What It Does
A naturally occurring mineral (sodium tetraborate) that pulls double duty as a heavy-duty cleaner and a natural pesticide. At pH 9.3, borax removes stubborn stains, softens hard water, and boosts laundry detergent — while also disrupting insect digestive systems for slow-acting pest control.
How to Use It
Borax appears in laundry, deep cleaning, and pest-control recipes:
- Laundry booster — add ½ cup to heavily soiled loads
- Rust and hard-water stains — make a paste with lemon juice for toilets and sinks
- Mold and mildew — dissolve in hot water and apply to non-porous surfaces
- Deodorizer — sprinkle in garbage cans and damp areas to inhibit odor and mold
While borax overlaps with washing soda (both are alkaline water softeners), borax adds pest-control properties and is somewhat gentler on fabrics.
Safety is non-negotiable: toxic if ingested, irritating to skin with prolonged contact. Always wear gloves, keep the childproof cap on, and store well out of reach of children and pets.
Buying & Storage
20 Mule Team Borax is found in the laundry aisle of most grocery stores. Store in the original container with the childproof closure, in a high cabinet. Lasts indefinitely.
Enhance It
- Ant bait: Mix 1 tbsp borax with 2 tbsp sugar and enough warm water to dissolve. Place in shallow lids near ant trails. The sugar attracts them; the borax is slow-acting, so workers carry it back to the colony before it takes effect. Keep all baits away from children and pets.
