6 Borax Cleaning Hacks that Really Work! 🫧
I always keep a box of Borax on hand. It’s cheap, lasts forever, and works surprisingly well for all kinds of cleaning. It’s comparable to the cleaning power of baking soda, but works better for tougher cleaning jobs. These are my favorite ways to actually use it around the house:
1) Tub & Tile Scrub
If you mix Borax with dish soap to make a paste, it makes an excellent scrub for showers and tile! I spread it on grimy areas in my shower and around my bathroom, let it sit about 10 minutes, and scrub. It’s a powerful cleaner that cuts through soap scum, mildew, and buildup quickly.
2). Toilet Bowl Deep Clean
Borax makes an amazing toilet bowl cleaner. I sprinkle about 1/4 cup into the bowl, let it sit 15-30 minutes, then scrub with a toilet brush. It lifts tough stains much better than liquid bowl cleaners.
3) Sink & Drain Freshener
If my sinks and drains smell funky or are draining slowly, I pour 1/4 cup borax down the drain followed by hot water. It’s great for deodorizing and breaking down buildup!
4) Stained Sink Scrub
Make a paste with Borax and lemon juice (white vinegar works too). Spread it in your sink, let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then give it a good scrub. It works amazingly at lifting rust, discoloration, and mildew!
5) Stovetop Degreaser
Borax is really effective for lifting grease stains, and works great as a stovetop degreaser. I sprinkle some borax on a damp sponge or cloth, wipe greasy areas, then rinse.
7) Wall Scuff Remover
Borax can also be used for wall scuffs! Mix a small amount of borax with warm water, and buff gently with a soft cloth to remove scruffs without damaging paint. Just make sure to spot test first!
If you’ve never tried Borax, or have some laying around your house, give these cleaning hacks a try. You might be surprised how much it can do!
You know, when I first heard about Borax, I was a bit skeptical. I kept seeing that iconic '20 Mule Team Borax laundry booster and multi-purpose cleaner' box in stores, but wasn't quite sure what it was or how to really use it beyond vague cleaning notions. But let me tell you, it’s become one of my absolute favorite secret weapons for keeping my home sparkling clean, and it's so much more versatile than just a bathroom scrub! One area where Borax has truly transformed my cleaning routine is the laundry room. If you're like me, you've probably wrestled with dingy whites, stubborn odors, or clothes that just don't feel quite clean. That's where Borax steps in as an incredible laundry booster. Boosting Your Whites and Colors: I simply add about half a cup of Borax to my washing machine with my regular detergent for a full load. For whites, it brightens them like magic, and for colors, it helps keep them vibrant by neutralizing hard water minerals. It truly makes a noticeable difference, especially on towels and sheets that tend to get dull over time. Tackling Tough Laundry Odors: Ever have gym clothes or musty towels that just won't smell fresh, even after washing? Borax is fantastic for this! I often do a pre-soak for these items. Just dissolve half a cup of Borax in a basin of warm water and let the clothes soak for 30 minutes to an hour before running them through a normal wash cycle. It’s amazing how it eliminates those really stubborn smells! This is where the idea of a 'laundry soak basin' really comes into its own, providing a powerful boost that even baking soda sometimes struggles to match alone. Cleaning Your Washing Machine: Don't forget to give your washing machine some love! Once a month, I run an empty hot water cycle with about a cup of Borax. It helps remove detergent residue, mold, and mildew buildup, keeping my machine fresh and my clothes cleaner in the long run. Beyond laundry, let's revisit the bathroom for a moment because there are always more tips! While my article covers the basics, I've found an extra trick for really sparkling grout. After scrubbing your tiles with the Borax and dish soap paste, mix a slightly thicker paste of Borax and water and apply it directly to stubborn grout lines. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then scrub with a stiff brush – you'll be amazed at how much brighter your grout becomes. I also use a small amount of Borax on a damp cloth to wipe down shower curtains to prevent mildew buildup, especially those plastic ones! Using Borax has been a game-changer for me, but it's important to remember it's a powerful cleaning agent. Always wear gloves to protect your hands, and ensure good ventilation, especially when mixing powders. And, of course, keep it out of reach of children and pets. With these extra tips and a little bit of Borax, you’ll find your home, from your laundry room to your bathroom, feeling fresher and cleaner than ever!
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