Borax is one of those household staples that does a dozen jobs for just a few dollars. Whether you need a laundry booster, a natural cleaning agent, or a pesticide for ant control, knowing where to buy borax and what to look for saves you time and money. This sodium borate compound has been a go-to cleaner for well over a century, and it remains widely available at grocery stores, pharmacies, and major retailers across the country. Below, you will find a complete guide covering the best places to purchase borax in store and online, the features that matter, common buying mistakes, and top product picks.
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What Is Borax and Who Needs It
Borax is the common name for sodium tetraborate, a naturally occurring mineral mined primarily in arid regions like Death Valley, California. It appears as a white powder that dissolves in water and works as a cleaning additive, water softener, and mild preservative. Households use it to brighten laundry, remove stains, and deodorize surfaces without the harsh fumes of bleach. It is also popular as an active ingredient in DIY pest control because it disrupts the digestive systems of ants and roaches. Anyone who handles regular cleaning duties, runs a small cleaning business, or wants a cost-effective multipurpose product will find it useful. It is classified as a low-toxicity salt by most regulatory agencies, though it should be kept away from children and pregnant women and used according to label directions.
What to Look For: Features and Buying Criteria
Purity level. Pure borax powder contains only sodium tetraborate decahydrate with no added fragrances or fillers. Check the ingredient list. A single-ingredient product gives you the most flexibility for cleaning, insect treatment, and craft projects like making slime.
Granule size. Fine-ground powder dissolves faster in water, which makes it better as a laundry detergent booster. Coarser granules work well for dry applications like sprinkling along ant trails or mixing into a powdered hand soap. If you plan to use it mostly for laundry, choose a finer grind.
Package size. This product is sold in boxes as small as 20 ounces and as large as 10 or 12 pounds. A standard 65-ounce box from 20 Mule Team is enough for several months of regular household use. Larger bulk bags suit professional cleaning operations or heavy-duty applications.
Intended use labeling. Some products are marketed specifically as a natural wash enhancer, while others highlight insect treatment or craft use. The compound inside is the same, but labeling affects where you find it in a store and what safety instructions appear on the box.
Brand reputation. The 20 Mule Team brand from Henkel has been the most recognized name in this category for over 130 years. Generic or bulk sodium borate from chemical suppliers works identically but may not carry the same consumer-friendly instructions.
What to Avoid When Buying Borax
Confusing it with boric acid. Borax and boric acid are related boron compounds, but they are not the same product. Boric acid is more concentrated and is primarily sold as a pesticide or medical-grade antiseptic. Using the wrong one in place of the other for laundry or cleaning can cause skin irritation and is not recommended.
Buying scented or blended formulations. Some products mix this mineral with fragrances, dyes, or other chemical additives. These blends may cost more and limit how you can use the product. Stick with plain powder if you want a versatile, all-purpose cleaner.
Ignoring package seals. This compound absorbs moisture from the air. A damaged or poorly sealed container turns the powder into hard clumps that are difficult to measure and dissolve. Always check the seal before purchasing, especially on a clearance shelf.
Overpaying for small quantities. The price per ounce on a 20-ounce box can be double or triple what you pay for a 65-ounce box. Compare unit prices before grabbing the first option you see.
Where to Buy Borax In Store
Walmart
Walmart is one of the most reliable places to find this product on the shelf. Look in the laundry detergent aisle near the stain removers and fabric softeners. The 20 Mule Team box is usually on a lower shelf since the brand does not typically pay for premium eye-level placement. If your local store is out of stock, you can order online at walmart.com for store pickup or home delivery. Prices generally run between four and six dollars for the standard 65-ounce box.
Target
Target carries this cleaner in the cleaning supplies section, typically alongside laundry boosters and specialty detergents. Most locations stock the well-known brand. Availability can vary by store size, so checking the Target app or website before your trip is a smart move. Online ordering with same-day pickup through Drive Up is available at most locations.
Walgreens
Although Walgreens is primarily a pharmacy, it stocks a range of household cleaning products including this mineral compound. Check the cleaning aisle, usually near the dish soaps and multipurpose sprays. Not every Walgreens carries the same inventory, so a quick call or a check on the Walgreens website before you drive over can save a wasted trip. If your nearby location does not have it in stock, the website offers home delivery, often with free shipping on orders over a certain threshold.
