Borax, also known as sodium borate, is a naturally occurring mineral commonly used in households for a variety of purposes. While it’s widely recognized as a cleaning agent, borax has numerous other applications that might surprise you. Here’s a look at some of the diverse and unexpected ways you can use borax around the home:
**1. Powerful All-Purpose Cleaner
Borax is an excellent cleaning agent that can tackle tough stains, grime, and dirt. It’s particularly effective on bathroom tiles, sinks, and countertops. To make an all-purpose cleaner, dissolve 1/2 cup of borax in 1 gallon of warm water and use it to wipe down surfaces.
**2. Laundry Booster
Add a half cup of borax to your laundry load to boost the cleaning power of your detergent. It helps to soften water, making detergents more effective, and is great for brightening whites and neutralizing odors.
**3. Carpet Freshener
Sprinkle borax on your carpets and let it sit for 30 minutes before vacuuming. This helps to deodorize and freshen carpets, as well as kill any lurking bacteria.
**4. Mold and Mildew Remover
Borax is a natural mold inhibitor. Create a paste with borax and water and apply it to areas affected by mold or mildew, such as bathroom tiles and grout. Let it sit for a while, then scrub and rinse thoroughly.
**5. Insecticide and Pest Control
Borax is an effective and safe pest control option. It can be used to combat ants, cockroaches, and other household pests. For ants, mix borax with sugar and water to create a bait. For cockroaches, sprinkle a mixture of borax and sugar in areas where they frequent. However, be cautious and keep borax out of reach of pets and children, as it can be harmful if ingested.
**6. Glass and Mirror Cleaner
Create a streak-free glass cleaner by mixing 2 tablespoons of borax with 3 cups of water. Use it to clean windows and mirrors for a sparkling finish.
**7. Rust Remover
Borax can help remove rust from tools, utensils, and other metal items. Make a paste with borax and lemon juice or vinegar, apply it to the rusted area, let it sit, and then scrub off the rust.
**8. Unclog Drains
To unclog drains, pour 1/2 cup of borax into the drain, followed by 2 cups of boiling water. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then flush with hot water. This method helps to break down clogs and keep drains flowing smoothly.
**9. Weed Killer
Borax can be used as a natural weed killer. Mix 10 ounces of borax with 2.5 gallons of water and spray it on unwanted weeds. Be careful to avoid desirable plants, as borax is not selective and can kill any vegetation.
**10. Deodorize Garbage Cans
To eliminate odors from garbage cans, sprinkle borax at the bottom of the can. It helps to absorb odors and keeps the can smelling fresh.
