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In it's most common household role, borax can give a boost to your normal laundry detergent by helping to whiten clothes and remove stains. Add 1/2 cup of borax to each large load in your washer along with your regular detergent.
Porcelain and Stainless Steel Scrub: Combine equal parts borax and baking soda to make a gentle scrub for porcelain and stainless steel surfaces. Sprinkle on the mixture and clean surface with a damp sponge. Rinse thoroughly with warm water. This can be used in addition to other methods to naturally clean rust stains off porcelain.
Deodorizing: To deodorize garbage pails and diaper pails, sprinkle 1/4 cup borax in the pail. Add a little warm water and scrub the pail clean. Rinse thoroughly.
Automatic Dishwasher Detergent: Mix equal parts borax and baking soda and use 1-2 Tablespoons in place of automatic dishwasher detergent. Or use the mixture in conjunction with your regular detergent by using 1 Tablespoons of each per dish load.
All-Purpose Spray Cleaner: Dissolve 2 Tablespoons borax in 4 cups warm water. Add 1/4 cup white vinegar and shake to mix. Use on countertops, sinks, tables, and more. Wipe counters with warm water after cleaning to rinse.
Cloth Diaper Soak: To soak and rinse cloth diapers before washing, fill the washer with warm water and 1/2 cup borax. Add diapers and turn off washer to allow diapers to soak. Resume washing cycle after diapers have soaked at least 1 hour. Follow with your normal washing routine.
Carpet Stain Preventer: When something spills on your carpet, blot up the spill and then sprinkle on borax. Let borax dry, then vacuum. If the stain remains, make a paste of borax and water and repeat treatment.
