topic Re: Borax usage in Home

Borax usage

bargainsgirl — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 18:20:59 GMT

Does anyone use Borax as a boost to clean their laundry? Been around forever and just wondered how it works.

Re: Borax usage

LizzieInSRQ — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 18:31:08 GMT

It works great

Re: Borax usage

SilleeMee — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 19:03:38 GMT

Borax works by binding to minerals found in hard water such as calcium and magnesium. That allows laundry detergent to work better. Hard water makes detergent less effective b/c the minerals in hard water bind to the detergent. Most people living in the US have some degree of hard water.

Borax is a mined-from-the-earth product, not man-made.

Re: Borax usage

Coastalcarolina — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 19:21:08 GMT

Sodium tetraborate (Borax) has multiple uses, benefits. Not only a laundry booster, I use it for raising PH levels in pool water. It cleans toilets sparkling clean and can deter ants and other insects inside of the home. Reasonable price too.

Re: Borax usage

ROMARY — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 19:51:21 GMT

Borax is a great product.

Unscented, very versatile.

Please wear vinyl or whatever gloves when washing by hand. It can be a skin irritant when you wash items by hand in a dishpan or bucket.

Otherwise, no problem after items are rinsed in washer or by hand.

We've been using it for years and years.

I haven't tried it in the toilet, though. Thanks for the suggestion !

Re: Borax usage

Shelbelle — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 20:01:03 GMT

I buy it sometimes instead of Oxi Clean powder additive, I also rotate with Arm and Hammer Super Washing Soda.

Re: Borax usage

Jk9 — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 20:04:24 GMT

Nice to see this. I had forgotten about the multiple uses for Borax. Need to put back on my shopping list.

Re: Borax usage

catter70 — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 20:12:44 GMT

It's not safe for use around cats.

Re: Borax usage

D Kay — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 20:43:40 GMT

I guess I used it incorrectly, but I had some bleached out spots on some of my clothes after washing.

Re: Borax usage

Bonkers1 — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 23:25:59 GMT

Never tried it but I will now. For some reason Wagon Train comes to mind - was it a commercial on the show? OMG I am so old.

Re: Borax usage

shoesnbags — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 23:34:39 GMT

@Bonkers1

Death Valley Days was sponsored by "20 Mule Team Borax". You were close!

Re: Borax usage

CalminHeart — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 10:49:47 GMT

@Coastalcarolina wrote:
Sodium tetraborate (Borax) has multiple uses, benefits. Not only a laundry booster, I use it for raising PH levels in pool water. It cleans toilets sparkling clean and can deter ants and other insects inside of the home. Reasonable price too.

I also sprinkle it on weeds.

Re: Borax usage

kze — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:41:48 GMT

@SilleeMee wrote:
Borax works by binding to minerals found in hard water such as calcium and magnesium. That allows laundry detergent to work better. Hard water makes detergent less effective b/c the minerals in hard water bind to the detergent. Most people living in the US have some degree of hard water.

Borax is a mined-from-the-earth product, not man-made.

@SilleeMee

Thank you so much. I have very hard water so will definitely try it.

Re: Borax usage

Coastalcarolina — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 14:09:59 GMT

@catter70 wrote:
It's not safe for use around cats.

I am glad you mentioned that. It is toxic to pets. I don't have any animals in my house so forgot to forewarn. Thanks.

Re: Borax usage

Bonkers1 — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 18:25:07 GMT

Thanks so much I thought I heard about it before.