Can You Mix Borax And Ammonia [Or Is It Dangerous?]

Published by Ahmad Jamal on June 4, 2023

Mixing the best household cleaners can not only be economical but more effective and safer than using commercial cleaners that are usually loaded with chemical substances.

For instance, if you’re wondering Can You Mix Borax And Ammonia in order to increase the effectiveness of home cleaning while remaining economical in your cleaning items choice, then you’re thinking in the right direction.

Therefore, in this CleanersAdvisor guide, we’ll talk in depth on what borax and ammonia are, and then discuss your question on can you mix borax and ammonia or not, and what are the main uses for the mixture if it’s possible to mix both cleaning agents.

Buckle up, and let’s start by examining both cleaning agents separately.


What Is Borax

Borax is a powdery white substance, known among chemists as disodium tetraborate, sodium tetraborate, or sodium borate.

We’ve talked in depth on what borax is and where you can find it in household items in this guide.

You can also read the aforementioned guide and find more about how you can use it in cleaning your house, without even mixing it with other substances to begin with.


What Is Ammonia

Ammonia is one of the most commonly known and produced chemical substances in the whole US. It’s used in multiple industries, in addition to existing in humans & environment in a natural way.

As for its use in cleaning, Ammonia is a common ingredient used in household cleaners, as it’s considered a corrosive chemical substance.

It’s mainly used to disinfect household surfaces, like floors, microwave, ovens, in addition to other great uses around the house.

What Is Ammonia

Can You Mix Borax And Ammonia

Yes, Borax and Ammonia are compatible household cleaning ingredients, and can be mixed together to create a more effective cleaning solution that amplifies the effectiveness of both substances when used separately.

Therefore, you can mix borax and ammonia, but make sure to adhere to the safety precautions we’ll have by the end of this guide.

Want to know how to mix ammonia and borax, read further as we’ll have 4 different cleaning solutions you can use inside your house, and how to create them.


How to Mix Ammonia and Borax

You can mix ammonia and borax to create multiple cleaning solutions for different household cleaning chores. Here are the top solutions you can create for that purpose:

1. Mix Ammonia and Borax to Create an All-Purpose Cleaner

You can mix 1 teaspoon of ammonia, a half a cup of borax, 1 teaspoon of dish soap into 2 gallons of warm water.

This cleaner can be used in nearly all surface cleaning chores, as it’s effective, disinfecting, and powerful against dirt.

2. Mix Ammonia and Borax to Create A Wall Cleaner

You can create a wall cleaning solution by mixing 1 teaspoon of clear ammonia and ¼ cup of borax into 2 cups of cool water.

Stir the mixture inside a 5-gallon bucket until the borax dissolves.

Then you can use this mixture to clean your house’s walls off dirt and dust that could accumulate over time.

3. Mix Ammonia and Borax to Create an Oven Cleaner

The food and grime that occupy your oven can be hard to deal with, but thanks to the ammonia and borax mixture, it’s easier to remove now.

Create a cleaning solution by mixing 2 tablespoons of borax with ¼ cup of ammonia and 2 teaspoons of dish soap into 1.5 cups of cool water.

Mix them up using a long-handled spoon, then let the mixture sit on the grime for 25-40 minutes.

Now you can rinse off the mixture with cool water then dry it with a lint-free towel.

This mixture solution is way better than trying commercial cleaning solutions, and way safer as well.

4. Mix Ammonia and Borax to Create A Floor Cleaner

Floor cleaning solutions are many, but borax and ammonia mixture is still a great one to use over your floor.

Mix ⅓ cup of borax with 1 teaspoon of clear ammonia inside 1 gallon of lukewarm water.

Then use this solution to work on your floor using a sponge mop.

How to Mix Ammonia and Borax

Should I Wear a Mask When Cleaning With Ammonia?

The Wrong use of ammonia can damage your skin and eyes, and cause irritation to eyes and lungs alike, this means you should wear the right protective gear whenever you’re working around ammonia.

The right protective gear should include a mask, or goggles, and gloves that protect your hands as well.


What Precautions Should Be Taken When Cleaning with Ammonia?

1. Read the instructions on the bottle thoroughly.

2. Make sure the area you’re working in is well ventilated.

3. Wear proper clothing that covers your arms and body well.

4. Wear protective gear that includes a mask or goggles and gloves.


To Wrap Up

If you’re wondering Can You Mix Borax And Ammonia or not, then you can, and we’ve provided you with 4 different cleaning chores you can carry out using a mixture of borax and ammonia.

Additionally, you have a set of precautions you should adhere to when dealing with ammonia, don’t turn a blind eye towards them, as the wrong use of ammonia can be damaging to your health, and the health of your loved ones.

Here’s a video showcasing products you should never mix in the first place