Uses of Borax: A Versatile Household Essential (plus Slime Recipe!)

Borax, also known as sodium borate, is a naturally occurring mineral with a multitude of uses around the home. At Soap Cafe’ we sell Borax by weight. Just CLICK HERE to order yours now!

Here are 4 ways on how it can be used:

Cleaning and Laundry
Its alkaline nature helps to neutralize odors, break down dirt, and soften water, making it a perfect addition to your laundry routine. Add half a cup to your regular detergent to boost its cleaning power, particularly for heavy-duty loads like towels and bed linens. It also helps to remove tough stains, such as grease, oil, and even wine.  Do you want to try making your own laundry detergent? You can find a natural DIY recipe HERE

Pest Control
Borax is an effective yet non-toxic pest control solution. Sprinkle it in areas where you see ants, cockroaches, or other pests, which will help keep them at bay. The powder dehydrates insects and disrupts their digestive systems, making it a great natural alternative to chemical pesticides.

DIY Cleaning Solutions
Borax can be mixed with other household ingredients to create powerful, homemade cleaning solutions. For instance, mix it with vinegar and water to make an all-purpose cleaner that works wonders on countertops, sinks, and even bathroom tiles.

Crafts and Slime
This fun, stretchy material is a hit with kids and a great way to teach basic chemistry principles. When mixed with glue and water, borax helps create the unique, gooey texture that kids adore.

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Here’s a simple recipe to make your own slime at home:

Ingredients:
– 1 cup of white craft glue
– 1 cup of water
– 1 teaspoon of borax
– Cosmetic coloring (cosmetic color is a better option than food coloring as it avoids staining!)

Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix the glue with ½ cup water until well combined. If you want colored slime, add a few drops of coloring to this mixture.
2. In a separate small bowl, dissolve 1 teaspoon of borax in ½ cup of warm water. Stir until the borax is completely dissolved.
3. Slowly pour the borax solution into the glue mixture, stirring continuously. You’ll notice the slime starting to form almost immediately.
4. Once it becomes too thick to stir, use your hands to knead the slime. It may be sticky at first but continue to knead until it reaches the desired consistency.