Cleaning isn’t exactly fun, but having the right products can make it a whole lot easier.

If you’ve ever found yourself staring at Borax and OxiClean, wondering which one to grab, you’re not alone. Both are powerhouse cleaners, but they’re not interchangeable.

In this no-nonsense comparison, I'll compare Borax vs OxiClean against a number of factors, so you can figure out which one deserves a spot in your cleaning routine.

#1 What Is It Used For?

First things first. What do these products even do?

Borax (sodium borate) is a natural mineral compound. People have been using it for decades to clean, deodorize, and even keep pests at bay.

It’s versatile. You can use it in laundry, for scrubbing surfaces, or even as a homemade pest deterrent.

OxiClean, on the other hand, is more specialized.

It’s primarily marketed as a stain remover and laundry booster.

Sure, you can use it for some general cleaning tasks, but its bread and butter is getting your clothes looking fresh and bright. It’s like that one friend who’s amazing at one thing and sticks to it.

Both are excellent for fighting dirt, stains, and odors. However, their methods are a little different, and that plays a big role in how they work around the house.

Also Read: How To Remove Water Stains On Concrete

#2 Stain Removal

When it comes to stain removal, OxiClean is the winner.

OxiClean is built for this. Its oxygen-based formula goes to town on tough stains. Blood, sweat, dirt—you name it. Just sprinkle it on, add water, and watch it bubble away.

It’s almost fun to use because you can see it working right before your eyes.

If you’ve got a lot of stained clothes or kids who love mud pies, OxiClean might be your new best friend.

Borax does a decent job on organic stains like grease or food spills. It breaks them down over time, especially if you let it sit.

But it’s not a miracle worker. Stubborn stains might need a little extra elbow grease.

#3 Whitening

Whitening is another area where OxiClean shines.

It’s designed to brighten whites and remove discoloration from fabrics. The oxygen bleach in OxiClean helps lighten things up over time without using chlorine bleach, so you’re not dealing with the harsh chemicals or the strong scent.

Borax has mild whitening properties too, but it works a little differently.

It won’t bleach your clothes, but it helps lift some of the dullness. Over time, you’ll notice your whites looking fresher. It’s subtle, but it works. Just don’t expect miracles.

It can also prevent yellowing and keep whites looking fresh by neutralizing any minerals in hard water.

#4 Laundry Boosting

Both Borax and OxiClean can be great laundry boosters, but they each do it in their own way.

OxiClean is typically added directly to the laundry to help with tough stains and brightening. It’s like an extra punch of cleaning power for your clothes, especially if you’re dealing with dirt, sweat, or food stains.

#5 General Cleaning

What about cleaning around the house? Can either of these products pull double duty?

Borax shines here. You can mix it with water to make a paste for scrubbing sinks, tubs, and countertops. It’s also great for deodorizing carpets and garbage disposals. Some people even use it to clean outdoor furniture! The possibilities are endless.

OxiClean can be used for general cleaning too, but it’s often better suited for laundry or specific stain-fighting jobs.

It’s great for things like cleaning your carpets or getting stains out of upholstery, but Borax takes the lead when it comes to all-around household tasks.

#6 Fabric Safety

Nobody wants to ruin their favorite shirt, right? So how safe are these products for fabrics?

OxiClean is generally safe for most fabrics, including cotton, polyester, and even some delicate materials.

That said, it’s still a powerful cleaner. Always test it on a small, hidden area first. And avoid using it on anything labeled “dry clean only.” Trust me, you don’t want to learn that lesson the hard way.

Borax is a bit gentler, but it still requires some caution. It’s generally safe for most fabrics too, but it can be a bit too harsh for delicate fabrics like silk or wool.

If you’re dealing with more fragile clothing, make sure you follow the directions carefully or opt for something more fabric-friendly.

#7 Ease Of Use

Both Borax and OxiClean are pretty easy to use, but there are a few differences.

OxiClean comes in a powder or liquid form, and you add it directly to your laundry or use it as a soak for stains. The directions are clear, and it’s pretty easy to mix up. You don’t need to worry about anything fancy.

Borax requires a bit more effort, especially when using it for cleaning around the house.

You might need to mix it with water to create a paste, or you might need to combine it with other ingredients. It’s not as simple as just tossing it in the laundry, but it’s still manageable.

#8 Smell

Borax is pretty neutral. It doesn’t have a strong smell, which is nice if you’re sensitive to fragrances. However, it also doesn’t leave behind a fresh, clean aroma.

You’ll need to rely on your detergent or fabric softener for that.

OxiClean has a light, pleasant scent. It’s not overpowering, but it adds a little freshness to your laundry. If you enjoy that “just washed” smell, you’ll appreciate this feature.

#9 Price And Availability

Price-wise, both Borax and OxiClean are affordable, but Borax is a lot cheaper.

Plus, it comes in larger quantities, so it often works out to be a better deal in the long run.

You can find it at most grocery stores, hardware stores, and online. A little goes a long way, so a box will last you a while.

OxiClean tends to be pricier, but you’re paying for convenience and performance.

It’s widely available too, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding it. Just keep an eye out for sales or bulk deals if you plan to use it often.

Should I Get OxiClean Or Borax?

Okay, so which one should you pick? Borax or OxiClean? Here’s the deal:

If you’re looking for a powerful stain remover and laundry booster, OxiClean might be the better choice. It’s super effective for tackling stubborn stains and brightening whites.

Plus, it’s easy to use and has a pleasant scent.

On the other hand, if you’re after a multi-purpose cleaner that works in various areas of the house, Borax is the way to go. It’s affordable, and it’s great for boosting your laundry, general cleaning, and even fighting odors.

If you have hard water, Borax is a game-changer too.

Bottom Line

The main difference between Borax and OxiClean is that Borax is better for general cleaning, deodorizing, and softening hard water. Plus it's cheaper.

OxiClean, on the other hand, is better at tackling stubborn stains, whitening laundry, keeping whites looking fresh, and boosting laundry performance, but it’s not designed for general cleaning or delicate surfaces.

Borax vs OxiClean (A No-Nonsense Comparison)