Can you clean a refrigerator with borax?

Author: Dr. Cecile Upton II  |  Last update: Sunday, August 31, 2025

Cleaning Appliances You can make a great all-purpose cleaner by mixing 2 tablespoons of Borax with 2 cups of hot water. Put the solution in a spray bottle and use it to clean your appliances, including refrigerator, washing machine, and dishwasher, among others.

Can I use borax to clean my fridge?

Once the entire fridge is clean on the inside, use Borax to help clean the smudges from your fridge (if it is stainless). Borax is that awesome in that it can help clean not only the inside of your fridge but also the outside! It is a scratch-free cleaner which makes it so versatile and safe for most kitchen surfaces.

What is the best thing to clean the inside of a refrigerator with?

Vinegar is one of the best things to clean a fridge with. Not only does its acidic qualities help to break down grease or sticky marks, but kills mold and bacteria spores and deodorizes lingering smells. What's more, it is food safe, so is perfect for food storage areas like refrigerators, or even pantries.

What does borax do under the refrigerator?

Using borax on wax paper and sliding it under your fridge is a simple, effective, and inexpensive way to manage pests in one of the most neglected areas of your home. This method not only helps eliminate current pest problems but also prevents future infestations by targeting an area that commonly harbors insects.

What is best to use to clean a fridge?

Be sure not to reach for harsh chemical cleaners and instead, opt for a natural solution made with white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda.

Secrets to Deep Clean Your Fridge

What should you not clean a fridge with?

Don't use bleach

It can harm the materials of the fridge interior and pose a risk for our health when transferred to food. Should you look for a strong alternative that breaks down stuck-on food, you can make your own cleaning solution. Add one part white vinegar and three parts water in a spray bottle.

What is the best product to deep clean a refrigerator?

You can use various kinds of multipurpose cleaners on a refrigerator, but many people are more comfortable using products that are edible, like white vinegar or baking soda. Baking soda also absorbs odors.

Is cleaning with borax safe?

Borax is safe to use as a household cleaner and laundry booster, as long as you carefully follow the instructions on the product container. "Wear gloves when cleaning with borax, and when you are done cleaning, wash your hands immediately with soap and water," says Dr. Amirshahi.

What happens when you mix borax and vinegar?

Borax is a basic compound, while vinegar is acidic. When you mix an acid and a base, they partially neutralize each other, resulting in a solution with a more neutral pH. This mixture won't be toxic or release harmful fumes, but it also won't have the enhanced cleaning power of each ingredient on its own.

What bugs does borax get rid of?

Some of the insects that borax kills include ants, flies, and other insect larvae. Borax is an ant poison, and it controls flies around manure piles. It also prevents larvae from growing. The main insect borax kills are termites.

How to remove bad smell from fridge?

Remove paper and clean with vinegar and water. Sprinkle fresh coffee grounds or baking soda loosely in a large, shallow container in the bottom of the refrigerator and freezer. Place a cotton swab soaked with vanilla inside the refrigerator and freezer. Close door for 24 hours.

How often should you clean the inside of your refrigerator?

While there is no standard for how often to clean a refrigerator, a complete cleaning every couple of months will help to prevent food spoilage and cross-contamination of Listeria , a bacterium that causes foodborne illness and that can survive at 40º F.

What is the best thing to clean the inside of a fridge with?

Wipe the inside of the empty refrigerator with hot, soapy water, then wipe with clean water to rinse off soap. Dry with a clean towel. DON'T FORGET TO WIPE INSIDE THE DOORS AND ANY DRAWERS THAT CANNOT BE REMOVED. USE A SOLUTION OF 1 TABLESPOON OF LIQUID BLEACH IN 1 GALLON OF WATER TO SANITIZE YOUR REFRIGERATOR.

Which is stronger, borax or baking soda?

Both baking soda and Borax are effective because they are alkaline and abrasive. But Borax has a higher PH than baking soda, making it a slightly harsher but arguably more effective cleaning agent. It inhibits fungi, mold, and bacteria.

What happened to 20 Mule Team borax?

The 20-mule team symbol was first used in 1891 and registered in 1894. In 1988, just over 20 years after the acquisition of U.S. Borax by Rio Tinto Group, the Boraxo, Borateem and 20-Mule Team product lines were sold to Dial Corporation by U.S. Borax. Dial is now an American consumer products unit of Henkel.

What should not be mixed with borax?

(But don't ever mix it with vinegar. That combination is potentially toxic and corrosive.)

Which kills mold better, vinegar or borax?

Vinegar is the best way to get rid of minor mold infestations in your home. It's a common household product, and you probably already have a bottle or two of distilled white vinegar tucked away in a cupboard.

How do you mix borax for cleaning?

Mix one quart of warm water with 1 tablespoon of borax. This can be used to clean the inside of your refrigerator, countertops, backsplashes, and more.

Why is borax illegal in some countries?

In other words, the European Chemicals Agency recognized that high levels of exposure to borax may adversely affect human reproduction or development. As a result, some products containing borax are banned for sale within the European Union unless they meet certain safety requirements.

What are the side effects of borax?

People who breathed in borax had a dry mouth, nose, and throat. Coughing, sore throat, shortness of breath, and nose bleeds have also been reported.

What to clean outside of a refrigerator with?

  1. Wash surfaces with warm, soapy water, liquid detergent, and a nonabrasive sponge. Always rub evenly in the direction of the grain.
  2. Use a clean microfiber or soft clean cloth to polish and dry.
  3. Ensure all surfaces are dry.

Should you turn off the fridge when cleaning?

Either switch off or unplug the fridge and freezer. This is especially important for the freezer, since cleaning it while it is running could damage the unit and turning it off will give it a chance to defrost.

How do you clean behind a fridge so you don t damage the floor?

Always move forward rather sideways to avoid damaging the floor covering or the refrigerator. If your arms aren't quite long enough, start at one side of the fridge and gently pull it out. Switch sides as necessary until the entire surface underneath is exposed.

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