I love products that have many uses, especially when it comes to cleaning. While the lure of having a fancy bottle of cleaner can be tempting, I’d much rather have just a few items than a cluttered shelf of cleaning products. That’s where Borax comes in. Now, before you jump to any conclusions, I’m not talking about boric acid. Borax is actually a completely natural product. Its real name is sodium tetraborate and it occurs naturally in the environment where seasonal lakes repeatedly evaporate. It was once thought to be magical because of it’s many uses and you’ll be shocked when you see just how many ways you can use it in your home!
1. Remove Clogs From Drains
Bathroom sinks get clogged from time to time with buildup of hair, toothpaste, shaving cream and who knows what else. Commercial liquid plumbers are very expensive and often times, one bottle doesn’t complete the job. If you mix 1 cup of borax with boiling water and then pour down a clogged drain, you’ll be amazed how easily the clog is removed!
2. Get Rid Of Rust
If you have patio furniture, you probably have rust on it. It’s frustrating to see anything we buy develop rust over time, but all hope is not lost! You can mix 1 cup of borax, 2 cups of water and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and form into a paste. Apply to rusted areas and let sit for 15 minutes, then wash and scrub. Stubborn rust may take another application, but you should eliminate it before your eyes!
3. Reduce Water Spots In The Dishwasher
Even though you may use a rinse agent in your dishwasher, it doesn’t always get rid of the water spots your glasses. Why not add 1 tablespoon of borax in with your dishwashing detergent? You’ll be amazed how those spots disappear, in addition to having a cleaner dishwasher!