The Super Cleaner – An In-Depth Guide to Finding Borax

As an experienced bargain shopper and avid cleaner, I get asked all the time: “Where can I buy borax near me?”

This natural mineral cleaner has been used for over a century to tackle stains, odors, grime and pests. But with major retailers carrying over 100,000 different products, borax can be hard to hunt down.

In this definitive guide, I’ll share insider tips to locating borax at major stores near you. You’ll also discover how to score the best deals on this laundry and cleaning superhero!

What is Borax?

Borax, also known as sodium borate, is an amazing natural mineral that’s been mined from dried lake beds for over 400 years. Scientists believe borax first originated in Tibet, before spreading to China and the Middle East along trade routes.

As early as the 1600s, people recognized borax had special properties that boosted cleaning power and removed stains. Today, the most common use is still as a laundry booster. Just half a cup mixed into your regular detergent makes clothes cleaner and brighter.

Around the house, borax wipes out soap scum, grease, hard water stains, and mildew. It’s even effective at killing roaches and fleas! Now you see why I’m on a mission to make sure everyone knows where to find this cleaning superstar.

Compared to other common cleaners and laundry boosters, here’s how borax stacks up:

• Baking Soda – also natural but less intense cleaning power than borax

• OxiClean – strong on stains but contains added dyes and scents

• Bleach – harsh chemical, can’t be used on all surfaces or fabrics

• Vinegar – acidic for cleaning but doesn‘t have antiseptic properties like borax

With so many uses around the house, borax is essential to have on hand. Let’s dive into all the best places to buy it!

Hunting for Borax at Walmart

As America’s #1 retailer with over 4,700 stores, Walmart is many shoppers’ first stop when looking for household products. But where exactly is borax hiding in those massive superstores?

After a recent trip comparing items at multiple Walmarts, here are the top places to find borax:

Laundry Aisle

Most Walmarts stock borax in the laundry supplies aisle, often on a lower shelf near other laundry boosters. Look for the iconic yellow and blue box of 20 Mule Team borax.

Cleaning Supplies

Some stores position borax powders and cleaners in the household chemicals aisle alongside sprays, scrubs and brushes. Check bottom shelves.

Pest Control Section

In some Walmarts, borax made for pest control can be found in the section containing roach killers, insecticides and repellents.

Can’t Find Borax? Use the App!

Searching the entire 86,500 square foot store could take forever! Instead, use the free Walmart app for iPhone and Android. After entering your location, it displays exactly which aisle borax is on at your neighborhood store. Genius!

Types of Borax Sold at Walmart

Beyond the classic laundry booster, Walmart also offers other borax products:

• 20 Mule Team – The most recognizable borax brand. Sold in boxes from 4oz to 10lb.

• Cesco Solutions – Smaller 4oz containers of powder or spray liquid cleaner.

• Boric Acid – Odorless powder for pest control, 3oz to 1lb sizes.

• Zote Laundry Soap – Contains borax as an ingredient, for hand washing delicates.

Prices and Savings

A 65oz box of classic 20 Mule Team borax typically costs $3.97 at Walmart. Larger 10lb boxes run around $10.97.

To get the best deal, download the Walmart app for online specials and coupons related to borax. And don’t forget to price match – Walmart will match any local competitor‘s price on borax if it‘s lower.

Ordering Online

Busy schedule? Can’t stand the crowded aisles? Walmart lets you buy borax online for convenient home delivery or in-store pickup. Just search for borax, select your preferred product/size and checkout.

Locating Borax at Major Grocery Stores

Beyond massive supercenters like Walmart, borax can also be found at mainstream grocery store chains. Here are the top spots to look:

Target

Target is known for their wide laundry aisles stocked with recognizable brands. Most locations carry 20 Mule Team borax powder in 65oz containers for around $5. Some may also sell boric acid. Download the Target app to locate quickly.

Kroger

Head down the laundry aisle at Kroger supermarkets to find 20 Mule Team borax along with Kroger’s generic brand. A 55oz box of Kroger borax costs $2.79 – nearly 25% cheaper than big brands!

Safeway

Safeway stocks smaller containers of borax in the laundry aisle, usually on lower shelves. Look for Arm & Hammer or Safeway Signature brand borax. Prices run around $3.49 for 32oz.

Publix

Shoppers can find 20 Mule Team borax at Publix either in laundry care or the cleaning aisle. Publix occasional includes borax coupons in their weekly circulars. Download their app to get digital coupons.

Albertsons

Borax is stocked at Albertsons alongside detergents and stain removers. Many locations offer Lucerne brand borax in budget-friendly 8oz and 16oz sizes ranging from $1-2.

Grocery vs Walmart Pricing

In general, Walmart has the best regular prices on popular borax brands like 20 Mule Team. But grocery stores often run promotions or coupons that make their generic brands an even better value.

For the best deal, compare regular pricing and any current sales. And remember – almost all grocers will price match Walmart if you find it lower there!

Finding Hidden Borax Treasures at Hardware Stores

Home improvement warehouses like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Ace Hardware have an abundance of heavy duty laundry and cleaning supplies for DIYers. Here are tips for uncovering borax at these stores:

The Laundry Aisle

At Home Depot and Lowe’s, start your borax search in the laundry detergent section. Look for 20 Mule Team or Zep brands. Ace Hardware also stocks their ValuTime generic borax in this area.

With the Cleaners

Borax as a cleaning booster or spray can also be found in the household chemicals aisle at all three chains. Look for boric acid at hardware stores too.

Order Online, Pick Up In Store

Easily locate and order borax for free in-store pickup using the websites or apps for Home Depot, Lowe’s and Ace Hardware. No wandering the aisles required!

