Borax is a naturally-occurring mineral, a product of the seasonal evaporation of salt lakes, and is composed of boron, sodium, water, and oxygen. It has been used for more than a century, mainly as a potent laundry detergent booster.

Its pH is 9.3, meaning that it is an incredibly powerful cleaning, disinfecting, deodorizing, and freshening agent. Apart from its household uses, it is also used as a natural remedy in the case of various diseases and health conditions.

Borax, or sodium borate, sodium tetraborate, or disodium tetraborate, is an important boron compound, a mineral, and a salt of boric acid. In its powdered form, it is white, consisting of soft colorless crystals that easily dissolve in water.

It is a natural cleaning agent, and a natural remedy in the treatment of various health issues. It also improves the natural ability of the body to absorb calcium and magnesium.

It is completely natural, safe, and green, and apparently, it is much more versatile than we imagined!

Here are some other uses of borax:

1. All-Purpose Cleaner

Add borax on a damp cloth and clean all the appliances, tiles, sinks, faucets, grout, countertops, tubs, toilets, and cookware in your home.

2. Eliminate Black Mold and Mildew

Mix a cup of borax and one gallon of water, and spray the solution on the area affected by mold and mildew. Scrub with an old toothbrush afterward.

3. Clean Carpets

Sprinkle borax on the carpets and rugs, wait for half an hour, and vacuum it up.

4. Preserve Fresh Flowers

In an airtight container, mix one part of borax and two parts of cornmeal. Place the flowers within, cover them with the rest of the mixture, cover the container, and place it in a cool, dry place for two weeks.

5. Rust Remover

Make a paste out of borax and lemon juice, and apply it on the rusty objects. Scour with a scrub brush after 30 minutes, and rinse clean with water.

6. Unclog Drains

Pour a half cup of borax down the drain along with two cups of boiling water. After 15  minutes, flush with hot water, and you will solve the problem with clogged sinks.

7. Homemade Candle Wicks

Bath a heavy twine in a solution of 2 tablespoons of borax, 1 tablespoon of salt, and 1 cup of boiling water leave it to soak for 2 hours, and then hang the wicks to dry for two days before use.

8. Remove Adhesive Residue

Dissolve a half cup of borax in ¼ cup of warm water, and use it to easily remove glue, gum, tar, and other sticky spots.

9. Boost Dishwasher Detergent

Sprinkle a cup of borax into the basin of the dishwasher, add detergent, and run the dishes through as you normally do, and you will clean the cloudy glasses, hard water spots, and soap stains.

10. Neutralize Odors

Dissolve half a cup of it with 1 ½ cups of warm water in a spray bottle, and use the solution to get rid of bad odors in the household.

11. Remove Clothing Stains

Soak your clothes with grease, oil, and protein stains in a gallon of warm water and half a cup of borax for half an hour, then add laundry detergent and running the wash through as usual.

12. Treat Boron Deficiencies in the Garden

Your garden plants might lack boron if you notice their foliage is browning at the leaf tips, or you are unable to get them to bloom. Make a foliar spray of 5 tablespoons of borax in 5 gallons of water with a few drops of dish soap, and spray all over their stems and leaves. 

13. Pest Control

A light dusting of borax can help you get rid of ants, fleas, cockroaches, silverfish, and beetles.

14. Shine Windows and Mirrors

Dip a clean cloth in a mixture of 3 cups of warm water and 2 tablespoons of borax, and wipe down windows, mirrors, and sliding glass doors.

15. Kill Weeds

In a weed sprayer, add 1 ¼ cups of borax and 2 ½ gallons of water, and douse the leaves of the unwanted plants. 

Follow these tips for its safe use:

• Avoid inhaling borax powder
• Keep it away from your mouth, nose, and eyes
• When using it, cover any open wounds on the hands as it can be easily absorbed through open wounds on the skin
• Do not use cosmetic products that contain borax
• Use gloves when you are using it for cleaning
• Rinse the area you have cleaned with it with water afterward
• Wash your hands with soap after use
• Fully rinse the clothes washed with it before drying or wearing them
• Don’t leave it in the reach of children
• Avoid its use around your pets

Sources:
theheartysoul.com
www.lybrate.com
www.healthline.com