Borax (sodium tetraborate) might sound like a lab chemical, but it’s actually a naturally occurring mineral made from sodium, boron, oxygen, and water. You’ll usually find it in the laundry aisle, and for preppers it’s one of those low-cost, long-shelf-life items that earns its space.
Stored in a cool, dry place, borax lasts for years and can be used for cleaning, pest control, odor removal, DIY projects, and more. Like anything, it should be handled with care — keep it away from kids and pets, wear gloves, and don’t ingest it.
🐜 Pest Control
Borax works well against ants, roaches, fleas, and other insects.
Ant bait: Mix equal parts borax and sugar. Place small amounts near ant trails.
Fleas: Sprinkle on carpets, let sit overnight, then vacuum.
Roaches: Lightly dust along baseboards and behind appliances.
⚠️ Use enclosed bait stations if you have pets.
🧼 All-Purpose Cleaner
Mix 2 tbsp borax + 2 cups hot water. Add a few drops of essential oil if you want scent.
Great for counters, sinks, tubs, and greasy surfaces.
🛏 Mattress Stain & Odor Remover
Blot moisture, sprinkle borax, gently work it in, let dry completely, then vacuum.
Absorbs odors and moisture without harsh chemicals.
🕯 DIY Candle Wicks
Soak cotton string in borax + salt + water, dry fully, then dip in melted wax.
Creates longer-burning, cleaner wicks — great for backup lighting projects.
🧽 Floor Cleaner
In a bucket:
⅓ cup borax
Small squirt dish soap
1 gallon warm water
Cuts grime without leaving sticky residue.
🚿 Drain Maintenance
Pour ½ cup borax down the drain, wait 15–30 minutes, flush with boiling water.
Gentler on pipes than chemical cleaners.
🧱 Tile & Grout Cleaner
Make a paste with borax + water, scrub grout, let sit 10 minutes, rinse clean.
🌿 Patio Furniture Cleaner
Mix 1 tsp borax + 1 tsp dish soap + 4 cups warm water.
Helps remove mildew and slows regrowth.
🗑 Trash Can Deodorizer
Sprinkle a tablespoon in the bottom of the can before adding a liner.
👕 Bonus Uses
Laundry booster (½ cup per load)
Rust removal for tools
Weed control for cracks (use sparingly)
Drying flowers
Water softener
Borax is one of those old-school items our grandparents relied on — cheap, versatile, and useful in ways modern single-purpose products aren’t. Definitely worth keeping in a well-rounded household stockpile.
Do you keep borax on hand? Any uses I missed?