When it comes to laundry boosters, borax has been a trusted household staple for generations. A naturally occurring mineral also known as sodium borate, borax enhances the performance of your usual detergent, helps fight odors, and can even soften hard water. But how exactly does borax work—and how can you use borax effectively in your laundry routine?

We spoke to cleaning experts to learn more about the science behind borax, its benefits, and the safest ways to incorporate it into your wash. Whether tackling tough stains, eliminating lingering odors, or just looking for a good fabric softener, borax can be a game-changer in keeping your clothes fresh and clean. Let’s dive in.

What Is Borax?

Borax is a naturally occurring mineral with unique chemical properties that make it a powerful cleaning agent, deodorizer, and stain remover. Its natural alkalinity helps break down acidic stains (like coffee, fruit, and tomato sauce) and neutralizes odors by counteracting acidic molecules. Borax works similarly to the science behind using baking soda and vinegar as stain removers—the acid and base counteract one another to lift blemishes and odors.

How to Use Borax in Laundry

Incredibly versatile, borax has a few different uses when it comes to your laundry room. Here are some ways it can power up the way you do your wash.

Boost Detergent Efficiency 

Great for improving cleaning performance and removing residue from detergents, borax is a cost-effective and time-honored way to up the effectiveness of your go-to detergent, says cleaning professional Whitney White. “Adding a half cup of borax to your wash cycle also helps soften hard water which can be tough on your clothing, causing it to become more dingy with every wash.”

What You’ll Need:

• ½ cup of borax
• Laundry detergent
• Washing machine

Instructions:

1. Load your laundry into the washing machine.
2. Measure ½ cup of borax and add it directly to the drum of the machine.
3. Add your regular amount of laundry detergent.
4. Select the appropriate wash cycle and start the machine as usual.

You can use the same method to use borax in lieu of a commercial fabric softener. “Using borax directly in the wash has fewer ingredients than store brand fabric softener,” shares Gina McRae of Molly Maids. “It’s more natural, and you know that what you’re putting in your wash isn’t just full of water like most brand name fabric softeners.”

Pre-Treat Stains

Because of its natural alkalinity, borax is a great choice for removing any acidic stains, like those left behind by fruit, wine, and many bodily fluids. “Borax is an effective way to remove stains on colored clothing,” says White. “I choose to use borax because [it has similar] effects to bleach, minus the bleach.”

What You’ll Need:

• 1 tablespoon borax
• 2 tablespoons warm water
• Small bowl
• Soft brush or cleaning cloth

Instructions:

1. Mix borax and warm water in a small bowl until a thick paste forms.
2. Apply the paste directly to the stain, rubbing it in gently with a brush or a clean cloth.
3. Let it sit for 30 minutes, allowing the borax to break down the stain.
4. Rinse with warm water to remove excess borax.
5. Launder as usual, and repeat if necessary before drying.

Deodorize and Brighten Whites

Borax helps restore white clothes by breaking down residue from wearing and washing. Its natural deodorizing and stain-fighting properties make it an effective solution for brightening and refreshing fabrics. “This also helps remove odors,” shares White. 

What You’ll Need:

• ½ cup of borax
• 1 gallon of warm water
• Large bucket, sink, or basin

Instructions:

1. Fill a bucket, sink, or basin with 1 gallon of warm water.
2. Add ½ cup of borax and stir to dissolve.
3. Submerge your laundry in the borax solution, making sure the fabric is fully soaked.
4. Let it soak for 30–60 minutes. (For extra dingy whites, soak overnight).
5. Transfer the soaked clothes to the washing machine and launder as usual.