How to Use Borax Around the House

Co-authored by Jon Gholian

Last Updated: October 23, 2022 References

Borax makes an excellent all-purpose household cleaner, and may be used to wash cookware, clothing, mirrors, toilets and windows. It can also be used to unclog drains, neutralize odors, remove rust, and restore old dishes. Borax powder is, in addition, an effective pest killer and repellent. Be cautious when using borax around children and pets, as it can cause skin irritation, as well as breathing problems for cats.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Cleaning the House

1
Use borax as an all-purpose cleaner. To use borax powder as an all-purpose household cleaner, simply sprinkle some on a clean, damp cloth and wipe down surfaces with it. After wiping, rinse surfaces clean with another fresh, wet cloth and let them air dry. Borax powder is suitable for use on household fixtures like:^{[1]
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- Sinks
- Faucets
- Tiles
- Appliances
- Counter tops
- Bathtubs
2
Clean toilets. Sprinkle 1 cup (192 g) of borax powder into your toilet and let it sit overnight. After a few hours of soaking the borax should loosen any debris or deposits in the toilet, making them easy to clean away. In the morning, use a toilet brush to scrub away dirt, grime, and other buildup. ^{[2]
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3
Wash delicate cookware. Borax is gentle enough to use to clean aluminum or porcelain cookware. Sprinkle borax powder over wet cookware and wipe it gently with a damp cloth. Rinse everything thoroughly and allow the cookware to air dry.^{[3]
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4
Make windows and mirrors shine. Make a mixture of 3 cups (21 oz.) of water and 2 tablespoons (8 g) of borax. Stir until all of the powder is dissolved. Dip a clean cloth into the liquid and wipe down windows, mirrors, patio doors, and other reflective surfaces to create a streak-free shine.^{[4]
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5
Unclog drains. Pour approximately 1/2 cup (48 g) borax down your clogged drain. Follow this immediately by pouring 2 cups (16 oz.) of boiling water down the drain. Let it sit for fifteen minutes, then run the water for 1-2 minutes to flush out the drain.^{[5]
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6
Neutralize household odors. Dissolve half a cup (96 g) of borax powder into one and a half cups (12 oz.) of water. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and add a few drops of essential oil if desired. Spray on fabric and upholstery to neutralize odors and improve the overall smell of your home.^{[6]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Restoring Household Items

1
Remove rust from items. Pour borax powder into a small container and add drops of lemon juice, stirring until a paste is formed. Using a spatula or sponge, apply the paste to rusty objects around the house (e.g. pots and pans) and let it sit for half an hour. Use a scrub brush to scour the rusted area in circular motions, then rinse the item completely to remove the paste. Repeat if necessary.^{[7]
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2
Restore old china. Fill your kitchen sink 3/4 of the way and add 1/2 cup (96 g) of borax powder. Gently place your old china in the sink and let it soak for half an hour. Drain the sink, rinse the borax off of the dishes, and rewash them with regular dish soap.^{[8]
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3
Get stains out of clothing. Mix 1/4 cup (48 g) of borax powder to a half a gallon (8 cups) of warm water. Pre-soak clothing or linens stained with oil, grease, or protein-based stains (e.g. blood) in the borax mixture. Let the stained items sit for 30 minutes before washing them normally with laundry detergent.^{[9]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Controlling Pests

1
Kill household insects with borax. Borax powder contains boron, a substance that is poisonous to self-grooming insects like ants, silverfish, beetles, and cockroaches. Sprinkle borax powder in areas of your home that insects frequent (e.g. the floor of a storage cupboard), making sure that no pets or children have access to it. Alternatively, make an insect bait by mixing borax with a sweet and sticky substance like honey or corn syrup.^{[10]
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2
Remove fleas from carpets. Sprinkle borax powder on areas of your carpet that are ridden with fleas. Use a stiff broom or carpet brush to brush the powder deeper into the carpet to reach any fleas that are hiding in it. Let the powder sit for six hours, then vacuum it out.^{[11]
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- Keep small children and pets away from the area as it may cause skin irritation, or breathing problems in cats.
- Note that borax can kill fleas and larvae but will not destroy the eggs.
3
Keep mice at bay. To keep mice from certain areas of your house, sprinkle borax powder in a thin line along the bottom of the wall. Mice tend to move along the bottom of walls and will likely avoid areas where they have come into contact with borax, which sticks to their feet. Be sure to avoid sprinkling it on areas of the floor that you may step on.^{[12]
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Expert Q&A

Question

What is Borax?

Jon Gholian
Cleaning Specialist
Jon Gholian is a Cleaning Specialist and the Founder of Cleany, a home and office cleaning concierge service based in New York City, New Jersey & Miami. Cleany specializes in providing quality cleaning and handyman services to all their customers. All Cleany employees are insured, bonded, and professionally trained. Cleany has been featured in the New York Times, Bravo & Redfin.

Jon Gholian

Cleaning Specialist

Expert Answer

It's a naturally occurring mineral with sodium tetraborate as the main ingredient.
Question

Is Borax organic?

Jon Gholian
Cleaning Specialist
Jon Gholian is a Cleaning Specialist and the Founder of Cleany, a home and office cleaning concierge service based in New York City, New Jersey & Miami. Cleany specializes in providing quality cleaning and handyman services to all their customers. All Cleany employees are insured, bonded, and professionally trained. Cleany has been featured in the New York Times, Bravo & Redfin.

Jon Gholian

Cleaning Specialist

Expert Answer

It's natural, and it's considered generally safe. Make sure you read the label's instructions and warnings before you use it, though.