Have you ever used 20 Mule Team Borax? I used it when my oldest was a baby. I used it in her cloth diaper pail.
Yeah, I tried the whole cloth diaper thing… with the first one! The other three wore disposable, for sure!
18 Everyday Uses For 20 Mule Team Borax
But, I hadn’t tried it again until recently.
🆕 Updated for 2025: Borax still holds its own as a multipurpose staple, and this list of everyday uses proves it. Whether you’re cleaning, deodorizing, or solving pest problems, these 18 practical ideas still work today – and save you money while you’re at it.
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If this list has you thinking, “Why don’t I use stuff I already have more often?” — grab our Zero-Spend Challenge and start stretching every dollar without buying anything new.
According to Wikipedia Borax is:
Borax, also known as sodium borate, sodium tetraborate, or disodium tetraborate, is an important boron compound, a mineral, and a salt of boric acid. Powdered borax is white, consisting of soft colorless crystals that dissolve in water.
The product is named after the 20-mule teams that were used by William Tell Coleman’s company to move borax out of Death Valley, California, to the nearest rail spur between 1883 and 1889.
You Might Also Like: 11 MORE 20 Mule Team Borax Uses
20 Mule Team Borax is a brand of borax used as a cleaner and is manufactured by The Dial Corporation.
Here are some interesting facts about 20-Mule Team Borax Laundry Booster:
- 100% Natural Mineral. Once it’s removed from the ground, it’s washed, dried, and boxed for purchase
- The evaporation of seasonal lakes produces it
- There is NOTHING added, no chlorine, no phosphates, no other added chemicals
- It naturally softens hard water, which maximizes your detergent cleaning power
- Keeps stains from being re-deposited on the clothes in your wash
Frequently Asked Questions About 20 Mule Team Borax
What Is 20 Mule Team Borax Made Of?
Here are the 20 Mule Team Borax ingredients as listed on the box:
Sodium Tetraborate (a natural mineral).
That’s what is in Borax 20 Mule Team It’s actually 95% Boron, mixed with sodium and oxygen, and is mined in California. Mule Team Borax powder takes the Boron and makes it into a powder that is easy to use for so many things.
Why Has Borax Been Banned?
People have heard that it was banned, but that was only for food. The FDA banned its use as a food additive. According to the manufacturer, for cleaning and other uses, 20 Mule Team products are perfectly safe. And can even be bought on Amazon.
Do They Still Make 20 Mule Team Borax?
You can purchase 20 Mule Team Borax at Walmart, Home Depot, and most any place you can buy laundry detergent even at Amazon.
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Is 20 Mule Team Borax Pure Borax?
To answer the question: “is 20 Mule Team Borax the same as Borax?”. No, it is not the same, “20 mule team borax” is not pure boric acid.
Pure boric acid crystals ground extremely fine is not for laundry purposes. The compound is considered salt and actually shares many chemical properties with average table salt. 20 Mule Team Borax refines the the Borax that comes fine and is is mined and makes it into a powder we can use for many purposes.
Can I Mix Borax And Vinegar?
People ask this because mixing chemicals can often lead to poisonous gases or explosions of sort.
However, mixing vinegar and Borax Mule Team makes a great combo cleaning agent and is safe to mix as it doesn’t explode or emit noxious fumes.
I also found out years ago that Borax powder 20 Mule Team is good for many other uses than just cleaning clothes, as well. You can use it to clean and freshen things all over your house.
20 Mule Team Borax How To Use?
There are many different Mule Team Borax uses. We discuss a few other answers to what is 20 Mule Team Borax good for below.
Does 20 Mule Team Borax Kill Ants?
It works at killing soft-bodied insects because it causes cuts to their soft exoskeletons, which eventually will make them die. It works much like Diatomaceous Earth – DE.
Diatomaceous earth – also known as D.E., diatomite, or kieselgur/kieselguhr – is a naturally occurring, soft, siliceous sedimentary rock that is easily crumbled into a fine white to off-white powder. It has a particle size ranging from less than 3 μm to more than 1 mm, but typically 10 to 200 μm.
One use I found especially helpful and interesting was years ago when we lived in what we called “the country,” and our dogs got fleas. We had a terrible time getting rid of them and keeping them out of the house.
A friend told me that she accidentally found that 20 Mule Team Borax is great for getting rid of fleas. She had used it to clean her kitchen floors. She neglected to clean under the kitchen table and found fleas under the table and nowhere else.
She also told me that she had tried sugar with 20muleteamborax for ants, which worked for those as well!
Who knew you could use 20 Mule Team Borax for fleas or ants?
20 Mule Team Borax Uses?
Updated for 2025: 20 Mule Team Borax is still a household staple, and these 14 practical uses are just as relevant today. Whether you’re new to borax or just forgot how many ways it can help around the house, this list covers the smartest ways to put it to work – naturally, affordably, and without harsh chemicals.
