Life Hacks and Household Uses for Borax

Great Uses for Borax

Borax is a compound comprised of sodium borate, sodium tetraborate, or disodium tetraborate. It is naturally found in salt deposits on the floor of California's Death Valley. Borax has been used as a base for many products and is a more natural solution for many products for household uses.

Carpet Freshener

Carpet can get filled with dust, pet dander, dirt and other germs. Adding borax to your vacuuming routine can help disinfect and deodorize the carpet in your home.

To use: Shake ½ cup of dry borax powder onto your carpet and let it sit on the carpet for one hour then vacuum the carpet completely until all the borax residue has been removed.

Stain Remover

Tough stains on clothes, furniture and rugs can be almost impossible to remove with detergent alone. Borax can be used as a stain remover on multiple services.

To Use: Mix 1/2 cup of borax and 1/2 cup of hydrogen peroxide and spray onto stains, let set for 20 minutes before rinsing with warm water then washing on a gentle cycle. Dry as desired.

Bathroom Cleaner

Tile surfaces, tubs and sinks can get covered in soap scum and be difficult to clean. Using borax  is an easy way to keep your bathroom sparkling clean.

To use: Add 4 tablespoons of borax to a clean, wet sponge and scrub bathroom surfaces to remove soap scum and grime. Repeat as needed until surfaces are completely clean.

Toilet Bowl Deodorizer

Toilets aren’t known for being the most amazing smelling items in your home but borax can be safely used to help keep your toilet smelling better.

To Use: Add ½ cup of borax in the tank of the toilet twice weekly to keep it smelling fresher.

Get Rid of Rust

Rust can easily ruin not only the look of many items and tools but can also cause things to jam and stop working. Borax is a great rust remover that is safe for multiple items.

To Use: Mix ¼ cup water, ¼ cup vinegar and 1 cup of borax powder and soak rust items in the solution for 12 hours. Rinse items thoroughly before use.

Be sure you are using a pure Borax product and wash your hands thoroughly after use. Avoid direct contact with eyes, nose and face.