Ever feel like you're stuck in a cleaning rut? You know, reaching for the same old products every time, wondering if there's a better way?

Well, if borax has been your go-to cleaner, but you're ready to shake things up, you're in the right place. Maybe you've heard some whispers about borax safety, or you're just curious about what else is out there.

Whatever your reason, I've got you covered.

In this post, I’ll show you 7 awesome environmentally friendly Borax alternatives.

#1 Baking Soda

First up, we've got good old baking soda. This stuff is amazing and probably already hanging out in your kitchen. It's cheap, it's everywhere, and it can do so much.

It is mild alkaline so it can break down dirt and grease. Plus, it's a bit gritty, so it can scrub without scratching things up.

Oh, and it's great at getting rid of weird smells too.

Also Read: Can You Mix Baking Soda And Borax?

The best part? It's totally safe. You don't have to worry about your kids or pets getting into it, and it won't harm any fish when it goes down the drain.

You can use it all over your house - clean your kitchen, freshen up your carpets, you name it.

It even makes your laundry brighter and fresher!

Just sprinkle it on stuff and wipe with a damp cloth, or mix it with some water to make a paste for tougher jobs. For laundry, toss in about half a cup with your regular detergent.

#2 Washing Soda

The next Borax alternative on our list is washing soda. It's like baking soda's stronger cousin.

It's more alkaline, which means it's tougher on grease and stains. If you've got some really dirty stuff to clean, this is your go-to.

Like baking soda, it's natural and good for the environment.

But heads up - it's a bit harsher, so you'll want to wear gloves when you use it.

It's great for cleaning ovens, getting rid of soap scum in the bathroom, and tackling those stubborn stains on your clothes.

To use it, mix about half a cup in a gallon of warm water for cleaning, or add half a cup to your laundry.

Just remember, this isn't the same as baking soda - don't try to cook with it or use it as a deodorizer like you would with baking soda!

#3 Borax Substitute

If you're looking for something that works a lot like borax, try sodium sesquicarbonate. You'll often see it labeled as "borax substitute."

It's a mix of sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate, so it's got a good balance of cleaning power and gentleness.

This stuff is great at softening water, which helps your detergents work better. It's also good at getting rid of stains and smells, so it's great for laundry and general cleaning.

Unlike borax, it's safe for septic systems and better for the environment.

You can use it pretty much the same way you'd use borax. For laundry, add about half a cup to your wash. For general cleaning, mix a tablespoon in a liter of warm water.

#4 Vinegar

Vinegar is another superstar in the world of natural cleaning, and a great Borax alternative.

It's cheap, it's everywhere, and it can clean just about anything!

Vinegar has acetic acid in it, which makes it great at killing germs and cleaning all sorts of things. It's especially good at getting rid of mineral buildup and soap scum.

Vinegar is super versatile. You can clean your windows without leaving streaks, get rid of limescale in your kettle, and even use it as a fabric softener.

And don't worry - it's safe for kids and pets.

To use it, mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle for general cleaning. For tougher jobs, use it straight. In the laundry, add about half a cup where you'd normally put fabric softener.

Yeah, it smells strong when it's wet, but that goes away when it dries.

#5 Castile Soap

Castile soap is another great option. This stuff comes from Spain originally, and it's made from vegetable oils. It's biodegradable, non-toxic, and super versatile.

One of the best things about castile soap is how gentle it is. You can use it on your skin and hair, but it's still tough enough to clean your house.

You can use it for dishes, laundry, floors, bathrooms - pretty much everything.

To use it for general cleaning, mix about a quarter cup of liquid castile soap in a quart of warm water. For laundry, add about a third of a cup to your wash. A little goes a long way with this stuff, so don't overdo it.

#6 Oxygen Bleach

Oxygen bleach is a great alternative to borax, especially for laundry and tough stains.

It's really good at whitening and brightening your clothes!

It's usually made from sodium percarbonate. When you mix it with water, it releases oxygen ions that break down stains and dirt.

Unlike regular bleach, oxygen bleach is safe for colors and gentle on fabrics. It's also good for the environment - it breaks down into water, oxygen, and natural soda ash.

#7 Lemon Juice

Last but not least, we've got lemon juice. Nature's own cleaner!

It's full of citric acid, which makes it great for cleaning and killing bacteria. It's really good at cutting through grease and grime, and it leaves everything smelling fresh and clean.

Lemon juice is especially good at getting rid of stains, particularly on light-colored fabrics.

You can also use it to clean and shine metal, get rid of soap scum, and even bleach fabrics naturally.

Like vinegar, it's great for getting rid of mineral deposits and limescale too.

To use lemon juice as a cleaner, you can either use it straight or mix it with water. For cleaning surfaces, mix equal parts lemon juice and water in a spray bottle. For laundry, add about half a cup to your wash to brighten clothes and get rid of smells.

Bottom Line

These borax alternatives are pretty great - they work well, they're safe, and they're good for the environment.

Each one has its own strengths, so think about what you need to clean when you're choosing. So go ahead, mix it up, and find the perfect cleaning combo that works for you.
Your home will shine, and you'll feel good knowing you're using products that are as responsible as they are effective.

7 Great Borax Alternatives