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Alright, look. I’m not out here trying to reinvent the wheel, and I’m certainly not some Pinterest-perfect homemaker with color-coded everything and a cleaning calendar laminated on the fridge. I’m just a woman who’s been around the block a few times, and let me tell you—I’ve picked up a trick or two along the way.
Now, today’s little household wisdom? It’s about borax. Yes, that box. The one gathering dust on the laundry aisle at the grocery store. Turns out, it’s more than just something your grandma used. It’s kinda my secret weapon now—and here’s why I stick it under my fridge (no, really).
The Magic Powder You’re Probably Ignoring
Let’s not make this complicated. Borax is a naturally occurring mineral. Looks like powdered sugar, acts like a superhero. It’s been around forever—back when TVs had antennas and kids still drank from the hose.
It’s mildly alkaline (science-y word for: it cuts through grease like nobody’s business). But here’s what really sold me: it cleans, it freshens, and it keeps the creepy-crawlies at bay. No yelling, no chasing bugs with a flip-flop. Peace and quiet.
Under the Fridge? Yes, Ma’am.
So here’s the scene: I’m sweeping around the kitchen, doing that bend-and-squint thing to peek under the fridge. Dust bunnies. A rogue Cheerio. Something I’m not willing to identify. And I thought—enough’s enough.
I’d read somewhere that borax could help, so I gave it a whirl. I grabbed some wax paper, sprinkled a bit of borax on top, and shimmied it right under the fridge with a wooden spoon.
Did I expect much? Nope. But let me tell you something… the difference? Wow.
What Actually Happened After
A few days in, the weird musty smell that had been lingering? Gone. It’s like the kitchen took a deep breath and finally relaxed.
Then a week passed. And another. And I realized something else: no ants. No skittering surprises when I came down for water at 2 a.m. Nothing. Turns out, the little suckers hate borax. It messes with their insides—not that I need to know the messy details, but hey, it works.
And the best part? No spraying, no traps, no plastic doodads from aisle 7. Just powder on paper. Done.
If You Wanna Try It, Here’s What You Do
Honestly, it’s easier than teaching a teenager to use the washing machine. (Which, side note: still working on that.)
Here’s how I do it:
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Cut a sheet of wax paper – Just enough to tuck under the fridge, nothing fancy.
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Sprinkle a bit of borax – Think powdered sugar on French toast. Light, even, no clumps.
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Slide it under – I use a long spoon or the handle of a spatula. Whatever’s handy.
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Walk away like a boss – And enjoy your suddenly fresher, less buggy kitchen.
Change it out every month or so, or if you remember. And if you don’t? No big deal—it still works.
Just a Quick PSA, Because I Love Ya
Borax is amazing, but it’s not something you wanna leave out around curious kids or nosy pets. Keep it under the fridge, not on the counter. Don’t go sniffing it or rubbing it on your hands like lotion. It’s a cleaner, not a snack.
And for goodness’ sake, don’t confuse it with baking soda. I know they look alike. Learned that the hard way when my banana bread came out tasting like soap.
What Else Can This Stuff Do?
Oh honey, don’t get me started.
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Laundry – A scoop in the washer makes whites pop like Sunday church shoes.
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Carpet stains – Mix with water and blot. Wine, mud, mystery goo—gone.
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Smelly trash cans – Sprinkle a little in the bottom. No more taking out the trash every five minutes just to avoid the stink.
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Bathroom yuck – A borax paste tackles grout and mildew like it’s personal.
I keep a box in the laundry room and another in the kitchen. And no, that’s not overkill—it’s just preparedness.
Real Talk? It’s One of Those “Why Didn’t I Do This Sooner?” Things
Sliding borax under the fridge isn’t flashy. You’re not gonna impress the PTA or get a viral TikTok from it. But it works. Quietly. Efficiently. Like the kind of friend who brings soup when you’re sick and doesn’t ask for anything in return.
So if you’ve got weird smells, uninvited guests with too many legs, or just want to feel like you’ve got one part of the kitchen under control? Grab a box of borax. Tuck it under your fridge.
And when it works, don’t thank me—just pass it on.