Grease-Cutting Cleanser

• Borax is an effective product for getting rid of grease. You can clean sinks and drains by pouring a hot solution of borax and water down drains. Washing soda is a common substitute for borax as a grease-fighter.
  
  

Bleach

• Borax acts similarly to hydrogen peroxide, as it has a bleaching effect when dissolved in hot water. Chlorine bleach is stronger when mixed with borax. Both hydrogen peroxide and bleach can be effective substitutes for borax when used as a bleaching agent. Oxygen cleaners, such as those found in the laundry aisle, are good substitutes as well.
  
  

Abrasive

• A little borax on a sponge works well for scrubbing hard-to-remove stains. Effective substitutes include salt or baking soda.
  
  

Disinfectant

• Borax has anti-microbial properties that inhibit the growth of mold and fungus. When mixed with hot water, it is effective for cleaning windows, tiles and enamel surfaces, as well as painted surfaces. Ammonia, baking soda, enzyme cleaner or vinegar can work as substitutes for borax when mixed individually with hot water (do not combine multiple cleansers).