The odor-neutralizing properties of borax are also beneficial. It absorbs moisture and unpleasant smells, leaving your kitchen smelling fresh. For areas like under the fridge, where mold or mildew can thrive due to food spills, condensation, or water leaks, borax acts as an excellent preventive measure.

Why Slide Borax Under the Fridge?

You might wonder, "Why specifically under the fridge?" The area beneath your refrigerator is often a neglected space that can gather food particles, dust, moisture, and even pests. This makes it a prime location for mold growth and foul odors.

Using borax in this area can:

1. Prevent Pests: Borax can deter ants, cockroaches, and other pests that are attracted to food scraps or damp environments.
2. Absorb Odors: The deodorizing properties of borax can help neutralize bad smells from spilled food or accumulated moisture.
3. Reduce Mold and Mildew: The natural antibacterial properties of borax help prevent mold and mildew from forming under the fridge.
4. Clean and Disinfect: Borax helps clean and break down grime and grease that might have accumulated on the floor or the fridge itself.

How to Use Borax Under Your Fridge: Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you understand the benefits of using borax under the fridge, let’s go over a simple step-by-step guide to effectively use this method.

What You’ll Need:

• Borax powder (You can find this at most supermarkets or online)
• Wax paper or a disposable cloth (Optional, but helpful for easy cleanup)
• Broom and dustpan or a vacuum (To clean up any debris before applying borax)
• Gloves (Optional, but helpful if you prefer not to touch the powder directly)
• A damp cloth (For wiping down the floor after the borax has been placed)

Step 1: Clear the Area

Start by moving the fridge away from the wall if possible. You may need someone to help you with this, as refrigerators can be heavy.

• Lift the fridge carefully: If the fridge is too heavy, consider using furniture sliders to help move it.
• Clean the floor: Once the fridge is moved, use a broom and dustpan or a vacuum to remove any dust, crumbs, or debris that has gathered under the fridge. This ensures that borax can work effectively on a clean surface.

If you're unable to fully move the fridge, you can still clean the accessible areas by reaching in with a broom or vacuum nozzle.

Step 2: Prepare the Borax

You don’t need to mix borax with any other ingredients to use it under the fridge. Simply use the powdered borax as it is. However, it’s a good idea to place it on a surface that’s easy to clean.

• Cut a piece of wax paper: Take a piece of wax paper large enough to fit under the fridge or just cover the area that you want to target. The wax paper will help contain the borax powder and make it easier to remove later.
• Spread the borax: Sprinkle a generous amount of borax powder onto the wax paper. You want enough borax to cover the floor beneath the fridge but not so much that it becomes difficult to remove later.

Step 3: Slide the Borax Under the Fridge

Carefully slide the wax paper with the borax under the fridge.

• Use a broom or a flat surface: If you can’t slide the paper directly under the fridge, use a broom or flat surface to help position the paper with borax where it needs to go.
• Even distribution: Try to spread the borax evenly across the floor, focusing on areas where grime, food particles, or moisture tend to accumulate. Borax doesn’t need to be spread thickly—just a thin, even layer will suffice.

Step 4: Leave It to Work

Once you’ve placed the borax under the fridge, let it sit for 12–24 hours. This gives it enough time to absorb moisture, neutralize odors, and help with pest control. During this time, avoid moving the fridge back into position so that the borax can work effectively.

• Optional (Use a deodorizing boost): If you are dealing with persistent odors, you can leave a small, open container of borax under the fridge, in addition to the powder on the wax paper, to help absorb extra smells.

Step 5: Remove and Clean Up

After 12–24 hours, it’s time to remove the borax from under the fridge.

• Carefully slide out the wax paper: Pull the wax paper out from under the fridge. Since the borax is contained in the paper, it will be easier to dispose of.
• Clean the floor: Use a damp cloth to wipe down the area under the fridge. This will remove any remaining borax residue, as well as any lingering dust or grime.

Step 6: Move the Fridge Back

Once the floor is clean and dry, move the fridge back into place. If you noticed any leftover grime or dirt, you can clean it more thoroughly with your regular floor cleaner.

Optional Maintenance: Repeat as Needed

Depending on how much dust, moisture, and food debris accumulates under your fridge, you may want to repeat this process once a month or every couple of months. You can use the borax method as part of your regular home maintenance routine to keep that area fresh, clean, and free from pests.

Additional Tips for Using Borax Under Your Fridge

• Use in Combination with Other Cleaners: For a deep clean, you can combine borax with other natural cleaners like vinegar or baking soda. However, for this specific method, borax on its own works wonders.
• Keep Borax Away from Children and Pets: Although borax is generally safe for cleaning purposes, it should be kept out of reach of small children and pets, as ingestion in large quantities can be harmful.
• Try Borax in Other Hard-to-Reach Areas: If you find this method effective, you can apply borax to other areas in your home where moisture and pests are a concern, such as under cabinets, behind appliances, and in basements.

Final Thoughts

Using borax under your fridge is a smart and effective way to maintain a clean, odor-free, and pest-free kitchen environment. By following this simple step-by-step guide, you can tackle a hard-to-reach space, eliminate bad odors, and prevent mold or pest problems without the use of harsh chemicals. This affordable and natural method can help you keep your kitchen cleaner for longer, making it an essential part of your regular home maintenance routine.