Borax is toxic to humans.It’s also toxic to pets.

What Is Borax?

Borax is a white mineral called sodium borate, sodium tetraborate, or disodium tetraborate.

Glass container with borax powder next to clothes pins and wool dryer balls

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

It is a hydrate salt of boric acid.

Ahead are 12 ways you could switch out borax for another toxic-free ingredient.

But you might do the same byusing baking sodaas a substitute for borax.

Baking soda sprinkled inside washing machine dispenser

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

Deodorize Your Home and Laundry With Vinegar

Zap odors with harmless ingredients like white vinegar.

As a bonus, the vinegar will act as a natural fabric softener.

Allow the mixture to fizz, then swish it around.

Distilled white vinegar poured into washing machine dispenser

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

Let the mixture sit for a minute.

You have a clean toilet using this borax substitute.

DE is made of the fossilized remains of diatoms or algae-like plants.

Distilled white vinegar poured into toilet bowl

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

The silicate powder penetrates the pest’s body and dries out the insect to death.

Polish Porcelain With Baking Soda

Want sparkling, clean porcelain surfaces?

Three simple ingredients go a long way: alcohol, essential oil, and water.

Tub porcelain being scrubbed with baking soda and non-abrasive cloth

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

you’re able to also use baking soda and water to clean your trash can.

Throw in some vinegar for extra odor-fighting action.

Another recommendation is amultipurpose lemon and lime spray; this mixture uses fresh citrus juices and vinegar.

Homemade wool wash poured into washing machine dispenser

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

Then, rinse the paste, suds, and vinegar with clean water.

The result should be a glossy shine.

Soften Baby Clothes With Natural Ingredients

Using borax to clean baby clothes should be your last choice.

Baking soda sprinkled into trash can

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

Instead, try a non-toxic,green laundry detergentand add baking soda to boost the detergent.

Borax is a popular ingredient for making homemade slime for kids.

Prevent this toxic ingredient from making it into the mouths of babes.

Refrigerator shelf being wiped with baking soda, water and sponge

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

This non-toxic alternative is safer for children who can’t keep things out of their mouths.

Wash Dishes and Clean the Dishwasher Without Borax

Borax for dinner, anyone?

Many DIY dishwashing detergent recipes include borax, but stay safer usingenvironmentally-friendly dishwashing detergent.

Fiberglass coated oar scrubbed with sponge and baking soda paste

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

But you risk mold and mildew growth if you don’t wash it.

It is more potent than baking soda.

It is also used to make bath salts, shampoos, and soaps.

Baking soda sprinkled into washing machine dispenser for baby clothes

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

Can Borax treat inflammation?National Capital Poison Center.

Homemade slime: its squishy, its stretchy, its…toxic?ASPCA.

Baking soda sprinkled into dishwasher with white vinegar bottle on tray

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

Distilled white vinegar poured into humidifier tank next to hydrogen peroxide bottle

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald

Borax substitute packet next to glass container with borax powder

The Spruce / Meg MacDonald