Can You Mix Borax And OxiClean? Is It Dangerous?

Published by Enaam Siam on June 4, 2023

Can you mix Borax and OxiClean? Are you looking for an effective cleaning solution? You may have wondered about combining these two popular household substances.

In this CleanersAdvisor guide, we will explain is it safe to mix borax and OxiClean?, discuss their individual uses, and show you what happens when we mix them together. At the end you’ll have a clear vision whether this combination is safe or not!

Visit our CleanersAdvisor guide to read more about Can You Mix Lysol and Bleach?, Can You Mix Borax and Bleach?, Can You Mix Bleach and OxiClean? and Can You Mix Bleach and Baking Soda?

But before we discuss if Can You Mix Borax And OxiClean, let’s discuss each of those household items.


What Is Borax?

What Is Borax

Borax is a household cleaner & a secondary laundry detergent that is made out of oxygen, sodium, and boron.

It’s made as a powdery white substance, but can be found mostly in toothpastes and mouthwashes.

Recently, it has also been used in cosmetics as well, as it can be used in lotions and skin care creams.

Since it’s a secondary laundry detergent, people have been mixing borax with other substances in order to increase the effectiveness of the cleaning their toilets or laundry.


What Are Some Important Uses of Borax?

You can use borax in a mixture with other cleaning items or just use it on its own to carry out these important cleaning tasks:

1. Create an all-purpose cleaning spray that’s used to clean windows and appliances.

2. Clean the tile floors thoroughly.

3. Clean the inside and the outside of the dishwasher.

4. Get rid of various bug infestations.

5. Prevent the infamous mildew buildup.


What Is OxiClean?

What Is OxiClean

OxiClean is a popular cleaning agent known for its powerful stain-fighting abilities. It contains various active ingredients, including sodium percarbonate, sodium carbonate, and surfactants. 

OxiClean works by releasing oxygen molecules when dissolved in water, which helps break down stains and grime.

It is commonly used in laundry, carpet cleaning, and general household cleaning.


What Can OxiClean Be Used For?

Since OxiClean is a versatile stain remover, it works best on the tough stains found on clothes, carpet, hard surfaces, upholstery, and other surfaces that require stain removing both on the outer surface and the inside all along.

Therefore, you can use OxiClean to:

1. Clean your running shoes.

2. Clean your toilet, tub, and bathroom tiles.

3. Soak your kids’ plastic toys in a cleaning solution to thoroughly clean them.

4. Clean the greasy range hood filters.

5. Remove stains from your shower curtains.


Can You Mix Borax And OxiClean

It’s not recommended to mix borax and OxiClean due to the chemical reaction occurring. The reaction between borax and OxiClean can be unpredictable and may not yield the desired results.

When borax and OxiClean are mixed, a chemical reaction occurs due to the interaction between their respective ingredients. However, it’s important to note that combining these substances is not recommended for general cleaning purposes. The reaction between borax and OxiClean can be unpredictable and may not yield the desired results.

The potential reaction between borax and OxiClean involves the release of oxygen and the formation of various compounds. This reaction can result in a foaming or fizzing effect, similar to the reaction of OxiClean with other substances. However, the reaction may not be consistent, and the effectiveness of the mixture for cleaning purposes may vary.

Moreover, mixing borax and OxiClean can lead to an increase in alkalinity, which can potentially damage certain surfaces or fabrics. It is crucial to consider the specific materials you are working with before attempting to combine these substances.

Borax and OxiClean rely on the environment they interact in differently, as borax is mostly effective when put in alkaline conditions.

On the contrary, OxiClean works best when it can freely start its oxygen-releasing reaction, which isn’t viable in alkaline conditions.

Therefore, when you mix borax and OxiClean, both processes interfere with each other, resulting in the reduced cleaning efficiency, instead of the increased efficiency you’re seeking.

In most cases, it is safer and more effective to use borax and OxiClean separately, following the recommended usage instructions for each product.

Here’s a video explaining the difference between Borax and OxiClean:


Safety Precautions When Using Borax Or OxiClean

Following are safety precautions you should adhere to when you attempt to use either Borax or OxiClean, as they are both effective in cleaning, but still chemical solutions that should be dealt with with caution:

1. Always keep borax and OxiClean out of reach of children and pets.

2. Wear gloves and avoid inhaling the dust or fumes when handling borax or OxiClean.

3. Store borax and OxiClean in a cool, dry place, away from moisture and direct sunlight.

4. Follow the usage instructions provided by the manufacturers for both substances.

5. Conduct spot tests on inconspicuous areas before using these substances on fabrics or surfaces.


Can You Mix Borax And OxiClean FAQs


To Wrap Up

Borax and OxiClean are considered great household cleaning items, but they should be used separately to achieve their top performance.

That means if you ask Can you mix Borax and OxiClean then the answer is an absolute no, and try to utilize their top performance seperately.