Grocery Stores
Large grocery chains like Costco, Sam’s Club, Kroger, Price Chopper, and Hannaford typically stock this product in the cleaning and laundry aisle. Warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club occasionally carry bulk-size boxes at a better per-ounce price, which is ideal if you go through large amounts regularly. Regional chains may shelve it near powdered detergents or in a dedicated natural cleaning section. As with other retailers, look on lower shelves near the powdered cleaning products. Smaller independent grocers may not carry it consistently, so check the store’s website or call ahead. If you cannot spot it on the shelf, ask a store associate to check their inventory system — it may be in a back stockroom awaiting restocking.
Tip: Call ahead to confirm stock, especially at smaller pharmacy or grocery locations that may carry a limited cleaning product selection.
Where to Buy Borax Online
Amazon
Amazon offers the widest selection online, from the classic 20 Mule Team box to bulk bags of pure sodium borate from specialty suppliers. You can compare prices, read verified buyer reviews, and choose between Subscribe and Save discounts or one-time purchases. If you use large quantities for a cleaning business or regular household tasks, buying a multi-pack often brings the unit cost down significantly. Make sure the listing description says the product is intended for cleaning or laundry use if that is your purpose.
Retailer Websites
Walmart.com, Target.com, and Walgreens.com all sell this product online with options for home delivery or in-store pickup. Specialty chemical suppliers like Wholesale Supplies Plus also carry sodium borate in bulk for crafting and industrial applications. Shopping directly through a retailer website can be a good way to combine your order with other household essentials and reach free shipping thresholds.
Top Borax Picks
Best overall: 20 Mule Team Borax Natural Laundry Booster, 65 oz. The industry standard for household use. Works as a detergent booster, all-purpose cleaner, and mild deodorizer. Available at nearly every major retailer. Around four to six dollars.
Best bulk option: Pure Original Ingredients Borax Powder, 5 lb. A resealable bag of fine-ground pure powder with no additives. Ideal for heavy users, cleaning businesses, or anyone making large batches of homemade cleaners. Typically around twelve to fifteen dollars on Amazon.
Best for insect treatment: Harris Boric Acid Roach Powder with Lure, 16 oz. While this is boric acid rather than borax, it is often purchased alongside it by shoppers looking for a dedicated bug killer. Contains a built-in lure for roaches and ants. Around six to ten dollars at hardware stores and online.
Best budget: Store-brand sodium borate powder. Generic options from grocery store private labels or chemical supply websites cost less per ounce than name-brand products. The compound is chemically identical. Look for it at Costco or warehouse club stores.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is borax mainly used for?
It is primarily used as a laundry booster and household cleaner. It helps soften hard water, remove stains, and brighten fabrics. Beyond laundry, people use it as a mild pesticide for ants and roaches, a deodorizer for garbage cans and drains, and an ingredient in homemade slime for craft projects.
Is borax the same as baking soda?
No. Borax is sodium tetraborate, a boron compound mined from mineral deposits. Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate, a completely different chemical substance. Both are white powders used in cleaning, but they work through different reactions and are not interchangeable in most applications.
Is borax safe to use around the house?
When used as directed, it is considered low-toxicity for adults. However, it should not be ingested and should be stored out of reach of children and pets. Avoid prolonged skin contact with concentrated solutions, and wear gloves if you are mixing it by hand for extended cleaning sessions.
Does borax expire or go bad?
It does not expire in the traditional sense. As a stable mineral salt, it retains its cleaning properties indefinitely when stored in a cool, dry place. Exposure to moisture can cause clumping, but the clumped powder is still effective once broken up and dissolved in water.
Can borax and bleach be used together?
They can be used in the same laundry load, but mixing them in concentrated form is not recommended. Add each product separately to the wash water rather than combining them directly. For most cleaning tasks, borax alone provides enough whitening and deodorizing power without adding bleach.
Are there generic or store-brand versions of borax?
Yes. Several chemical suppliers and grocery private labels sell sodium borate under their own branding. The active compound is the same as what you find in the name-brand box. Generic versions are often sold in bulk bags at a lower per-ounce price, making them a good option for anyone who uses large amounts for cleaning or DIY projects. Check warehouse clubs or online specialty retailers for the widest selection of bulk options.
Reviewed by the wheretobuyguides.com editorial team. Last updated: March 2026.
Whether you pick up a box at your local Walmart or order in bulk from Amazon, borax is an affordable and versatile cleaner worth keeping in your household supply closet. Take a few minutes to compare prices and package sizes, and you will get the best value for a product that handles everything from laundry to pest control.