Think Thrifty Thursday - get a box of borax

Borax is the most versatile and CHEAP way to clean... it's also sanitizes!! Not too long ago I was on the hunt for ways to cut back on household cleaners, and I ran across this handy list of ways to use borax. Some that I'd never even considered! So, I thought I'd share a few.

You can stretch one box of borax to do ALOT of cleaning, not too shabby for a box that costs about 4.00 on average!

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1. Sanitize your garbage disposal
   I love my garbage disposal, but its also a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. To sanitize, every couple of weeks pour 3 tablespoons borax down the drain and let it sit for 1 hour. Then turn on the disposal and flush it with hot water from the tap.


2. Clean your toilet
   Who likes the unpleasant fumes from bleach and other chemicals? Borax disinfects AND sanitizes!! Use a stiff brush to scrub it using a solution of 1/2 cup borax in 1 gallon (3.7 liters) water.


3. Keep away weeds and ants
   Borax kills weeds!!! Also, sprinkle some around the base of your house (outside) and it keeps ants, and other creepy crawlers out! Be very careful when applying borax -- it is toxic to plants.


4. Get out rug stains
   Remove stubborn stains from rugs and carpets. Dampen the area, then rub in some borax. Let area dry, then vacuum or blot it with a solution of equal parts vinegar and soapy water and let dry. Repeat as needed. Don't forget to first test the procedure on an inconspicuous corner of the rug or on a carpet scrap before applying it to the stain.


5. Clean windows and mirrors
   Borax can get your windows and mirrors streak free and spotless!! Wash them with a clean sponge dipped in 2 tablespoons borax dissolved in 3 cups water.


6. Unclog your sink without worrying with the fuming chemicals, Borax is much gentler : Use a funnel to insert 1/2 cup borax into the drain, then slowly pour in 2 cups boiling water. Let the mixture set for 15 minutes, then flush with hot water. Repeat for stubborn clogs.


7. Remove mildew from fabric
   To remove mildew from upholstery and other fabrics, soak a sponge in a solution of 1/2 cup borax dissolved in 2 cups hot water, and rub it into the affected areas. Let it soak in for several hours until the stain disappears, then rinse well. To remove mildew from clothing, soak it in a solution of 2 cups borax in 2 quarts (2 liters) water.


8. Get out bad sink stains.
   Even rust -- in your stain-less steel or porcelain sink. Make a paste of 1 cup borax and 1/4 cup lemon juice. Put some of the paste on a cloth or sponge and rub it into the stain, then rinse with running warm water. The stain should wash away with the paste.