Can You Mix Borax And Vinegar? [Detailed Guide]

Published by Enaam Siam on June 4, 2023

When it comes to household cleaning, people often search for natural and effective solutions. Borax and vinegar are two common ingredients found in many households, known for their cleaning properties. So, Can You Mix Borax and Vinegar?

In this CleanersAdvisor guide, we will decide whether it is safe to mix borax and vinegar. Additionally, we will discuss the various uses for both, safety precautions, and alternatives to using these substances together.

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?.


Is White Vinegar a Good Cleaning Solution?

Before entertaining the idea of mixing vinegar with borax or any other solution, is white vinegar in itself a good cleaning solution?

Yes, absolutely. White vinegar is used as a natural, nontoxic cleaning marvel, that gets rid of most household bacteria types, dissolves hard-water deposits, and cuts through grime at a fraction of the cost of brand-name cleaning products.

Moreover, Vinegar’s natural presence makes it easier to be mixed with nearly most cleaning solutions, making it more and more effective as you mix it with other cleaning agents.

Is White Vinegar a Good Cleaning Solution?

What Is Borax Used for Cleaning

Generally speaking, Borax can be used for cleaning the floors, in laundry, and to create an all-purpose cleaner that works all surfaces around the house.

Visit this guide to learn more about borax, and what can borax clean effectively.

What Is Borax Used for Cleaning

Can You Mix Borax And Vinegar?

Many people wonder if it’s safe and effective to mix borax and vinegar for various cleaning and household tasks. 

The answer is Yes. But, you have to know that mixing borax and vinegar can produce a chemical reaction. So, it is important to note that it’s not recommended to mix these substances directly in large amounts for cleaning purposes.

Can You Mix Borax And Vinegar

Safety Instructions When Mixing Borax And Vinegar

Here are 5 safety instruction you should follow when mixing borax and vinegar:

  1. Ensure proper ventilation when using or mixing borax and vinegar to avoid inhaling any fumes that may be released during the reaction.
  2. Wear protective gloves and safety goggles to shield your skin and eyes from potential irritation or contact with the substances.
  3. Avoid mixing large quantities of borax and vinegar together. 
  4. Store borax and vinegar in separate containers, tightly sealed and out of children and pets’ reach.
  5. Conduct a patch test on a small area to ensure compatibility and prevent damage to surfaces.

What Does Borax and Vinegar Do

Now that we know it is indeed possible to mix borax and vinegar, let’s explore some uses where this combination can be beneficial.

1. All-Purpose Cleaner

You can mix borax and vinegar to create a powerful all-purpose cleaner that aims at removing difficult dirt and accumulating dust over many surfaces around the house.

Additionally, make sure to test the solution on inconspicuous areas whenever you use it on tiles, glass, or wooden surfaces around the house, before going all-in on cleaning the whole surface.

All-Purpose Cleaner

2. Laundry Boosting Detergent

You can boost the power of your laundry detergent by adding a mixture of borax and vinegar, enhancing the cleanliness of the whole cleaning chore.

Borax works on removing stains from the laundry, while vinegar works as a natural fabric softener as well, beside their cleaning power.

Laundry Boosting Detergent

3. Toilet Bowl Cleaner

A borax and vinegar mixture can work heavenly when used to clean toilet bowl’s stains and bad odor.

It works effectively against odor that’s generally produced inside bathrooms, thanks to the white vinegar, while the stain removal is done thanks to the borax’s nature.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner

4. Carpet Stain Remover

Mix borax with vinegar and warm water to remove hard carpet stains with ease.

All you need to do is mix them up in a spray bottle, then spray the solution on the stain and let it sit for 5-15 minutes, before blotting the area with a clean cloth to remove the stain and the solution.

Carpet Stain Remover

Natural Alternatives For Cleaning Purposes

In addition to borax and vinegar, there are various other natural alternatives you can use to clean your home:

  1. Lemon Juice
  2. Hydrogen Peroxide
  3. Baking Soda

Can You Mix Borax And Vinegar FAQs


Conclusion

Borax and vinegar are two common household ingredients known for their versatile applications in cleaning, laundry, and other household tasks.

Particularly, these substances offer unique benefits when you mix borax and vinegar together.

In this CleanersAdvisor guide, we explored the compatibility of borax and vinegar, discussing their properties, and practical uses.