13 Surprising Uses for Borax Around the House Safely

/30 Comments/in , , , /by Mary Hunt

A desperate dishwasher dilemma led me back to one of my most reliable household heroes: borax. Safe, inexpensive, and surprisingly versatile, borax offers all kinds of practical uses for borax around the house. It’s more than just a laundry booster. From clearing clogged drains to deodorizing mattresses, I’ll show you 13 ways to put this humble powder to work in your home, safely and effectively.

Key Points

  • Borax is a versatile, safe, and budget-friendly household helper beyond laundry, perfect for cleaning, deodorizing, pest control, and more.
  • Use borax carefully around kids and pets by avoiding dust, storing securely, and never ingesting it. Safety first with every cleanup.
  • From clearing drains to freshening mattresses, simple borax-based solutions can solve stubborn household problems without harsh chemicals.

Recently, this desperate message with the subject line Dishwasher Disaster! washed up in my inbox. I came this close to skipping over it. There just wasn’t much to go on.

Dear Mary: My dishes have accumulated a coating of grit due to the fact that someone (who shall remain nameless) insisted on rinsing the dishes before loading them into the dishwasher.

After a $59 service call which enlightened the guilty party as to the folly of his ways, I am now faced with futile attempts to remove said grit.

I have had only marginal success with Blue Dawn, a Magic Eraser, and much elbow grease. I can’t help thinking there must be an easier and more effective way to accomplish this.

Can you help?

–Katherine

See what I mean? There are so many variables at play here. Is the water especially hard where Katherine and Nameless live? Is she using a rinse aid along with her detergent? Did What’s-His-Name unwittingly double up on detergent? Was the water hot enough from the get-go? Any of those could be culprits.

But then I stopped myself, realizing exactly what I’d try first if this happened in my kitchen.

Dear Katherine: I can’t be certain, but it’s possible the dishes and glassware have been permanently etched, often a result of using too much detergent without enough food residue. (Ironically, dishwashers rely on a little leftover food acid to properly activate some detergents.) Just a theory… and I hope it’s not the case!

Here’s what I suggest: Fill your sink with hot water and add about 1/2 cup of borax. 20 Mule Team is one common brand you’ll find in the laundry aisle. Soak the dishes for a while, then give them a once-over with a gentle scrubber (I like the Scotch-Brite BLUE non-scratch kind).

That should loosen any remaining grit if that’s truly what it is. Let me know how it goes!

–Mary

And sure enough, a few hours later, this popped into my inbox:

Dear Mary: The borax did the trick! Thanks for your help.

–Katherine

That message got me thinking about just how often I reach for borax to clean and solve little household dilemmas. It’s a workhorse in my cleaning arsenal, and not just for laundry.

What Is Borax and Is It Safe?

Borax and Cleaner uses for borax around the house

Borax’s chemical name is sodium tetraborate, a salt compound derived from boric acid, though it is not an acid itself. It naturally forms in evaporation lakes, with the most commercially important deposits found in Boron, California (yes, that’s a real place!).

Now, here’s where things get a bit confusing: there’s a difference between boron, borate, boric acid, and borax. Boron is an element found in nature. Borax is a compound made of sodium, boron, and oxygen, usually mined in its crude form from the earth.

In its powdered form, borax appears as a white, soft, crystalline powder that dissolves easily in water. You’ll find it as an ingredient in many household detergents, cosmetics, and enamel glazes. The well-known brand 20 Mule Team Borax got its name from the old-fashioned mule teams that hauled the mineral out of the California and Nevada deserts. You can easily find borax in the laundry or cleaning aisles of most supermarkets, or online under various brands (including generic versions).

So, is borax safe? Yes, it is.

Borax is alkaline with a pH of about 9, roughly the same as baking soda. The scare stories linking borax to cancer or fertility problems are based on studies where rats were fed extremely large doses over long periods. That’s not how we use borax in cleaning!

Important: You should never eat borax. It’s for cleaning only.

If you’re curious and want to dive into the details, here’s the full Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). It gives borax a health safety rating of “1,” the same as baking soda and regular table salt, meaning it’s considered low risk when used properly.

13 Clever Ways to Use Borax at Home

1. Clean Carpet

Borax is a natural odor neutralizer, making it a perfect way to boost your carpet cleaner’s effectiveness and leave your carpets smelling fresh and clean. Whether you’re using a commercial carpet cleaning solution or just hot water, simply add about 1/4 cup of borax per gallon before filling your machine’s reservoir. It helps lift dirt and odors, giving your carpets a deeper clean without any harsh chemicals.