Here are 18 other uses for 20 Mule Team Borax:
Borax for Cleaning Around the House
1. Restore shine to your china: use a 1/2 cup in your dishwater to restore the shine
2. Cut down on water spots in the dishwasher: add 1 tablespoon in the detergent cup.
3. Mix with water to clean your aluminum pots and pans.
4. Remove stains from carpet: mix 20muleteamborax into a paste, rub into the stain, let dry, vacuum
5. Liquid carpet stains: mix 1 cup 1/2 and 1/2 with water. pour on the stain, blot liquid, repeat until the stain disappears
6. Fresh Smelling carpet: spray a mist of water, and sprinkle Borax 20 Mule Team on the carpet. When dry, vacuum
7. You can use 20 Mule Team Borax for roaches & ants: mix with a small amount of powdered sugar, leave in problem areas insects will eat it and then die from the gas caused by the mixture
8. Kills fleas: sprinkle 20Mule Team Borax on floors, leave for an hour, then remove
9. Clears drains: mix 1 cup with boiling water, pour down the drain. Clogs will disappear
Borax for Laundry & Smell Removal
10. Cat Litter Box odor: mix in with litter when changed
11. Odors in mattresses and furniture (including urine): wet areas, add twenty Mule Team Borax, wait until dry, vacuum
12. Trash can odor: Add a small amount to the bottom of trash cans to keep them smelling fresh
13. Soften Hard Water which can make shampoos and soaps less effective.
14. Keep Toilet bowl clean & fresh: add 1/2 cup to toilet, let it sit for 1 hour, clean normally
Borax for Pests & Prevention
15. Sprinkle on floors near baseboards to repel mice
16. Mix 2 tablespoons 20-Mule Team Borax, 2 tablespoons lemon juice in 2 cups hot water to remove rust
17. Put 3 tablespoons in the garbage disposal, let stand 1 hour, then flush with water to keep it fresh smelling
18. Sprinkle on weeds to kill them, taking care not to get on wanted plants
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If you’re looking for a way to:
- kill ants
- kill fleas
- kill roaches
- prevent mold
- clear a drain
- wash clothes
- and more
then try 20 Mule Team Borax pest control! You won’t be disappointed.
I have found that it works better than an exterminator, and it’s much less expensive for all of the uses listed above than the cost of items to fix each of those issues.
🧼 Stretch Every Dollar (Just Like You Did with That Box of Borax)
If you’re always looking for ways to make what you already have go further – we’ve got something you’re going to love.
👉 Grab our Zero-Spend Challenge and learn how to use what’s already in your pantry, closet, or garage to save money all month long.
No guilt. No spending. Just smart, practical ideas that work – like a $4 box of borax knocking out ants, smells, stains, and more.
Do you have any other uses or tips for 20 Mule Team Borax?
Share them with us!
🛒 Want more cleaning hacks that actually work?
👉 Check out 25 Surprising Ways to Use Bounce Dryer Sheets
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Kay Prisella says
Years ago here in NY state, we had a Siberian Husky diagnosed as having Whipworms.
The Vet told me to use 20 Mule Team Borax, sprinkling the ground all along her run with it and I did! Yesterday my Granddaughter in TN called to tell us her puppy was very ill and the diagnosis was either hookworms or parvo at the ER Vet Clinic. The first thing I thought of was that they should cover the ground and apply 20 Mule Team Borax wherever the dog had been, as well as wash bedding etc. using it. She asked, “What is that and Where would I get it?” Her Mom didn’t know but I said………near the laundry soap in the grocery store. I do hope it’s still there. Funny how something like that reminded me or is it that I had 2 mules for almost 27 years……..and some things about MULES we never forget. I bet I have a box down in my laundry cupboard even as I am typing this email! MULES CAN DO IT ALL!!! See my email addy?
Dian says
That’s great! Thanks for the tip!
Dian
SusieQTpies says
Pinned! Thanks for the tips. We already use it with our homemade laundry soap.
Dian says
Thanks! That’s awesome!
Dian
Brandi says
Makes kids Slime mixed with elmers glue 😉
Dian says
Brandi,
Wow! Never tried that! thanks!
Dian
Lila says
I didn’t know it was just minerals! I recently bought my first box and love how it aids in my laundry. And my father-in-law just used it to get rid of sugar ants!
Dian says
Lila,
I t has so many uses I love that!
Thanks,
Dian
Diona says
My grandfather used Borax in warm water as a footbath to kill odors. I believe it got rid of fungal infection & softened skin as well.
Dian says
Diona,
Wow! I hadn’t heard of that one – that’s a great one! Thanks for sharing!
Dian
Jo says
While Borax is safe for children & pets, it should be used with caution around small children, cats & small dogs. The powder is very light & easily inhaled. Those tiny little bodies have a difficult time with this & they can get pretty sick!
Dian says
Thanks, Jo!
That’s good to know!
Dian
Fran says
Our vet recommended against using borax in litter and to be very careful when using it for flea control, as it IS toxic to pets. In our case we have cats and a small dog. The 20 Mule Team website does state they do NOT recommend mixing with litter. I love my 20 Mule Team and thought I’d share the info! Thanks for all you do!
http://www.20muleteamlaundry.com/about/faq/
Dian says
Fran,
Thanks I appreciate that! Good to know!
