Neither Vinegar Or Bleach: What To Add To Counter Spray To Make Surfaces Shine Like New

These days, many homeowners are looking for ways to reduce the number of harsh chemicals they use around the house. As a result, homemade cleaners have emerged as an effective alternative to chemical-laden, store-bought products. They are less likely to irritate and more eco-friendly than traditional cleaners like bleach. There are many DIY vinegar cleaning solutions to tackle mess in your home, but there is another natural and cheap ingredient that can work wonders as a spray on dirty counters and other surfaces: borax.

Borax, also known as sodium borate, is a naturally occurring mineral salt. It contains sodium, boron, oxygen, and water and is processed into a white powder. While it is closely related to boric acid, borax isn't as harsh, making it safer to use as a household cleaner. It is usually found in the laundry aisle of the grocery store because it is commonly used as a laundry add-in. However, mixed with warm water, it can be used as an effective all-purpose spray for various areas around the house, including countertops, appliances, and flooring.

Borax is a powerful cleaning ingredient because it is an alkaline substance. With a pH of 9.5, it forms a basic solution when mixed with water that can dissolve fats, oils, and acids. Its alkaline nature also provides antifungal and antibacterial properties that make it a potent cleaner for mold, fungi, and bacteria. Additionally, borax can effectively deodorize surfaces. Its alkalinity allows it to neutralize acidic odors and remove them. It works especially well for urine, food, and smoke smells, as well as musty and mildew-related odors.

Beyond its cleaning power, though, borax works so well as a household spray because it isn't as harsh as many commercial cleaners. It is odorless and doesn't produce fumes if used correctly. However, borax can irritate the skin, eyes, and throat with prolonged exposure, so you should wear gloves when using a borax-based cleaning spray and make sure the area you're working in is well-ventilated. It can also be toxic if ingested, so store borax out of reach of children and pets.

Making an all-purpose cleaning spray with borax is very easy. For a simple, basic formula, mix two tablespoons of borax with two cups of hot water in a spray bottle, shaking well until the powder is fully dissolved. The water should be hot, so the borax dissolves more easily.

For some extra grease-cutting power, you can also add vinegar to your all-purpose cleaning spray. Mix two tablespoons of borax with ¼ cup of white vinegar and two cups of hot water in a spray bottle until the powder is completely dissolved. You can also add your favorite essential oil blend to give the spray a more pleasant scent.

While there are some things in your home you should never clean with borax, a borax-based all-purpose cleaning spray can be used on a wide range of surfaces around the house. It is ideal for countertops, appliances, and even floors. It also works well for removing pen or pencil marks that kids may have made on the wall.