2. Steam Cleaning

Steam cleaning is already a powerful way to refresh surfaces, but adding borax takes it up a notch by helping to pull up dirt, grime, and stubborn debris. It’s also excellent at neutralizing odors. Just dissolve 1/2 cup of borax in 1 gallon of hot water, then use this mixture to fill your steam cleaner’s reservoir. You’ll get a deeper clean that smells fresher.

3. Garbage Disposal

About once a week, or in between deep cleanings, sprinkle 4 tablespoons of borax into your garbage disposal. Let it sit for 30 minutes to soak up grease, neutralize odors, and break down all those nasty buildup bits lurking inside. When time’s up, carefully pour a pot of boiling water into the disposal while it’s running for a few seconds. This flushes everything out and keeps your disposal fresh and stink-free.

4. Unclog a Drain

Got a slow-running drain that’s driving you nuts? Try this: pour 1/2 cup of borax directly into the drain, then follow it up with 2 cups of boiling water. Let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes to break down whatever’s clogging things up. When time’s up, flush the drain with warm water to clear away the loosened gunk, and enjoy that sweet, smooth drain flow again.

5. Scouring Cleanser

Borax makes a fantastic scouring powder all on its own. Sprinkle it directly onto sinks, tubs, and stovetops, then scrub with a damp sponge or cloth to tackle stubborn stains and grime. It’s abrasive enough to get the job done without scratching most surfaces, plus, it helps neutralize odors while you clean.

6. Freshen and Deodorize a Mattress

Lightly mist the surface of your mattress with water, focusing especially on any stains or spots. Then sprinkle a generous layer of borax evenly over the top. Using a slightly damp cloth, gently rub the borax in to help it absorb odors and lift grime. Let it dry completely. This might take a few hours. Then vacuum up all the dried powder. The result? A fresher-smelling mattress that’s a little boost toward a cleaner, cozier night’s sleep.

7. Car Upholstery

Here’s a simple homemade upholstery cleaner that really works:

Combine all the ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Remove from the stove and let it cool just enough so it’s safe to handle, but still warm. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle. Using it while it’s as hot as you can comfortably tolerate helps loosen stains more effectively. Spray onto stained or dirty upholstery, then scrub with a sponge or brush. It’s great on floor mats, too! When you’re done, wipe down with cool water and a clean rag. This cleaner is safe for pretty much any upholstery surface, making it a handy all-around solution.

8. Bathroom Cleaner

There are plenty of DIY bathroom cleaner recipes out there, but this one consistently beats the rest:

Pour all the ingredients into a spray bottle and shake well to mix. This cleaner works wonders on ceramic tile, the outside surfaces of toilets, sinks, counters, floors, basically your whole bathroom!

Caution: Avoid using vinegar or any vinegar-based cleaners on natural stone surfaces like granite, marble, travertine, or similar. Vinegar’s acidity can slowly eat away at those stones over time, so stick to gentler cleaners on those precious surfaces.

9. All-Purpose Cleaner

Pour these ingredients into a 16-ounce spray bottle:

Fill the bottle the rest of the way with hot water and shake well until everything is fully mixed. This all-purpose cleaner is perfect for tackling greasy messes, fingerprints, smudges, basically, anything that needs a quick, effective wipe-down without harsh chemicals.

10. Rust Stains

Borax works wonders on rust stains in sinks, whether porcelain or stainless steel. Simply mix 4 parts borax with 1 part lemon juice to create a thick paste. Rub the paste directly onto the rust stain and let it sit for a few minutes to break down the rust. Then rinse thoroughly with water to reveal a cleaner, brighter surface.

11. Soak Up Liquid Stains

Picture this: a spill of wine or coffee on your beautiful new carpet or, let’s be honest, some cat piddle. Instead of grabbing a dry cloth and rubbing it around, sprinkle borax right on the spill and let it sit for a few minutes to soak up the liquid. Then wipe it away. You’ll be surprised how well this works not just on carpet, but on hard surfaces, too. Bonus: while soaking up the mess, borax also helps neutralize odors, so your room stays fresh.

12. Homemade Laundry Detergent

Borax is a powerful ingredient in both liquid and powdered homemade laundry detergent and for good reason. With a pH around 9, it acts as a natural cleaning booster, helping to soften hard water and enhance the effectiveness of the other ingredients.

