101 Ways To Use Borax Around Your Home & Yard

Guess what? I’m really glad you’re here because today we’re diving into something surprisingly versatile and practical—borax.

If you’ve ever seen a small box of this mineral in the cleaning aisle and wondered what it could really do, you’re in for a treat.

Over the years, I’ve experimented with borax in almost every corner of my home and yard, and I’ve discovered dozens of ways it can make daily chores, DIY projects, and even gardening simpler and more effective.

Borax isn’t just a cleaner—it’s a natural, multi-purpose powerhouse that can help with laundry, cleaning, pest control, deodorizing, and even crafts.

In this post, I’ll share 101 ways to use borax, from the obvious to the unexpected, including tips I’ve learned through trial and error.

Some are classic hacks, while others are personal favorites that you might not have tried yet.

What Is Borax and Why It’s Useful

Borax, also known as sodium borate, is a naturally occurring mineral with alkaline properties.

That alkaline nature is what makes it so effective at cleaning, dissolving stains, and neutralizing odors.

Because it’s natural, it’s a safer alternative to harsh chemical cleaners in many cases.

I started using borax years ago in my laundry, but I quickly realized that its uses extend far beyond clothing—it can tackle everything from kitchen grime to garden pests.

Borax is inexpensive, easy to store, and lasts a long time. Keeping a box in a cupboard or laundry room has saved me countless trips to buy specialized cleaners or chemical sprays.

Safety Tips for Using Borax at Home

Before we jump into all the creative ways to use borax, it’s important to note a few safety guidelines:

1. Keep borax out of reach of children and pets.
2. Avoid ingesting borax—it’s not food-safe.
3. Wear gloves when handling concentrated borax solutions to avoid skin irritation.
4. Always follow directions when mixing borax with water or other ingredients.
5. Store in a dry, sealed container to prevent clumping.

With those precautions in mind, borax is perfectly safe to use around the home and yard.

50 Borax Uses for Cleaning Around the House

Borax is a natural cleaning powerhouse. Here are 50 ways I use it around my house:

1. Clean sinks and tubs to remove soap scum.
2. Scrub tiles to brighten grout lines.
3. Shine faucets and fixtures.
4. Remove hard water stains from shower doors.
5. Deodorize garbage cans.
6. Clean and freshen drains naturally.
7. Polish chrome appliances.
8. Remove mildew from bathroom surfaces.
9. Clean stovetops and remove grease.
10. Freshen cutting boards.
11. Brighten dull countertops.
12. Clean inside ovens naturally.
13. Remove odors from microwaves.
14. Clean refrigerator shelves.
15. Eliminate sticky residue from jars.
16. Deodorize shoes by sprinkling borax inside.
17. Remove carpet stains.
18. Freshen rugs naturally.
19. Clean upholstered furniture.
20. Eliminate pet odors from carpets.
21. Remove ink stains from hard surfaces.
22. Clean windows and mirrors streak-free.
23. Remove rust stains from sinks.
24. Shine stainless steel appliances.
25. Deodorize trash bins and recycling containers.
26. Clean outdoor furniture.
27. Scrub patio tiles.
28. Clean garden tools.
29. Remove mold from plant pots.
30. Deodorize laundry hampers.
31. Refresh old pillows.
32. Brighten white walls.
33. Remove sticky tape residue from walls.
34. Clean ceramic planters.
35. Deodorize mattresses.
36. Eliminate odors from diaper pails.
37. Freshen drawers and closets.
38. Clean jewelry gently.
39. Polish glassware.
40. Remove mildew from shower curtains.
41. Clean paintbrushes after use.
42. Eliminate odors from cars’ interiors.
43. Freshen car mats.
44. Remove stains from outdoor cushions.
45. Scrub BBQ grills naturally.
46. Clean ceramic tiles outdoors.
47. Remove grime from baseboards.
48. Freshen up laundry baskets.
49. Clean light fixtures.
50. Freshen and deodorize fabric storage bins.

20 Borax Uses for Laundry & Stain Removal

I’ve found borax to be a lifesaver in laundry. Here’s how I use it:

51. Boost detergent performance for cleaner clothes.
52. Remove sweat stains from shirts.
53. Whiten yellowed whites naturally.
54. Brighten colored fabrics safely.
55. Deodorize sports gear.
56. Treat collars and cuffs before washing.
57. Remove oil stains from clothing.
58. Eliminate mildew odors from towels.
59. Freshen bed sheets naturally.
60. Remove grass stains from children’s clothing.
61. Treat ink stains before washing.
62. Clean baby blankets safely.
63. Remove coffee and tea stains.
64. Soak workout clothes to prevent odor buildup.
65. Brighten table linens.
66. Deodorize gym bags.
67. Remove pet stains from fabrics.
68. Clean reusable grocery bags.
69. Pre-treat delicate fabrics safely.
70. Eliminate musty odors from storage fabrics.

15 Borax Uses for Pest Control

Borax also works as a natural pest deterrent. Here’s how I’ve used it:

71. Kill ants by sprinkling in trails.
72. Remove cockroaches naturally.
73. Prevent silverfish in closets.
74. Deter fleas in carpets.
75. Keep ants out of kitchen drawers.
76. Eliminate pantry pests.
77. Treat outdoor ant hills safely.
78. Protect pet bedding from fleas.
79. Deter moths in storage areas.
80. Prevent slugs from reaching plants.
81. Deter roaches behind appliances.
82. Sprinkle around door thresholds to block ants.
83. Treat cracks and crevices where bugs hide.
84. Remove flies in certain areas.
85. Use borax and sugar as a natural trap for ants.

10 Borax Uses in Your Garden & Yard

Borax isn’t just indoors—it’s handy outdoors too:

86. Fertilize boron-loving plants like roses.
87. Improve soil quality in small amounts.
88. Treat fungal growth on plants carefully.
89. Clean garden pots.
90. Deodorize compost bins.
91. Remove moss from walkways.
92. Brighten stone patios.
93. Clean outdoor furniture.
94. Freshen birdbaths.
95. Deter ants in flower beds.

6 DIY Borax Projects & Crafts

Borax is also fun for creative projects:

96. Make crystal ornaments.
97. DIY slime for kids.
98. Create natural air fresheners.
99. Make decorative borax crystal jars.
100. Craft crystal snowflakes.
101. Use in homemade laundry soap for a natural boost.

Final Thoughts: Why Borax Is a Must-Have

I’ve been using borax for years, and I can honestly say it’s one of the most versatile products in my home.

It’s affordable, natural, and multi-purpose, helping with cleaning, laundry, pest control, gardening, and even crafts.

From my own experience, keeping a box of borax in the laundry room has saved time, money, and stress on countless occasions.

If you haven’t tried using borax around your home yet, pick up a box and experiment with a few of these 101 ways.

You’ll quickly see why it’s been a household favorite for generations.