Borax is a naturally occurring mineral, commonly used as a laundry booster and many other cleaning purposes. It is a safe and powerful cleaner that is much cheaper than other commercial cleaning products. Also known as sodium borate, Borax can be used to make homemade laundry detergents, boost other cleaning products and even as a pest repellant. Borax is a great choice for many households and can be used for several different DIY recipes. In addition to having amazing cleaning properties, it takes very little Borax to get the job done.
There are many ways to use Borax for home appliances.
Cleaning Appliances
You can make a great all-purpose cleaner by mixing 2 tablespoons of Borax with 2 cups of hot water. Put the solution in a spray bottle and use it to clean your appliances, including refrigerator, washing machine, and dishwasher, among others. It is great for removing crayon, pencil marks, and other stubborn stains. You can also use it to degrease your stoves, countertops, and bathtub.
Laundry Booster
This is the most popular use for Borax. Adding the mineral to your laundry can help soften the water and boost your detergent performance. Borax deodorizes your clothes and keeps the fabrics soft. Mix a tablespoon of borax with 2 cups of hot water, add the solution to your laundry, and then run a complete cycle. With borax, it only takes one wash for your clothes to appear brighter and feel much softer. It is also great for removing stubborn laundry stains such as grass and coffee.
Removing Rust
If you have any appliances or dishes that have rust spots, you can use borax to remove the rust. Simply mix a cup of borax with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 2 cups of hot water to form a paste-like solution. Apply the solution and leave it for 15 minutes. Rinse and scrub the rust.
Deodorizing the Fridge
Refrigerators can develop bad odors over time. Borax is a great solution for removing these bad smells. Simply remove the fridge drawers and dip them one by one in a sink filled with a solution of borax and hot water. After that, rinse the drawers and clean the fridge with the borax solution, then place the drawers back in the fridge.
Keeping Pests Away
Pests such as ants and cockroaches are quite common in homes, especially in the kitchen. Borax is very effective at keeping them away from your appliances and your home at large. Just sprinkle it in areas that are often infested such as under refrigerators, stoves, and sinks.
