Borax, also known as sodium borate, is a naturally occurring mineral that has been used for centuries as a versatile household cleaner and garden helper.
While you may be familiar with borax as a laundry booster or multipurpose cleaner, it’s capable of so much more!
This humble white powder has a variety of uses that can improve your home, garden, and overall lifestyle in surprising ways.
In this article, we’ll explore 15 lesser-known ways to use borax in your home and garden that you’ve probably never thought of.
1. Eliminate Garden Pests
Borax is a natural insecticide that can help keep unwanted pests at bay in your garden. It works by damaging the exoskeletons of insects and causing dehydration.
How to Use:
- Mix 1 cup of borax with 1 cup of sugar. Sprinkle the mixture around the base of plants or where you notice pest activity.
- The sugar will attract pests like ants and cockroaches, while the borax will eliminate them.
Tip: Use this mixture sparingly and keep it away from edible plants, as borax can be harmful to beneficial insects and plant roots if used in excess.
2. Weed Control in Garden Paths
Tired of weeds popping up between your patio stones or garden pathways? Borax can help! It acts as a natural herbicide and can prevent the growth of unwanted plants in non-cultivated areas.
How to Use:
- Dissolve 10 ounces of borax in 2.5 gallons of water and spray the solution on weeds or areas where you want to prevent weed growth.
- Be careful not to spray near desirable plants, as borax can damage them as well.
Tip: Apply on a sunny day when no rain is expected, so the solution can be fully absorbed.
3. Make a Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner
Borax is a great ingredient for creating a homemade all-purpose cleaner that’s effective at cutting through grease, grime, and stains.
How to Use:
- Mix 1 tablespoon of borax, 1 tablespoon of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap, and 1 cup of warm water in a spray bottle.
- Shake well and use it to clean countertops, sinks, and other surfaces.
Tip: For tough stains, sprinkle borax directly on the surface and scrub with a damp cloth.
4. DIY Ant Killer
Ants invading your home? Borax is a safe and effective way to get rid of them. When ingested, borax interferes with their digestive system, ultimately eliminating the colony.
How to Use:
- Mix 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 1/2 tablespoons of borax, and 1 1/2 cups of warm water. Soak cotton balls in the solution and place them near ant trails.
- Replace the cotton balls every few days until the ants are gone.
Tip: Keep the borax mixture away from pets and children, as it can be harmful if ingested.
5. Preserve Fresh-Cut Flowers
Want to keep your flowers looking fresh longer? Borax can help preserve the beauty of fresh-cut flowers by removing moisture and preventing mold growth.
How to Use:
- Mix 1 part borax with 2 parts cornmeal or sand and cover the flowers completely in a box or container.
- Leave the flowers undisturbed for 7-10 days, then gently brush off the borax mixture.
Tip: This method works best for hardy flowers like roses, carnations, and zinnias.
6. Unclog Drains Naturally
Borax can be used as a natural drain cleaner to break down clogs caused by grease, hair, and soap residue.
How to Use:
- Pour 1/2 cup of borax down the drain, followed by 2 cups of boiling water.
- Let it sit for 15 minutes, then flush with warm water.
Tip: Repeat as necessary to keep drains flowing freely.
7. Get Rid of Mold and Mildew
Borax’s antifungal properties make it an effective solution for mold and mildew problems. Use it to clean bathrooms, basements, or any damp areas where mold tends to grow.
How to Use:
- Mix 1 cup of borax with 1 gallon of hot water.
- Use a sponge or cloth to apply the solution to moldy areas, and scrub gently.
- Leave the solution on the surface for at least 15 minutes, then wipe clean.
Tip: Avoid rinsing, as borax leaves behind a protective barrier that helps prevent future mold growth.
8. Deodorize Garbage Cans
Garbage cans can quickly become smelly due to leftover food and bacteria. Borax is a powerful deodorizer that neutralizes odors and keeps your garbage can smelling fresh.
How to Use:
- Sprinkle borax in the bottom of the garbage can and let it sit for a few hours.
- Rinse out with warm water and a brush, then sprinkle a bit more borax to prevent future odors.
Tip: Repeat this process every few weeks to keep odors at bay.
9. Homemade Laundry Booster
Borax is an excellent addition to your laundry routine, as it helps remove stains, soften water, and boost the effectiveness of your detergent.
How to Use:
- Add 1/2 cup of borax to your laundry load along with your regular detergent.
- For tough stains, make a paste of borax and water and apply it directly to the stain before washing.
Tip: Borax is especially effective in hard water areas, as it helps soften the water and allows detergents to work more efficiently.
10. Fruit and Vegetable Wash
Worried about pesticides and dirt on your produce? Borax can be used to clean fruits and vegetables naturally.
How to Use:
- Dissolve 1/4 cup of borax in a sink filled with warm water.
- Soak your produce for 2-3 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with cold water.
Tip: Be sure to rinse well to remove any borax residue before consuming the produce.
11. DIY Carpet Cleaner
Borax can be used to freshen up carpets and remove odors. It’s also effective at lifting dirt and grime from carpet fibers.
How to Use:
- Sprinkle borax evenly over the carpet.
- Let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then vacuum thoroughly.
Tip: For tough stains, mix borax with a bit of water to create a paste, apply it to the stain, and scrub gently.
12. Insect Repellent for Plants
Borax can help deter insects like aphids, mites, and caterpillars from attacking your plants. It’s a safe and natural alternative to chemical pesticides.
How to Use:
- Mix 1 tablespoon of borax with 1 gallon of water and spray the solution on affected plants.
- Repeat once a week or as needed to keep pests at bay.
Tip: Avoid using borax too frequently, as high levels of boron can be harmful to plants.
13. DIY Slime or Craft Projects
Borax is a key ingredient in many DIY slime recipes and craft projects. It’s used to create a stretchy, gooey consistency that kids love to play with.
How to Use:
- Dissolve 1 teaspoon of borax in 1 cup of warm water.
- In a separate bowl, mix 1/2 cup of glue with 1/2 cup of water and a few drops of food coloring.
- Combine the two solutions and knead until you have the desired slime consistency.
Tip: Store the slime in an airtight container to keep it from drying out.
14. Cure Foot Fungus
Borax’s antifungal properties make it an effective remedy for athlete’s foot and other fungal infections.
How to Use:
- Mix equal parts of borax and baking soda.
- Sprinkle the mixture inside shoes and socks to help kill fungus and eliminate odors.
Tip: Soak feet in a solution of warm water and borax for 15-20 minutes to help soothe and treat foot fungus.
15. Keep Mice and Pests Away
Mice and other pests dislike the texture and scent of borax. Use it to create a natural barrier that repels unwanted critters from your home.
How to Use:
- Sprinkle borax along baseboards, under sinks, and in other areas where you notice pest activity.
- Refresh the borax barrier every few weeks or after cleaning.
Tip: Combine borax with peppermint oil for an extra repellent effect.
Borax is a versatile and powerful tool that can be used in countless ways around your home and garden.