Whether you prefer liquid or powdered detergent, borax pulls its weight. It helps break down stains, cut through grime, and even deodorize making it a key player in my tried-and-true laundry recipes.

Want to give it a go? Below are links to both versions of my homemade laundry detergent:

Each one is budget-friendly, safe for standard and HE washers, and easy to make with a few basic ingredients from the laundry aisle.

13. Pest Control

Ants and roaches don’t stand a chance against this clever trick: a 50/50 mix of powdered sugar and borax. The sugar lures them in, while the borax does the dirty work. Sprinkle this combo anywhere you suspect pests might be entering your home, along baseboards, in corners, behind appliances. Just be sure it’s out of reach of pets and kids.

Borax is also a highly effective flea-fighter. While it’s odorless and generally safe to touch, it’s deadly to fleas. It dehydrates them on contact. That makes it a great option for tackling flea infestations without reaching for harsh chemicals.

To use, sprinkle borax on pet bedding, carpets, and anywhere else you think fleas might be hiding or laying eggs. Let it sit for at least an hour (overnight is even better if you can swing it), then vacuum thoroughly. Be sure to empty the vacuum canister or bag right away to keep those pests from sneaking back.

Caution: Borax may be considered low in toxicity for humans, but it can pose health risks to pets if they’re exposed to too much of it. Ingesting or inhaling borax can lead to symptoms like vomiting, drooling, or a loss of appetite, especially dangerous if it goes unnoticed.

To play it safe, always keep borax out of reach and thoroughly vacuum treated areas before allowing pets back in. If you notice any unusual symptoms in your furry friends and suspect borax exposure, call your vet right away. Better safe than sorry.

How to Use Borax Safely Around Kids and Pets

Borax might be natural, but that doesn’t mean it’s harmless in every situation. And honestly, this applies to pretty much any salt (think baking soda, table salt) or fine powder:

  • Avoid creating dust clouds. Dumping big scoops of borax into containers can stir up dust that’s easy to inhale, and that goes for flour, too. Keep the powder low and slow when measuring or mixing.
  • Store it smart. Just like you would with any cleaning agent, yes, even the “natural” ones, keep borax in a tightly sealed container and stash it out of reach of little hands and curious paws.
  • For cleaning only. Borax isn’t meant for skincare or topical use. It may be natural, but it’s not a DIY face mask ingredient. Stick to using it for cleaning tasks around the house.

Used responsibly, borax is a safe and powerful cleaner, but like any tool, it’s all about using it the right way.

 

Question: What’s your favorite unexpected way to use borax around the house? No judgment if it’s just for science experiments! Have you ever used borax for something other than laundry? Let me know—I love learning new tricks!

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30 replies
      • Mary Hunt says:

        That’s a great question and an important one if you’ve got pets at home.

        Borax (sodium borate) is not considered safe for pets if ingested, inhaled, or if it comes into contact with their skin in concentrated amounts. It can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system, and if a pet licks or eats borax residue from a carpet, it may cause stomach upset, drooling, vomiting, or more serious poisoning in larger doses.

        Dry powder form is the riskiest. If borax isn’t fully vacuumed up or rinsed away after cleaning, pets might walk on it, then lick their paws.

        Diluted solutions (like borax mixed with water and fully blotted or rinsed out of carpets) are less dangerous, but still not considered pet-safe by veterinarians.

        Safer alternatives include baking soda, white vinegar, or a mix of vinegar and mild dish soap. These are generally safe for pets once dried.

  2. SHARON Baber says:

    I have read all of your article and the comments. I have been using Borax and Soda in my laundry wash. I was under the impression that it was a powdered peroxide. Therefore, I only used it with my white loads. I didn’t want to fade the darker colors. Please let me know if this is correct or not.
    A question: I didn’t notice anything mentioned about using it in the dishwasher??? Is this a good idea, or not?
    Love your articles,
    Sharon

    Reply
    • Mary Hunt says:

      I use borax in every load, without exception. Go to any page on this site and look for the search icon on the lower right. Click on it. Type in dishwasher. Then Enter.

      Reply
  3. Eva Dedenbach says:

    Thanks for recommending Borax to unclog a drain, My bathroom sink is known for clogging up every once in a while, and I always rush out to get the Liquid Plumbr Dual Action Foam. This will save me a ton of money, and will last longer than just a single use bottle.

