How to Use Salt as a Cleaning Agent

Salt has been used as a cleaning agent for thousands of years due to its natural abrasiveness and antibacterial properties. It's an inexpensive and effective way to clean grease, rust, grime, and stains. If you're interested in using more natural cleaning supplies, head to the pantry and read on for ways to get started cleaning with salt.

1. Scrub Grimy Cookware

Salt is an excellent abrasive cleaner for grimy or greasy cookware. Its coarse texture helps to scrub off stuck-on food and grease without the need for harsh chemicals.

How to Use:

• Sprinkle enough salt to lightly cover the bottom of your pan.

• Take a damp scrub brush or sponge and scour the pan.

• Rinse the salt off and wash your pan with hot, soapy water to completely clean it.

Tip: While salt is great for cleaning pans like cast iron skillets, avoid using it on non-stick surfaces as it could destroy the coating.

2. Make an All-Purpose Kitchen Cleaner

Combining salt with vinegar creates a powerful natural cleaner that can tackle a variety of surfaces in your kitchen.

How to Use:

• Mix equal parts salt and vinegar in a bowl and pour it into a spray bottle.

• Shake the bottle well before spraying the cleaner on counters, tables, or other surfaces.

• Wipe off with a damp sponge, rinse out the sponge, and wipe again to remove any residue.

Tip: For stubborn messes, sprinkle salt directly onto a damp sponge and scour the surface.

3. Get Rid of Rust on Cookware and Knives

Rust can be a common issue with metal cookware and knives. Salt, combined with cream of tartar, can effectively remove rust.

How to Use:

• Mix equal parts water, salt, and cream of tartar to make a thick paste.

• Spread the paste on the rusty metal and let it dry completely.

• Scrub off the dried paste with a kitchen brush, rinse the metal, and wipe dry.

Tip: For a brighter result, use lemon juice instead of water when mixing the paste.

4. Clean Up Messy Oven Spills

Oven spills can be tough to clean, especially if they burn onto the surface. Salt can make this task easier.

How to Use:

• Pour salt on spills while the oven is still warm and let it sit.

• Once the oven cools, scrape off the hardened salty mess with a sturdy plastic scraper.

• Clean the surface with a scrub brush dipped in hot, soapy water.

Tip: If you can't clean the oven while it's warm, spray water on the dried mess, sprinkle salt over it, and then start scraping.

5. Polish Copper or Brass

Salt can help restore the shine to tarnished copper or brass items when combined with flour and vinegar.

How to Use:

• Combine equal parts flour, vinegar, and salt into a thick paste.

• Use your fingers or a dry cloth to spread the paste onto the tarnished metal.

• Let it sit for one hour before wiping off with a clean, damp cloth.

Tip: This polishing paste works for both brass and bronze items.

6. Scrub Cutting Boards with Salt and Lemon

Cutting boards can harbor odors from foods like onions or garlic. Salt and lemon can help freshen them up.

How to Use:

• Rub half a lemon dipped in coarse salt across the board.

• The citrus juice works with the abrasive salt to clean and deodorize.

• Rinse the board with cold water and dry it thoroughly before storing.

Tip: This method won't sanitize the board, so wash it with hot, soapy water if you've cut raw meat or seafood on it.

7. Keep Drains Clear

Salt, combined with vinegar and baking soda, can help keep your drains clear and free of soap scum buildup.

How to Use:

• Once a month, pour 1 cup of salt, 1 cup of baking soda, and 1/2 cup of white vinegar down the sink.

• Let it sit for 10 minutes, then pour a kettle full of boiling water down the drain to flush it.

Tip: Put the salt and baking soda in first so they react with the vinegar.

8. Remove Coffee or Tea Stains from Mugs

Coffee and tea can leave stubborn stains in mugs. Salt, combined with dish soap, can effectively remove these stains.

How to Use:

• Squeeze a few drops of dish soap in a stained mug and add a big pinch of salt.

• Use your fingers or a scrub brush to rub the mixture into the stains.

• Rinse off with hot water and check your progress. Repeat if necessary.

Tip: For cleaning coffee pots, use 1 cup of crushed ice, 2 teaspoons of coarse salt, and 1 tablespoon of water. Swirl the pot, then dump it out and rinse.

9. Lift Water Rings from Wooden Surfaces

Water rings on wooden furniture can be unsightly. Salt, combined with vegetable oil, can help remove them.

How to Use:

• Rub a few drops of vegetable oil with a pinch of salt onto the water stains.

• Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes.

• Wipe off with a clean, dry cloth.

Tip: This method works best if you catch the water stain early.

10. Stop Red Wine from Staining Fabric or Carpet

Red wine spills can be a nightmare, but salt can help prevent permanent stains.

How to Use:

• Dab the stain with a paper towel to absorb the spilled wine.
• Pour club soda onto the tablecloth or carpet, then sprinkle salt over the wet material.
• Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe off the excess salt.

Tip: Wash the tablecloth according to the care settings on its label, or vacuum the carpet.

11. Lift Bloodstains from Clothes or Tablecloths

Bloodstains can be tricky to remove, but saltwater can help lift them before washing.

How to Use:

• Soak the stained item in cold saltwater (2 tablespoons of salt per 4 cups of water) for one hour.

• Wash the item in the washing machine on the highest heat setting allowed by the care label.

12. Eliminate Sweat Stains from Shirts

Sweat stains can be stubborn, but saltwater can help remove them.

How to Use:

• Mix 4 tablespoons of salt in 1 quart of hot water until it dissolves.

• Dab the solution onto the sweat stains with a sponge.

• Keep dabbing until the stains lift, then wash the clothes to remove any remaining salt.

Conclusion

Salt is a versatile, natural, and cost-effective cleaning agent that can tackle a variety of household cleaning tasks. From scrubbing cookware to lifting stains and clearing drains, salt's abrasive and antibacterial properties make it a powerful ally in maintaining a clean home. By incorporating these simple and effective methods into your cleaning routine, you can reduce your reliance on chemical cleaners and enjoy a cleaner, more eco-friendly home.

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