Borax feels like one of those old household staples that quietly stuck around while trendier cleaning products came and went. A lot of us probably remember seeing the box sitting in a laundry room growing up, even if we didn’t really know what it was for.

What surprised me is how useful it still is. Borax isn’t just for laundry. People still use it to freshen up musty spaces, clean tough messes, help with odors, and even deal with certain pests around the house. It’s simple, inexpensive, and handles a lot more than you’d expect from something that’s been around for generations.

If you’ve only thought of borax as an old-fashioned cleaner, these are some of the most practical ways people still use it around the house today.

What is Borax?

Borax (sodium borate) is a naturally occurring mineral with a fascinating history and many interesting properties. This white, powdery substance primarily comprises sodium, boron, oxygen, and water. It is typically found in deposits formed from the evaporation of seawater or in lake beds, often in regions with a high mineral content, such as the Mojave Desert in California.

Borax or sodium borate is the most common name for this powder, but it may also be referred to as boracic acid, soda borate, and disodium tetraborate. It is soluble in water, effective at removing dirt and grease, and pH-stabilizing.

Borax has been a household staple for generations and is known for its effectiveness in tackling various cleaning challenges.

1. Borax as a Laundry Booster

Borax powder boosts the cleaning power of laundry detergents, helping to remove stains, odors, and discoloration from clothes. To use, add ½ cup of borax to your washing machine along with your regular detergent.

2. Fungicide

Borax is an effective fungicide and can help prevent and treat fungal infections in plants. Mix one tablespoon of borax with 1 gallon of water and spray it on plant foliage to treat fungal infections and protect against blight and other diseases

3. Household Cleaner

Looking for an effective way to remove dirt and grease? Mix 1 cup of borax with 1 gallon of warm water to create an all-purpose household cleaner.

4. Plant Fertilizer

Borax is a good source of boron, an essential nutrient that boosts plant health and growth. Simply dissolve 1 teaspoon of borax in 1 gallon of water, then apply it to the soil to improve plant health and growth. This soil treatment should only be carried out once per year, as excessive boron can damage plants.

5. Natural Pest Control

Borax can be used as an insecticide to control ants, cockroaches, and other crawling insects effectively. To make ant bait, mix equal parts borax and sugar with a small amount of water to form a paste. Place this mixture in areas where ants are active; they will carry it back to their colony.

In addition to being a targeted treatment, borax can also act as a general pest repellent. Sprinkling it around the garden deters pests such as slugs and snails. Be sure to use borax sparingly in areas near plants, as excessive use can harm their health.

6. Deodorizer

Place a bowl of borax in the fridge or sprinkle it in garbage cans to absorb unpleasant odors. For a deeper odor-busting clean, mix 1 quart of warm water with 1 tablespoon of borax, then wipe down surfaces.

7. Weed Killer

A strong borax solution can be applied to unwanted plants to help control their growth. Mix 1 cup of borax with 2 gallons of water and use a spray bottle to apply it directly to unwanted plants to help control their growth. Be cautious to avoid ornamental plants and vegetable crops, as this toxic mix is quite potent!

8. Mold and Mildew Remover

When mixed with water, borax cleans mold and mildew from surfaces in damp areas. Combine 1 cup of borax with 1 gallon of water and scrub the solution onto affected surfaces to clean away mold and mildew.

9. Stain Remover

To treat stains on carpets or upholstery, mix borax with water to form a paste. Apply it to the stained area, let it sit for 30 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly. Make sure to test an inconspicuous area first, as some color loss may occur.