Borax, also known as sodium borate, has been around for decades as one of those “secret weapon” household minerals that people swear by for everything from laundry to pest control. It’s a naturally occurring substance that comes in a white, powdery form, and because it’s inexpensive and incredibly versatile, it has remained a staple in many homes. While most people know borax as a laundry booster or general cleaner, there’s one trick that often gets overlooked: sprinkling it on wax paper and sliding it under your fridge. It sounds simple, but this clever method can help solve two of the most common household headaches—pests and odors—without requiring much effort or money.
What Makes Borax So Effective?
Borax is highly soluble in water and has mild alkaline properties. That combination makes it a fantastic cleaner and disinfectant because it breaks down grime and helps soften water, which in turn boosts the effectiveness of soaps and detergents. Beyond cleaning, borax naturally absorbs odors and has insecticidal qualities, which is why people have long used it to keep kitchens fresh and critter-free. It’s this unique blend of cleaning, deodorizing, and pest-repelling abilities that makes borax such a powerful multipurpose product in household care.
Why Put Borax Under the Fridge?
The area under a refrigerator is one of the most overlooked spots in the home. Food particles, crumbs, and even liquid spills often find their way beneath it, creating a breeding ground for smells and attracting insects like cockroaches and ants. By placing borax under the fridge, you tackle both issues at once. The powder works as a deterrent for pests that thrive in warm, dark hiding spots. At the same time, it neutralizes odors that come from decomposing food debris. In other words, this one simple trick can make your kitchen feel fresher while discouraging unwelcome visitors.
How to Use Borax Under the Fridge
Setting up this method is quick and easy. Start by cutting a piece of wax paper large enough to cover the area beneath your refrigerator. Next, sprinkle a light, even layer of borax over the paper. Once that’s done, carefully slide the wax paper under the fridge, making sure it sits flat and covers as much space as possible. The borax will stay in place, doing its job silently. Over time, you can pull the paper out, replace the powder if needed, and slide it back under. This setup keeps things neat, prevents mess, and ensures the borax remains effective.
How Borax Works Against Pests
Borax is toxic to many common household insects, including ants and cockroaches. When they come into contact with it, the powder clings to their bodies and gets ingested as they groom themselves. Once inside, borax interferes with their digestive systems, which ultimately kills them. By keeping a thin layer of borax under your fridge, you essentially create a protective barrier that discourages pests from settling in one of their favorite hiding places. Unlike harsh chemical sprays, this method works quietly and continuously without spreading strong odors or toxins into the air.
Odor Control with Borax
Aside from pest control, borax’s deodorizing power makes it especially useful in the kitchen. As an alkaline substance, it neutralizes acidic odors, which are often the culprits behind bad smells in hidden corners of the home. Food scraps or liquids that end up under the fridge can quickly sour, but borax absorbs those smells before they spread throughout the kitchen. This helps maintain a cleaner and fresher environment, giving you one less thing to worry about during daily cleaning.
Safety Tips for Using Borax
While borax is incredibly useful, it should be handled responsibly. Keep it out of reach of children and pets, as ingesting it can be harmful. When applying it, try not to inhale the fine powder, and consider wearing gloves if you have sensitive skin. Store the box in a sealed container to keep the powder dry and prevent accidental exposure. Used properly, borax is safe to have around the home, but like any cleaning product, it requires common sense.
Other Uses for Borax Around the Home
The beauty of borax is that its uses go far beyond just freshening up the space under your fridge. It’s a well-loved laundry booster that makes detergents more effective and helps whiten and brighten clothes. It can also be used to spot-clean stains on carpets and upholstery, making it handy for quick fixes. In bathrooms, borax works well for scrubbing away mold and mildew without relying on harsh commercial cleaners. Some people even use it for unclogging drains when combined with vinegar and hot water. Essentially, if you’re looking for a single product that can tackle multiple household problems, borax more than earns its place on the shelf.
Final Thoughts: A Simple Trick with Big Results
Borax might not be as flashy as the latest cleaning gadgets, but sometimes the old-fashioned remedies are the ones that truly work best. By sliding borax on wax paper under your fridge, you’re taking a proactive step to control odors and keep pests at bay with minimal effort. It’s a practical, affordable, and effective way to improve your home environment, and once you try it, you may find yourself reaching for that box of borax more often. Whether you’re freshening up your laundry, scrubbing a bathroom, or protecting your kitchen from pests, borax proves time and again that it’s one of the most underrated tools in household care.