Hardware Store Brand Breakdown

Here are some of the major brand options sold at hardware stores:

• 20 Mule Team: The most common borax brand across stores

• Zep: Heavy duty spray cleaners and laundry boosters with borax

• Ace ValuTime: Ace Hardware’s affordable generic brand

Price Comparison

Home improvement stores price match local competitors, so expect to pay around the same amount for brands like 20 Mule Team borax versus at grocery stores. But Ace Hardware‘s ValuTime line is typically a dollar or two cheaper for budget buyers.

Even More Places to Buy Borax

Looking beyond grocery and hardware stores, borax can be found at many other retailers. Here are a few to check:

Amazon – Order 20 Mule Team borax online along with boric acid options. Qualifies for free Prime shipping.

Costco – Shop their limited selection of larger value-sized containers of borax. Must be a member.

Sam‘s Club – Carries popular borax brands in bulk. Also membership only.

eBay – Buy discount borax from third party sellers, available in almost any quantity or brand.

Auto Stores – Many stock small containers of borax for cleaning car interiors.

Whole Foods – Find eco-friendly, non-GMO borax in the natural cleaner aisle.

UK/Australia – Borax is sold at major retailers like Tesco, Asda, Coles and Woolworths.

Specialty Stores – Check soap making and craft stores for borax.

See why I go a little crazy trying to keep all these options straight when friends ask where to buy borax? That’s why I compiled this in-depth guide to make life easier for you!

Tips for Finding Borax When Stores Run Out

With so many uses, borax can fly off the shelves. When my favorite grocery is out of stock, I rely on these backup ideas to get my borax:

• Ask a store employee to check other locations for in-stock borax inventory.

• Purchase online for delivery from major chains or Amazon if shelves are bare.

• Search smaller neighborhood dollar stores, convenience stores or pharmacies.

• Look for off-brand alternatives labeled as “laundry booster” or with “boric acid.”

• Buy large value sizes or bulk quantities online to avoid running out as quickly.

• Make your own borax substitute by combining washing soda with dish soap.

And a bonus insider tip – arrive when stores open in the morning to have the best chance of finding borax since shelves have just been restocked overnight!

Creative Uses for Borax Beyond Laundry

Once you’ve gotten your hands on borax, you may be wondering what exactly to do with this miracle cleaner and laundry booster.

Here are my top suggestions for getting the most out of your borax:

Remove Stains – Make a concentrated paste with equal parts borax and lemon juice. Rub on stained areas of fabric before washing. The acid and abrasiveness lifts almost any spot or discoloration.

Shine Sinks – Mix one cup borax powder with enough water to form a gritty paste. Use to scrub porcelain, enamel, ceramic and metal sinks. It cuts through soap scum better than commercial cleaners.

Clean and Deodorize Carpets – Sprinkle borax generously over rugs and floor mats. Let sit 30 minutes before vacuuming up. It lifts stains, removes odors and kills fleas in the process!

Tackle Tub Grime – Fill a spray bottle with one part borax dissolved in two parts warm water. Spray bathroom tiles, showers, tubs and fixtures and let soak 5 minutes before rinsing – it cuts through soap scum and hard water buildup.

Remove Rust Stains – Make a paste with equal borax and lemon juice. Rub on rust stains and allow to sit for 1 hour. Rinse and the rust disappears!

Preserve Flowers – Add 1/4 tsp borax and 2 Tbsp corn syrup to your flower vase water. The combination helps extend the life of cut flowers.

Repel Bugs – Spread borax along baseboards, under sink pipes, and other areas bugs or roaches congregate. The powder sticks to their exoskeletons and kills them. Reapply monthly.

As you can see, keeping this cleaning superhero on hand lets you banish messes and stains in nearly every room of the house!

Is Borax Safe? Handling Precautions

While an amazingly effective cleaner, borax does come with some safety cautions. Be sure to follow these tips when using:

• Avoid inhaling or ingesting borax. The powder can irritate lungs.

• Wear gloves and wash skin after use. Prolonged contact can cause dryness.

• Never mix with bleach, vinegar or other acidic cleaners due to potential toxic reactions.

• Use cautiously around granite, stone and wood which can be damaged by borax.

• Don’t apply to open wounds or irritated skin.

• Keep borax locked away and out of reach of children and pets. It can cause nausea or vomiting if large amounts are swallowed.

Talk to your doctor before using if pregnant or breastfeeding. While deemed a low health risk for most people, some studies suggest potential reproductive effects from borax exposure. Better safe than sorry!

Still have questions? See my in-depth Borax Safety Guide for more information handling and using this cleaning staple.

The Takeaway: Finding Your Borax Made Simple

Now my friend, you’re ready to hunt down borax like a pro!

To recap, here are the top retailers that stock this super-powered cleaner and laundry booster:

• Walmart – Check laundry, cleaning and pest control aisles

• Target – Laundry section is your best bet

• Kroger – Find on the laundry aisle, they carry a budget store brand

• Ace Hardware – Look in laundry, cleaning and pest control areas

• Home Depot – Sometimes in laundry, sometimes with general cleaning supplies

• Amazon – Order online and have borax conveniently shipped to your door

Remember these tips for scoring borax:

• Use store apps to pinpoint exactly where borax is stocked at your local outlet

• Ask employees for help locating it

• Look high and low on shelves since it can be positioned anywhere

• Buy generic brands from grocery stores for the best deals

• Compare regular prices and available coupons or promotions

Now that you’ve got the insider guide to finding borax at major retailers, it will be smooth sailing on your next shopping trip! No more searching every aisle at Walmart or five different grocery stores.

Go forth and conquer stains, odors, grease, bugs and soap scum with this cleaning superhero. Let me know if you discover any other great borax sources in your hometown!