If you’re wondering “can you use borax in a dishwasher,” you’re not alone. Many homeowners look for budget-friendly ways to keep their dishwashers clean and their dishes sparkling. This white powder has been around for decades as a cleaning helper. But before you pour it into your machine, there are some important safety facts you need to know.
The short answer is yes, you can use borax in a dishwasher, but it comes with some serious considerations. Not everyone agrees it’s the safest choice for your family. Let’s break down what you need to know to make the best decision for your home.
What is Borax and How Does it Work in Dishwashers?
Borax, also known as sodium tetraborate, is a natural mineral salt that comes from the ground. It’s been used for cleaning for over 100 years. When you use borax in a dishwasher, it helps soften hard water and boosts your regular detergent’s cleaning power.
This powder works by raising the pH level in your dishwasher, making it more alkaline. This helps break down grease and food particles more easily. It also helps prevent water spots on your glassware, which is why some people swear by it.
The most common brand you’ll find is 20 Mule Team Borax, available in most grocery stores. But just because something is natural doesn’t always mean it’s completely safe to use around your dishes and family.
Safety Concerns: What the Experts Say
Here’s where things get tricky. The safety of using borax in a dishwasher is hotly debated. Some sources say it’s perfectly safe, while others strongly recommend avoiding it.
The Environmental Working Group rates borax with an “F” grade for safety. They point to studies showing potential reproductive effects in animals and workers exposed to high amounts over long periods.
On the flip side, supporters argue that the amounts used in cleaning are tiny compared to the doses that caused problems in studies. They say it’s safer than many commercial cleaning products that contain harsh chemicals.
The key safety concerns include:
If you swallow large amounts, it can cause stomach upset, nausea, and in extreme cases, more serious health problems. The toxic dose for children is about half a teaspoon, while adults can handle more before experiencing problems.
It can irritate your skin and eyes if you handle it without gloves. Some people develop rashes from direct contact with borax powder.
Breathing in the powder can irritate your nose, throat, and lungs. This is especially important if you’re making your own cleaning mixtures.
How to Use Borax in Your Dishwasher (If You Choose To)
If you decide that you want to try using borax in a dishwasher after weighing the safety concerns, here’s the safest way to do it:
For Regular Cleaning
Load your dishes normally into the dishwasher. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of borax powder directly onto the bottom of the tub. Add your regular dishwasher detergent to the soap compartment as usual. Run a normal hot water cycle.
The borax will mix with the water and help boost your detergent’s cleaning power. Make sure your dishwasher’s rinse cycle works properly so all residue gets washed away.
For Deep Cleaning Your Dishwasher
Once a month, you can run an empty dishwasher with just borax for deep cleaning. Use 1/2 cup of borax powder on the bottom of the empty machine. Run a hot water cycle without any dishes inside.
This helps remove built-up grease, soap scum, and mineral deposits from your dishwasher’s interior. However, there are safer alternatives that work just as well.
Safety Precautions
Always wear gloves when handling borax powder to protect your skin. Keep the powder away from children and pets. Store it in its original container with the label intact. Never mix borax with other cleaning products, as this can create dangerous reactions.
Make sure your kitchen is well-ventilated when using borax to avoid breathing in any dust particles.
Safer Alternatives to Using Borax in Your Dishwasher
If you’re concerned about whether you can safely use borax in a dishwasher, there are several alternatives that work just as well without the safety concerns.
White Vinegar
Plain white vinegar is one of the safest dishwasher cleaners available. Pour 1 cup into a dishwasher-safe bowl and place it on the top rack. Run a hot water cycle. The vinegar helps remove mineral buildup and leaves your dishwasher sparkling clean.
You can also add vinegar to the rinse aid compartment to prevent water spots on your dishes. Just check your dishwasher’s manual first, as prolonged use might affect rubber seals in some models.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is another gentle alternative. Sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda on the bottom of your empty dishwasher and run a hot cycle. It helps neutralize odors and remove stains without the safety concerns of borax.
Citric Acid
Food-grade citric acid powder is excellent for removing mineral deposits and soap scum. Use 1/4 cup in the bottom of your empty dishwasher and run a hot cycle. It’s natural, food-safe, and very effective.
