Borax is the affordable unsung hero of DIY cleaning — here are 11 ways to use it

• Borax is a mineral that's been used for cleaning since the 1800s.
• It's alkaline, so it softens water, allowing for more effective cleaning.

Homemade cleaning solutions are helpful for when you're trying to save money, reduce waste, or cut down on your use of certain chemicals like bleach. One workhorse that all DIY aficionados can use in their home is borax.

Borax is a natural mineral that has been used as a cleaner since it was discovered in the late 1800s. As a great multi-purpose cleaning agent, it loosens stains and lifts dirt, says Fredrika Syren, founder of The Zero Waste Family and author of "Zero Waste for Families."

From mopping your floors to cleaning your laundry, here are 11 ways to use borax around your home.

Important: Although Borax is safe when used as directed, it can be dangerous for people or pets when ingested. Don't use borax undiluted, keep it out of the reach of pets or children, avoid contact with your eyes, and wear gloves if you'll be touching it, says Syren.

What is borax?

Borax, also known as sodium borate, is a naturally-occurring mineral that forms when salt lakes evaporate or as the byproduct of mining. It contains the element boron, an element that's an ingredient in plant cell walls.

Borax helps boost cleaning power because it softens water. Hard water, which about 85% of Americans have in their homes, has lots of calcium and magnesium, so it can leave behind mineral deposits and prevent soap or detergent from dissolving, says Syren. That makes the soap less effective at cleaning. When you add borax, it binds with calcium and magnesium, removing them from the water. A lot of borax's cleaning power comes down to this role as a water softener. When water is soft, detergents and soaps work more effectively, says Syren.

In addition, borax is alkaline. Alkaline materials – those with a high pH – are great at breaking down fats (like oils and grease) and proteins, including those that cause odors. That's why borax can help remove stains from your shift or lift odors from your mattress. With that in mind, here are the specific ways that you can use borax around your home.

1. Boost your laundry detergent

Just a little bit of borax can improve the cleaning power of laundry detergent. Add borax when you're washing whites or fighting acid stains like tomato sauce, says Syren.

How to do it: Add 1 tablespoon of borax in with your normal laundry detergent. If you have hard water (which you can detect using a water test strip), add half a cup to each wash cycle, Syren says.

2. Freshen up your garbage disposal

Garbage disposals can get downright nasty, but cleaning them with borax can help remove built up dirt and grime, cutting down on stinky smells.

How to do it: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of borax down the disposal. Let it sit for an hour, then run the disposal for 2 minutes with hot water flowing.

3. Fight mildew

Mildew and the musty smell that accompanies it can make even a clean home seem dirty, but it's common for mildew to spring up in the bathroom or basement, particularly in warm, humid months. A borax solution removes mildew and can prevent it from coming back since borax is toxic to plants in high concentration, says Syren.

How to do it: Combine 1 gallon of warm water with half a cup of borax. Spray the solution on an area that has mildew and let it dry. Then, wipe off with a slightly damp cloth. To prevent mildew, allow the mixture to dry without wiping it away (you shouldn't see any residue).

4. Remove crayon or pen from your walls

Borax can cut through crayon wax and pen ink, so it's perfect for those dreaded times when your child decides the wall is your canvas. Although this is safe for most surfaces, it's best to spot-test in an inconspicuous area before using it, says Syren.

How to do it: Mix 1 tablespoon of borax into 1 cup of warm water, says Syren. Apply the mixture to the wall, covering the stain. After 10 minutes, wipe the mixture away with a damp cloth.

5. Remove smells and stains from your mattress or carpet

Just like borax can lift dirt and debris, it can sweep away odor-causing particles. This is particularly useful on carpets and mattresses, after spills or accidents.

How to do it: Get the mattress or carpet very lightly damp by spraying it with water or vinegar. Sprinkle a small amount of borax on top. Then, lightly scrub the mixture in, using a circular motion. Let the mixture dry entirely, then vacuum the residue away.

6. Clean your floors

Borax removes dirt and stain from tile, linoleum, and wood floors, says Syren. Adding it to your floor cleaning solution will soften water and improve cleaning power.

How to do it: Fill a mop bucket with warm water. Add 2 tablespoons of borax, 1 tablespoon of Castile soap and 4 tablespoons of vinegar. Mix well, then wash as normal.

Quick Tip: Acidic vinegar may damage tile, but it's generally safe when diluted. Spot-test this floor cleaning solution before using it, just to be safe.

7. Strip your laundry

Even when laundry comes out looking clean, unseen dirt, minerals and other materials can build up. Stripping laundry — allowing it to soak in a mixture of borax, detergent and water — removes these particles, giving you sparkling clothes.

How to do it: Fill your bathtub or a washing bowl with warm water. Add half a cup of borax, half a cup of washing soda and 3/4 cup of laundry detergent for every gallon of water. Mix it well, then add your laundry. Let it soak for 5 to 6 hours, stirring every hour. Then, run it through a typical wash cycle.

8. Scrub your toilet

Toilet cleaning with borax couldn't be easier, says Syren. Borax helps lift any stains or materials, meaning you don't have to scrub as long.

How to do it: Just sprinkle half a cup or borax into the bowl. Let it sit for an hour, then brush and flush. For hard water stains, leave the borax on overnight.

9. Clean grout

Over time, grout in your bathroom, kitchen or floors can become dirty and discolored. Borax can lift those stubborn stains.

How to do it: Combine one part borax with two parts baking soda. Add enough vinegar to make a paste. Put on some gloves, then use your fingers or a toothbrush to apply the mixture to grout, pressing it in lightly. Let the mixture sit for 20 minutes, then wipe away with a damp cloth.

10. Remove rust

Rust forms when acidic material, including water, comes into contact with metal. Alkaline borax counteracts this, busting through rust spots. Borax can be used to clear rust from stainless steel pans, old gym equipment, and anything else around your home that has gotten a bit rusty.

How to do it: Make a paste using equal parts borax and either lemon oil or vinegar. Wear gloves, and use a dry cloth to spread the paste over the rusted surface. Let it sit for an hour, then wipe away with a damp cloth.

11. Mix up all purpose cleaner

Add borax to your homemade all purpose cleaner for extra power. "It is ideal for cleaning and safe to clean almost everything," says Syren. This spray solution can be prepared ahead of time and used on countertops, microwaves, windows, and more.

How to do it: Dissolve 1 teaspoon of borax, 1 teaspoon of Castile soap, and 2 tablespoons of vinegar into 2 cups of hot water. Allow the mixture to cool, then pour it into a labeled spray bottle, using a funnel to avoid spills. Spray surfaces then wipe clean with a paper towel or microfiber cloth. Be sure to store the mixture out of reach of children or pets. You can store this mixture for up to three months, but be sure to shake or mix it before using since the borax can settle to the bottom.

Insider's takeaway

Borax is an alkaline mineral that softens water. Soft water is better able to lift stains and odors, which is why borax is such a great cleaning solution. Borax can be diluted in water and used for everyday chores from washing laundry to wiping counters. Although it's safe for cleaning, borax can irritate the skin, so always use gloves when handling it.