What Is Borax and Why Do People Love It? 18 Home Hacks You’ll Want to Try (Safely!)

Introduction

Borax, a naturally occurring mineral, has been a household staple for decades. This versatile substance has gained popularity for its wide range of uses, from cleaning to pest control. In this article, we’ll explore what borax is, address safety concerns, and dive into 18 amazing home hacks that showcase why people love this powerful powder. Get ready to discover new ways to use borax that will make your life easier and your home cleaner!

What is Borax?

Borax, also known as sodium borate, is a naturally occurring mineral compound composed of sodium, boron, oxygen, and water. It’s been used for thousands of years, with its earliest known use dating back to ancient Egypt. Today,borax powderis commonly found in household cleaning products and sold as a standalone substance for various home applications.

Is Borax Safe to Use?

One of the most common questions about this mineral is, “Is borax toxic?” While borax is a natural substance, it’s important to use it safely. Borax is generally considered safe for household use when handled properly, but it can be harmful if ingested or if it comes into contact with eyes or open wounds.

To use borax safely:

• Always wear gloves when handling borax directly
• Avoid inhaling borax dust
• Keep it out of reach of children and pets
• Store it in a sealed container in a cool, dry place
• Never use it as a food additive or ingest it in any way

18 Borax Home Hacks

1. All-Purpose Cleaner

Create an effectiveborax cleanerby mixing 2 tablespoons of borax with 2 cups of warm water. This solution is great forcleaning with boraxon various surfaces like countertops, sinks, and tiles. The natural abrasive quality of borax makes it excellent for tackling tough stains and grime.

2. Laundry Booster

Add 1/2 cup of borax to your laundry load along with your regular detergent. This will help brighten clothes, remove odors, and soften hard water, making your detergent more effective.

3. Pest Control

Create a mixture of equal parts borax and sugar to control ants and roaches. Place this mixture in areas where you’ve seen pests, but keep it away from children and pets.

4. Dish Soap Enhancer

Add a teaspoon of borax to your dishwater when hand-washing dishes. This will boost your dish soap’s grease-cutting power and leave your dishes sparkling clean.

5. Toilet Bowl Cleaner

For a powerful toilet cleaner, sprinkle 1/4 cup of borax into the bowl and let it sit for 20 minutes before scrubbing. This method is particularly effective against hard water stains.

6. Trash Can Deodorizer

Sprinkle some borax in the bottom of your trash can to neutralize odors. This works for both indoor and outdoor trash containers.

7. Carpet Stain Remover

Make a paste with borax and water, apply it to carpet stains, let it sit for 30 minutes, then vacuum. Always test on an inconspicuous area first.

8. Dishwasher Detergent Booster

Add 1/4 cup of borax to your dishwasher’s detergent compartment along with your regular detergent for extra cleaning power and spot-free dishes.

9. Mold and Mildew Remover

Create a borax solution (1 cup borax to 1 gallon of water) to clean mold and mildew from walls, baseboards, and other surfaces in high-humidity areas like bathrooms and basements.

10. Rust Remover

Make a paste with borax and lemon juice to remove rust from metal surfaces. Apply the paste, let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then scrub and rinse.

11. Mattress Freshener

Sprinkle borax on your mattress, let it sit for a few hours, then vacuum thoroughly. This will deodorize and freshen your mattress.

12. Fridge Deodorizer

Place an open container of borax in your refrigerator to absorb odors. Replace it every month for continuous freshness.

13. Slip-Resistant Floor Treatment

Sprinkle a small amount of borax on tiled floors to increase traction and reduce slipping. This is especially useful in bathrooms or areas that get wet frequently.

14. Jewelry Cleaner

Soak tarnished silver jewelry in a solution of 1 tablespoon borax, 1 tablespoon baking soda, and 1 cup hot water. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth.

15. Weed Killer

Sprinkle borax on weeds growing in cracks of concrete or asphalt. Be cautious when using near plants you want to keep, as borax can kill all vegetation.

RELATED: How to Pre-Treat Grass Stains on Kids’ Clothes with Portable Laundry Sheets

16. Pool pH Balancer

Use borax to raise the pH level in your swimming pool. Always follow proper guidelines and consult a pool professional if you’re unsure.

17. Homemade Borax Soap

Add borax to your homemade soap recipes for extra cleaning power.Borax soapcan be particularly effective for removing tough stains from clothing.

18. Plant Fertilizer

Use a very diluted borax solution (1 tablespoon per gallon of water) as a micronutrient fertilizer for plants that need boron. Use sparingly, as too much can harm plants.

Conclusion

Fromcleaning with boraxto controlling pests, this versatile mineral has a multitude of uses around the home. While borax is generally safe when used correctly, always remember to handle it with care and keep it away from children and pets. By incorporating these borax hacks into your routine, you can tackle household chores more effectively and naturally. Give these tricks a try and discover why so many people love using borax in their homes!

FAQs

1. What are the main borax uses?
   Borax is primarily used for cleaning, laundry, pest control, and as a pH balancer in pools. It’s also used in making homemade soaps and as a plant fertilizer.

2. Is borox the same as borax?
   “Borox” is a common misspelling of borax. They refer to the same substance - sodium borate.

3. How does borax compare to other cleaning products?
   Borax is a natural, multi-purpose cleaner that’s generally less harsh than many chemical cleaners. It’s effective for various cleaning tasks and can boost the power of other cleaning products.

4. Can borax be used on all surfaces?
   While borax is versatile, it’s not suitable for all surfaces. Avoid using it on marble, stone, or wood surfaces as it may cause damage. Always test on a small, inconspicuous area first.

5. Where can I buy borax for household use?
   Borax can typically be found in the laundry aisle of most grocery stores, supermarkets, and big-box retailers. It’s also available from many online retailers.