Borax or sodium tetraborate is a natural product that people mostly use to get rid of stains, mold, and mildew. On top of that people also use it to terminate ants. Borax has all of these potentials because it has a pH level of 9.3. But it can also do much more than that. Here are 14 tasks that can get done easily with borax.
1. All-Purpose Cleaner
You can use borax to clean cookware, spigots, ledges, tiles, toilets, tubs, grout, and sinks by pouring borax on a clean cloth and scouring the mentioned surfaces. Just make sure to constantly pour water on the cleaned spots for a little while after finishing the process.
2. Remove Oil and Protein Stains
Simply use borax for every gallon of warm water in the washing machine, then let it do its job for 30 minutes, then add in your clothing cleanser and keep running the washing procedure.
3. Neutralize Odors
You can make a DIY smell killer by simply mixing some borax with a cup of warm water. Once done, add the solution to a spray bottle and add in 6 to 10 drops of your favorite essential oil.
4. Boost Dishwasher Detergent
Borax can clean the dishes and the machine that cleans the dishes. Borax can actually clean and purify your dishwashing machine. All you have to do is sprinkle two containers of borax in the dishwasher’s bowel (use one container if you have a small dishwasher), and add in the cleanser as well. Once done, use the dishwasher to clean your dishes normally and that’s basically it.
5. Pest Control
Borax can be a huge insect terminator, it can actually kill bugs, cockroaches, silverfish, and ants. If you notice any area that insects usually hang out in, apply the borax and nectar mixture in it. Also, make use to apply it to every possible entry point to prevent them from coming in.
6. Treat Boron Deficiencies in the Garden
If any of your plants especially broccoli, pears, horse feed, onions, apples, corn, and cabbage have boron deficiencies, make sure to mix 5 tablespoons of borax with some drops of your dish cleanser and 5 gallons of water, then apply the solution to the leaves and stems of the affected plant.
7. Unclog Drains
If you have a clogged drain, simply pour borax and bubbling water down the drain and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes, then pour boiling water to unclog the drain.
8. Rust Remover
If you have a rust problem, mix lemon juice with borax to make a glue-like material and apply it on the rusty material and let it sit for 30 minutes before using a clean brush to scour. Use it as much as you need until you are fully satisfied then rinse with water.
9. Kill Weeds
If weeds start growing all over your garden, terminate them by making a DIY weed sprayer. Simply mix two and a half gallons of water with some borax, then pour the solution in a spraying bottle. Start spraying the weeds and makes sure not to touch any of the plants you have because they’re not immune to it.
10. Shine Mirrors & Windows
If you are tired of the marks and streaks on your glasses, mix two tablespoons of borax with warm water, then soak a piece of fabric in the solution and start wiping your mirrors, windows, and glasses
11. Remove Adhesive Residue
Some times you really want to take off those stickers or remove the silly marker traces but you can’t because you know how hard it is. Well if you mix borax with water, then your life will be much easier. Use the solution to clean up any adhesive residue without any hard physical effort.
12. Eliminate Mildew and Black Mold
Mix some borax with a gallon of water, then plunge an old toothbrush into the solution and start wiping. this solution can purify and stop parasitic development for a very long time.
13. Preserve Fresh Flowers
Fresh flowers can add up a lovely and charming look to your entire household, but sadly, they die faster. Preserve them by mixing one part borax with two parts cornmeal, then putting the blend in a compartment with your flowers and spread the rest of the blend on them. Make sure to put them in a dry place and leave them there for 14 days.
14. Clean & Spot Treat Carpets
Make sure to add in some borax for every gallon of heated water when using a steam cleaner to clean your carpet. You can also sprinkle borax on your carpet until it’s fully covered and let it sit for 30 minutes before vacuuming it. If you have hard stains, mix some borax with some water and use a brush to smudge the tough stains.