Dian
Winnie says
I love borax I use it in my laundry daily. I have also used it for fleas. After my step children brought them to my house from their home borax was the way I got rid of them. I put in on my carpet, furniture, washed all the bedding. I even washed my dogs and cat. It was wonderful it worked great when they couldn’t get theirs under control with professionals.
Dian says
Winnie,
It’s such a versatile product!
Thanks for the tips!
Dian
Alma says
I just bought this from Walmart’s laundry aisle because of it’s many uses, but mainly for stains on clothes because I buy clothes in bulk and rejevanate them when I can.
Dian says
Alma,
Oh that’s a good idea – using it to cut down on clothin costs because you can buy from yard sales and 2nd hand shops!
Thanks for the tip!
Dian
Linda johnson says
I love Borax, too. But please note that it is Extremely poisonous to humans and pets. It needs to be kept out of reach of children and pets. (We all know how they will eat all kinds of unexpected things.
L
roach bait tablets says
Again, only apply dusts in very thin layers, and only iin places that
are not accessible to pets or children. New ant colonies are establisahed by a single fetilized queen that lays hundreds of eggs.
It is essential to elliminate all the fleas
and their eggs from any animals who lkve in the home, and also kill any eggs,
larvae and fleas from bedding and carpets.
diane says
i am interested in making a laundry product using bar soap, borer?ax, and baking soda along with other ingredients. because i wash clothes in cold water, do you think the borax will dissolve, or must i change to using warm wat
Dian says
Diane,
Yes it will!
I hope that helps!
Dian
Betty says
I have an old box of 20 Mule Team and it has become very hard and clumpy. Any hints on how to get it back into powder form?
Dian says
Betty,
I think the only option os to pour it into another more air tight container and try and break it up with something hard like a wooden or metal cooking spoon. To keep it from happening again, I would take the brand new box and pour it into an air tight container when I got it home from the store.
I hope that helps!
Dian
Laurie says
Try a cheese grater to get it back to powder.
Dian says
Laurie,
Great tip! Thanks!
Dian
Candi says
I love Borax! I will say this because I know how people are about their pets I get it. I do have 3 cats and two dogs.
I’ve used Borax for years to treat floors if for some reason we have a flea appearance. Never has an animal of mine became sick from the Borax.
I once had a Golden Retriever who became sick with sciopic mange transferred to her from her mom as a pup. I had her at the vet for treatment and after $1000 I started looking up natural remedies and found about Making a paste out of Borax. It worked! Never did she get sick with it again.
Wish I’d known before I spent all that money. She is happy and healthy 6yr old today.
Dian says
Candi,
Wow! That’s awesome about your dog! I know Vet bills are crazy high, so anything we can do at home naturally is always my favorite option!
Thanks for the tips!
Dian
barbara mcgovern says
how do I get rid of a red wine stain? I tried Bor. and vini. didn,t work.HELPbarbara mcgovern
Granny says
I have read that white wine will clean a red wine stain but I have never tried it.
Dian says
I haven’t tried it either, but, I will keep that in mind, thanks!
Dian
TERRI GORE says
Can Borax be sprinkled on your bed and around the bed to help control bedbugs??
Dian says
Terri,
Yes, Borax actually suffocates them. Just remove all your bedding from the mattress and sprinkle a good amount of Borax all over the whole mattress (so they don’t congregate in an area where there isn’t any), then spray the mattress with water and be sure to really saturate it to be sure you suffocate them with the mixture.
In the meantime take all of your bedding – ALL of it – pillows, comforters, blankets, sheets, cases, dust ruffle – the works and wash them in hot water and Borax to get rid of them on your bedding.
Once the mattress has dried thoroughly and the bedding has been washed well, reassemble your bed and hopefully they will all be dead.
You may have to re-treat again in about 2 weeks as they lay 1-5 eggs a day and it takes 2 weeks for them to hatch.
Keep in mind they lay eggs in cracks and crevices, and the adults live DEEP in the mattress so treat the entire mattress and area very well to ensure good results.
Good luck!
Dian
Sharon DePamphilis says
Someone told me that Borax helps get rid of and kill mold in your bathroom. Anyone know if this is true and how to do it?
Dian says
Sharon,
All I can say is I haven’t had in mold in the bathroom when I use this, so maybe?
Let us know if you try it!
Thanks!
Dian
Cyrena says
Kills mold on wood
Dian says
Cyrena,
Awesome! Thanks for sharing!
I had not heard that one before.
Thanks again,
Dian
SUSANNE M ROSTEK says
I use it to raise the PH in my swimming pool.
Dian says
Susanne,
Thant’s a great tip!
Thanks!
Dian
EdcDelaney says
Mix Borax and white vinegar to clean washing machine
Dian says
Oh, that’s a good one!
Thanks for sharing!
Dian