Borax, also known as sodium borate, is a versatile household product that has been used for over a century. While many people are familiar with its use as a laundry booster, borax has a myriad of other applications that can simplify life, managing households and looking for efficient, cost-effective solutions.

Here are 15 innovative ways to use borax that you might not have considered.

Natural Pest Control:

Usage: Sprinkle borax in areas where you see ants or roaches.
Benefit: Acts as a natural insecticide, eliminating pests without harmful chemicals.

Unclog Drains:

Usage: Pour 1/2 cup of borax down the drain followed by 2 cups of boiling water. Let sit for 15 minutes, then flush with hot water.
Benefit: Clears clogs and keeps drains flowing smoothly.

Homemade Laundry Detergent:

Usage: Mix borax with washing soda and grated bar soap to create a powerful, homemade laundry detergent.
Benefit: Economical and effective at removing stains and odors.

Carpet Cleaner:

Usage: Sprinkle borax on carpets, let sit for 30 minutes, then vacuum.
Benefit: Helps to deodorize and freshen carpets.

Cleaning Cookware:

Usage: Mix borax with a little water to form a paste and scrub pots and pans.
Benefit: Easily removes stubborn stains and grease.

Bathroom Cleaner:

Usage: Use borax to clean and disinfect sinks, tubs, and toilets.
Benefit: A natural alternative to harsh chemical cleaners.

Mold and Mildew Remover:

Usage: Create a borax and water solution and apply to moldy areas. Let sit, scrub, and rinse.
Benefit: Kills mold and prevents its return.

Rust Remover:

Usage: Combine borax and lemon juice into a paste and apply to rusted items.
Benefit: Effectively removes rust from tools and other metal objects.

Weed Killer:

Usage: Sprinkle borax in driveway cracks and other areas where you want to prevent weed growth.
Benefit: Natural and long-lasting weed control.

Deodorize Garbage Cans:

Usage: Sprinkle borax at the bottom of garbage cans to absorb odors.
Benefit: Keeps garbage cans smelling fresh.

Mattress Cleaner:

Usage: Sprinkle borax on mattresses, let sit for an hour, then vacuum.
Benefit: Removes odors and freshens up the mattress.

Flower Preservative:

Usage: Mix borax with water and use to water fresh-cut flowers.
Benefit: Keeps flowers fresher longer.

Homemade Candles:

Usage: Add borax to candle wicks before using.
Benefit: Helps the wick burn more steadily and reduces ash.

Cleaning Outdoor Furniture:

Usage: Mix borax with water and scrub outdoor furniture.
Benefit: Removes dirt and mildew, keeping furniture looking new.

Craft Projects:

Usage: Use borax to make slime or other fun crafts with kids or grandkids.
Benefit: Provides a safe and engaging activity.

Borax is a truly multifaceted product that can simplify many aspects of home care and maintenance. By incorporating these 15 uses into your routine, you can enjoy a cleaner, more efficient household without relying on expensive or harsh chemicals.

Whether you’re cleaning, crafting, or gardening, borax offers practical solutions that cater to a variety of needs, making it a must-have in every home.