spray under my sink for quick cleanups. It’s great for greasy kitchen counters and even my glass stovetop. The high water-to-borax ratio makes it gentle enough for most surfaces, but I always test a small spot first on delicate materials like wood. It’s also dirt cheap—making a gallon of this spray costs less than a dollar, compared to $5 or more for store-bought cleaners.
Repel Pests
Sprinkle small amounts of borax around the cracks, crevices, and gaps of your home to deter insects like ants, spiders, beetles, and other bugs. “This method is effective for hard-to-reach areas where traditional pesticides are not as easy to get to,” says Mock.
I tried this pest trick when ants invaded my pantry last summer, and it worked like a charm. Borax disrupts insects’ digestive systems when they ingest it, which is why it’s so effective. I sprinkle it along baseboards and near entry points, but I’m careful to keep it away from areas where my pets might wander. It’s a low-cost alternative to professional pest control, which can run $100 or more per visit.
Clean Vinyl or Tile Floors
The next time you mop your vinyl or tile floors, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of borax into your bucket of warm water and mop and dry as usual for a deeper clean.
Adding borax to my mop water has made my kitchen tiles shine like new. The warm water helps the borax dissolve, creating a solution that cuts through grime without leaving a residue. I’ve found that using a microfiber mop head works best to pick up the loosened dirt. Just be sure to dry the floor well to avoid streaks, especially on glossy tiles.
Clean Glass Shower Doors
Make your glass shower doors sparkle by mixing borax and warm water until a paste forms. “Apply with a sponge to the glass and scrub in circular motions,” says Cohoon. “Rinse thoroughly and squeegee dry.”
My shower doors used to be a magnet for soap scum, but this borax paste makes them crystal clear. The paste’s slight abrasiveness helps scrub away buildup without scratching the glass. I’ve learned that using a squeegee right after rinsing prevents water spots, which saves me time in the long run. For extra stubborn spots, I sometimes add a splash of vinegar to the paste for a boost.
Remove Water Spots
Remove water spots from surfaces by combining borax and warm water until a paste forms. “Apply the paste to the water spot area, allow to sit for up to 20 minutes. Rinse and dry with a soft cloth,” says Cohoon.
Water spots on my stainless steel appliances were driving me nuts until I tried this. The borax paste breaks down the mineral deposits left by hard water, which is a common issue in about 85% of U.S. homes, according to water quality studies. I let the paste sit for the full 20 minutes for tough spots, and a microfiber cloth works great for the final wipe-down to avoid streaks.
Clean the Dishwasher
Start by removing the racks and emptying the trap of your dishwasher. “Sprinkle about 1/4 cup of borax over the bottom of the machine, add your preferred dishwasher detergent, and run on the normal cycle,” says Cohoon.
I started doing this dishwasher trick every few months, and it’s kept my machine running smoothly. Borax helps remove limescale and grease buildup, which can clog dishwashers over time. I’ve noticed my dishes come out cleaner since I added this step. Just make sure to clear out any food debris from the trap first to maximize the cleaning power.
