Homeowners are always on the lookout for simple, cost-effective solutions to common household problems. From creative cleaning hacks to organization tricks, there are endless ways to keep a home running smoothly. Some of these methods, while seemingly odd at first glance, prove to be surprisingly useful once you understand their purpose. One such method involves putting borax on wax paper and sliding it under your refrigerator.

At first, this may sound like an unusual step to take. After all, why would anyone put borax—a substance more commonly associated with laundry detergent or cleaning solutions—beneath an appliance that’s rarely moved? What could this combination of borax and wax paper possibly achieve?

Whether you're a homeowner seeking to maintain a clean and efficient living space or simply curious about unconventional household tips, the answer may surprise you. Let’s explore the reasoning behind this technique and why it’s more than just a quirky household tip.

Household Maintenance Woes
Many of us know that household maintenance includes regular cleaning of visible areas—dusting, sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming. But the hidden, hard-to-reach spots, like under your refrigerator, often go unnoticed. Unfortunately, these places can accumulate dirt, dust, food particles, and, more alarmingly, attract pests like ants, cockroaches, and other unwanted critters.

One of the simplest and most effective ways to keep pests at bay is by using borax. You may have heard about borax for laundry, cleaning, or crafting purposes, but its use as a pest deterrent is underrated. A clever method for utilizing borax to maintain a pest-free home involves spreading it on wax paper and sliding it under your fridge. Let’s explore the reasons behind this technique and how it works.

Borax, also known as sodium borate, is a naturally occurring mineral that is often used in cleaning products and as a laundry booster. Its antimicrobial properties make it effective in killing bacteria, mold, and fungi. It’s a versatile cleaning agent, but one of its less-known yet highly effective uses is as a pest control solution. Borax disrupts the digestive systems of pests like ants, cockroaches, and even some smaller insects, making it a great tool in managing household pests.

The space beneath your refrigerator is a perfect hiding place for pests. This area often collects crumbs, spills, and debris, which attract ants and cockroaches. These pests thrive in dark, warm, and undisturbed spaces, and because the fridge is rarely moved, it becomes a pest haven. If you’re not regularly cleaning this area, it can become a significant source of infestation.

Additionally, the kitchen is an essential area where cleanliness is crucial. Since food preparation occurs here, the presence of pests can increase the risk of contamination and foodborne illness. Borax provides an effective, non-toxic solution to keep these pests under control without the need for harsh chemicals or pesticides in the kitchen environment.

Borax works as a natural insecticide for common household pests such as ants, cockroaches, and silverfish. It is effective because it acts as a slow poison. When insects come into contact with borax, they ingest it while cleaning themselves or consuming food debris that contains it. The borax interferes with their digestion and ultimately causes their death.

One key advantage of using borax is that pests will often carry it back to their nests or colonies, unknowingly spreading it to others, thus helping to eliminate infestations at the source. For long-term control, borax is an excellent solution as it doesn’t lose its effectiveness quickly and can continue to kill pests over time.

Wax paper serves as a convenient and practical way to distribute the borax in hard-to-reach areas like under your fridge. By placing borax on wax paper, you prevent the borax from scattering across the floor while still allowing pests easy access to it. Wax paper makes it simple to slide the borax under the refrigerator, and it can be easily removed when it's time to clean.

Using wax paper also helps reduce mess. Without wax paper, borax powder might be hard to control and could create a chalky residue on your floor or cause issues if you need to move the refrigerator. Wax paper acts as a barrier, keeping the borax in place while still enabling the powder to be effective against pests.

Here’s how you can effectively use borax with wax paper to maintain a pest-free space under your refrigerator:

Materials Needed:
Borax powder
Wax paper
A pair of scissors

Prepare the Wax Paper: Cut a large piece of wax paper, making sure it’s long and wide enough to slide under your refrigerator.

Sprinkle Borax on the Wax Paper: Evenly sprinkle a generous layer of borax on the wax paper. Be sure not to use too much; a thin layer will suffice as pests only need a small amount to be affected.

Slide the Wax Paper Under the Fridge: Carefully slide the borax-covered wax paper under your fridge. Make sure it’s far enough in that it won’t get disturbed by daily activities.

Leave It in Place: You can leave the wax paper with borax under your fridge for a few months. Check occasionally to ensure there’s no buildup of dirt or debris on the paper, and replace it as needed.

Replace as Necessary: After a couple of months, or when you notice signs of pest activity again, simply remove the old wax paper, discard it, and replace it with a fresh sheet and a new application of borax.

Additional Tips for Pest Prevention
While borax is highly effective, it works best as part of a broader pest control strategy. Here are some additional tips to keep your kitchen and home pest-free:

Regular Cleaning: Regularly sweep and mop your kitchen floors, especially in hard-to-reach areas like under appliances. Clean up any spills or crumbs immediately.

Seal Food Properly: Store food in airtight containers to prevent attracting pests like ants and cockroaches. Clean your pantry and food storage areas regularly.

Use Caulking to Seal Gaps: Check around your kitchen for small cracks, gaps, or openings that might allow pests to enter your home, and seal them with caulking or other sealants.

Proper Waste Management: Ensure that garbage is properly stored and disposed of, as waste can be a significant food source for pests.

While borax is a natural product and generally considered safe for humans, it’s still important to take some safety precautions. Always wear gloves when handling borax to avoid skin irritation. Keep the borax away from pets and small children, as ingestion in large quantities can be harmful. If you're using it in an area where pets or children have access, consider placing the borax in small, sealed containers with holes, or under places they cannot reach.

Final Thoughts
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. By combining this with regular kitchen maintenance and pest prevention strategies, you can ensure your home remains clean, safe, and pest-free.

Copyright 2016 Cooktop Cove