There are LOTS of different uses of Borax – it really is wonder stuff – and there are too many uses to list here, but here are the more commonly used applications of Borax:

To Remove Stains or Odours

Mix a cup of Borax with around 4 – 5 litres of water then add the dirty items and soak for about 30 minutes in the borax solution before laundering. Drain the solution from the laundry before washing as usual.

Boost Your Laundry Cleaning Power

Adding borax to the washer drum or detergent tray before loading up the washing machine with dirty laundry boosts the power of your usual laundry detergent.

Make Your Own Laundry Detergent

Borax is one of the constituents of a really effective laundry detergent: Mix one-half measure of borax, one measure of soap flakes, one measure of baking soda, and one measure of washing soda in a resealable container to make your own laundry detergent.

Use two tablespoons in your washing machine in the normal manner.

Remove Stains From Sinks and Countertops

Borax is great as a household cleaner.

Make a paste of 250ml borax and a 60ml lemon juice or distilled white vinegar in a small bowl. Use a sponge dipped in the paste to gently scrub the stain. Rinse the area with warm water.

Freshen and Unclog Drains

If you have one, add three tablespoons of borax to the garbage disposal and let the powder sit for at least 15 minutes. Turn on the disposal and flush it with hot water for one minute.

To unclog a slow, greasy kitchen drain, pour 125ml of borax and 500ml of boiling water into the drain. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes (30 is better) and then flush with warm water.

Remove Pet Urine Stains and Odour From Carpet

In a small bowl, mix 60ml each of borax, salt, and vinegar. After blotting away as much of the pet urine as possible with paper towels, apply the paste to the carpet and scrub lightly with a soft-bristled brush. Let the paste remain on the carpet for 30 to 45 minutes, then vacuum it away. Use a damp sponge to remove any remaining traces of the paste.

Clean Plastic Outdoor Furniture

In a spray bottle, mix one teaspoon of dishwashing liquid, one teaspoon of borax, and a litre of warm water. Shake to mix and label the bottle clearly.

Spray the solution onto the plastic furniture and use a soft-bristled brush or cloth to gently scrub the surfaces. Rinse well and dry with a microfiber towel.

Add Borax to Toilet Bowl

Pour one 250ml of borax into the toilet bowl at night or when the toilet will not be used for about eight hours. After eight hours, scrub the toilet bowl with a brush to remove stains.

Remove Water Spots

The minerals in water can leave spots on fixtures, Sprinkle a damp sponge with borax powder and gently scrub chrome fixtures to remove water spots and grime.

Remove and Inhibit Mildew Growth

Mix 60ml cup of borax per litre of warm water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto mildew growth in the bathroom, wait 15 minutes, and use a soft-bristled nylon brush to scrub away the mildew. Rinse well and dry the area. Lightly spray the same solution on mildew-prone areas (do not rinse) and allow it to air-dry to help inhibit future mildew growth.

Use Borax in the Dishwasher

Cloudy glassware, bits of food, and stains are all signs that your dishwasher needs a thorough cleaning. Borax can clean a dishwasher and boost the cleaning power of your dishwasher detergent.

Remove the racks from the dishwasher. Sprinkle dry borax on the bottom of the dishwasher and on the inside of the door. Dampen a soft-bristled brush and scrub the inside of the appliance.

Boost the Cleaning Power of the Dishwasher

Sprinkle one-half cup of borax in the bottom of the dishwasher before loading it with dirty dishes. Add your regular dishwasher detergent to the dispenser and complete the cleaning cycle as usual.

Use Borax as an Insecticide

Borax can serve as a powerful insect repellent and insecticide. Just make sure kids and pets won’t encounter it as you control pests.

Borax alone will often repel ants: mix one part borax with three parts sugar to act as bait, and then sprinkle it where you have an ant problem.

Fight Bed Bugs

Studies have shown that ingestion of boric acid in even small amounts results in a high mortality rate for bed bugs4. Sprinkle dry borax around the sides of a mattress, bed platform, or furniture cushions.