EPA Safer Choice Products
The EPA’s Safer Choice program certifies cleaning products that contain ingredients safer for human health and the environment. Look for dishwasher detergents with the Safer Choice label for peace of mind.
DIY Dishwasher Detergent Without Borax
If you want to make your own dishwasher detergent but prefer to avoid the question of whether you can safely use borax in a dishwasher, try this recipe:
Mix 2 cups washing soda, 2 cups baking soda, and 1 cup salt. Add 1 cup citric acid powder for extra cleaning power. Store in an airtight container and use 2 tablespoons per load.
This mixture works well in most dishwashers and doesn’t carry the safety concerns associated with borax. The washing soda provides strong cleaning power, while the baking soda helps neutralize odors.
Understanding Your Water Quality
Whether you choose to use borax in a dishwasher or try alternatives often depends on your water quality. Hard water contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can leave spots on dishes and build up in your dishwasher.
San Diego County has moderately hard water in most areas. This means you might see some mineral buildup over time. If your dishes come out with white spots or your dishwasher has a chalky residue, these are signs of hard water issues.
For homes with very hard water, professional water treatment solutions might be more effective than any DIY cleaning method. A water softener system can solve the root problem instead of just treating the symptoms.
When Your Dishwasher Needs More Than Cleaning
Sometimes the question isn’t whether you can use borax in a dishwasher, but whether your dishwasher has bigger problems that cleaning can’t fix. Here are signs you might need professional help:
If your dishes still come out dirty even after using strong cleaners, the problem might be low water pressure or blocked spray arms. Water pressure problems can prevent your dishwasher from cleaning properly, no matter what detergent you use.
Strange odors that don’t go away with cleaning could indicate a blocked drain line or other plumbing issue. Food particles and grease can build up in your drain lines, causing persistent smells.
If water pools at the bottom of your dishwasher after cycles, you might have a drainage problem that requires professional attention. This isn’t something cleaning products can fix.
Leaks around your dishwasher could indicate problems with water connections or internal components. These issues need prompt professional attention to prevent water damage to your kitchen.
Professional Plumbing Solutions
When cleaning methods don’t solve your dishwasher problems, it’s time to call in the experts. Professional plumbers can diagnose issues that homeowners often miss.
At Solid Plumbing & Drains, we see many dishwasher problems that started as simple cleaning issues but turned into bigger plumbing problems. Our experienced technicians can quickly identify whether you need a simple repair or if there are underlying water quality or drainage issues.
We also offer water treatment solutions that can solve hard water problems at their source. Instead of constantly fighting mineral buildup, a properly installed water softener system can protect all your appliances, not just your dishwasher.
Our Solid Care Plan includes regular maintenance that helps prevent small problems from becoming expensive repairs. For just $144 per year, you get peace of mind knowing your plumbing systems are properly maintained by professionals.
Making the Right Choice for Your Family
So, can you use borax in a dishwasher? Technically yes, but whether you should depends on your comfort level with the safety concerns and the availability of safer alternatives.
Consider these factors when making your decision:
If you have young children or family members with respiratory issues, the safer alternatives like vinegar and baking soda might be better choices. The potential risks, even if small, may not be worth it.
For households where someone has sensitive skin or allergies, avoiding borax eliminates one potential irritant from your cleaning routine.
If you’re dealing with persistent dishwasher problems that cleaning doesn’t solve, professional diagnosis might save you time and money in the long run.
The Bottom Line
While you can use borax in a dishwasher, it’s not necessarily the best choice for every household. The safety concerns raised by environmental health experts are worth considering, especially when equally effective alternatives are available.
Simple solutions like white vinegar, baking soda, and EPA Safer Choice certified products can keep your dishwasher clean without the potential risks associated with borax. These alternatives are often less expensive and easier to find than specialty cleaning products.
Remember that clean dishes and a properly functioning dishwasher depend on more than just the cleaning products you choose. Water quality, proper maintenance, and functioning plumbing all play important roles.
If you’re experiencing persistent problems with your dishwasher or have concerns about your home’s water quality, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Sometimes the most cost-effective solution is addressing the root cause rather than treating symptoms with cleaning products.
For expert plumbing services throughout San Diego County, including dishwasher repairs and water quality solutions, contact Solid Plumbing & Drains. Our experienced team can help you find lasting solutions that keep your kitchen running smoothly and safely.