    Reply
  4. Barbara J Pire says:

    Thanks to you again for the borax information. I put 1/2 cup in with my laundry detergent and my clothes come out smelling so nice!! So now I buy a 10 lb, bag on Amazon I always bought the box of washing soda etc. for around $6.00 but now I have the big bag so I don’t have to keep running to Walmart so often to have this in my laundry room! Again, Mary has so many useful tips for all of us!! Thanks again Mary!!

    Reply
    • Mary Hunt says:

      Borax is technically sodium tetraborate and the “sodium” part penetrates the roaches’ exoskeletons and dehydrates them. Cockroaches already dehydrate easily, which is why borax is so effective at killing them. A roach that steps in borax won’t die instantly.Instead, they’ll go back to their hiding place before eating the borax dust their legs picked up. You might not see the dead bugs lying around out in the open but you should notice a drop in their numbers in a week or two.

      Reply
  6. Kathleen Johnston says:

    Hi Mary! I’m writing down the formulas for the cleaners. What size spray bottle should I use for the all-purpose cleaner….16 ounces?

    Love your website!!

    Kathleen

    Reply
  7. Mary S says:

    Hi Mary
    I love borax for ant control but, as you say pets can get quite ill – bad experience with my boys thoughtfully setting out ant traps and our large hunting dog who ate everything [ he survived ].
    I now make a paste of 1/3 borax with 2/3 sugar- place it in used spice containers so the ants can crawl in to gather it up to take into their tunnels but small animals and pets are safe. There is a significant reduction in the number of antsdays later. I usually leave it for 10 days or even more. There is no return to the ants in that area. Wish I had known this 30 years ago! I had a multiyear fight with a huge colony in my front yard in the city that was more sand than soil. I now live in the country with huge ant hills in the fields but only disturb the ones in the gardens where the grandchildren play. PS. Also great at the base of your humming bird feeders.

    Reply
  8. Pugo says:

    I bought some Borax to try on my stained porcelain-that’s-lost-its-shiny-surface kitchen sink and found that using Borax for that purpose is like using sand. The directions on the box say to pour some on a sponge and wipe. It does not dissolve at all and with more scrubbing than a cleanser requires, it did remove some of the stains (same result whether I left it to work or not). I wiped the sink after scrubbing and the sponge was full of what appeared to be all of the gritty borax that I had put in it. How do you clean with it?

    Reply
  9. Sl says:

    Can yhe bathroom cleaner be made and saved for future use or made ad used fresher? I would live one I can make and save t use Swim. Thanks

    Reply
    • Mary Hunt says:

      Yes. Borax is a non-biodegradable cleaning alternative that is naturally forming and is considered safer than most household chemicals used for cleaning purposes.

      Borax has been shown to be non-toxic and good for the beneficial bacteria that live in your septic tank and to ensure that you don’t have any septic tank problems. I just don’t recommend pouring an entire box of borax down any drain.

      Reply
  13. Shirley Wiandt says:

    I use borax to control fleas, as my cats are allergic to commercial treatments, and it really works. But what are the important precautions that you mentioned? They don’t show up in the article.

    Reply
    • Mary Hunt says:

      Sorry about that! Here it is and the post is amended as such.

      Before using borax around pets, there are important precautions you should be aware of. If you expose them to too much borax, your pets may start developing some sickness symptoms such as loss of appetite, and that is very dangerous for your pet.

      Keep borax far away and out of reach of your pets and make sure that you treat any sickness symptom of your pet with seriousness—especially if it has been exposed to borax for so long.

      Reply
  14. Lija W says:

    I just thought of something. Would it be safe to put a small amount of borax into my compost to deter ants? I don’t have a vegetable garden; I only use compost on my decorative outdoor plants.

    And I don’t mind a few ants, I just don’t want them building a nest in there! Thank you!

    Reply
  15. Lija W says:

    Hi Mary, I didn’t know borax could be used to remove rust stains. I didn’t think *anything* removed rust stains!
    Years ago, I had read about Borax & sugar for roach control, but never had need of it. Will definitely try it for fleas, though. Thank you again, Mary.

    Reply
  17. Kathy Cuevas says:

    You left us hanging: Before using borax around pets, there are important precautions you should be aware of.

    What are t he precautions???

    Reply
    • Mary Hunt says:

      Before using borax around pets, there are important precautions you should be aware of. If you expose them to too much borax, your pets may start developing some sickness symptoms such as loss of appetite, and that is very dangerous for your pet.

      Keep borax far away and out of reach of your pets and make sure that you treat any sickness symptom of your pet with seriousness—especially if it has been exposed to borax for so long.

      Reply

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