Table salt is more than just a seasoning for your favorite dishes—it’s also a powerful cleaning agent, deodorizer, and household helper. Here are 11 surprising ways you can use regular table salt to make life easier at home.
1. Remove Stubborn Stains from Fabric
Spilled red wine, grease, or sweat stains? Salt can help!
How to Use:
- For wine stains: Blot the stain, sprinkle salt generously, and let it absorb for a few minutes before rinsing with cold water.
- For sweat stains: Mix salt with warm water and scrub the stain before washing.
2. Clean Greasy Pots and Pans
Salt’s abrasive texture makes it perfect for scrubbing away stubborn grease and food residue.
How to Use:
- Sprinkle a handful of salt into a greasy pan.
- Add a bit of dish soap and scrub with a sponge or paper towel.
- Rinse with warm water for a spotless finish.
3. Deodorize Your Garbage Disposal
A smelly garbage disposal? Salt can absorb odors and break down grease buildup.
How to Use:
- Pour ½ cup of salt into the disposal.
- Run warm water for a minute while turning on the disposal.
- Follow up with lemon peels or vinegar for extra freshness.
4. Prevent Ant Infestations
Salt acts as a natural barrier to deter ants from entering your home.
How to Use:
- Sprinkle salt along doorways, windowsills, and cracks where ants enter.
- The salt disrupts their scent trails, making them turn away.
5. Clean and Brighten Your Sink
Salt mixed with lemon juice can remove stains and buildup from kitchen and bathroom sinks.
How to Use:
- Sprinkle salt directly on the sink surface.
- Cut a lemon in half and use it as a scrubber.
- Rinse with warm water for a sparkling clean sink.
6. Unclog Drains Naturally
Salt helps break down grease and buildup in kitchen and bathroom drains.
How to Use:
- Pour ½ cup of salt down the drain.
- Follow with hot water or vinegar to dissolve grime.
- Repeat weekly to keep drains clear.
7. Remove Coffee and Tea Stains from Mugs
Salt’s abrasive nature is perfect for lifting stubborn stains from cups.
How to Use:
- Dampen the inside of the mug.
- Sprinkle a pinch of salt and scrub with a sponge.
- Rinse well for a good-as-new mug!
8. Freshen Up Smelly Shoes
Salt absorbs moisture and odors, keeping shoes fresh.
How to Use:
- Sprinkle a little salt inside your shoes before bed.
- Shake it out in the morning for odor-free footwear.
9. Keep Your Car Windows Frost-Free
Salt can help prevent ice from forming on car windows overnight.
How to Use:
- Mix 1 tablespoon of salt with 2 cups of warm water.
- Use a sponge to wipe your car windows before a cold night.
- This helps prevent frost buildup in the morning.
10. Extend the Life of Your Broom
Salt helps stiffen broom bristles, making them last longer.
How to Use:
- Soak new broom bristles in a bucket of salty water for a few hours.
- Let them dry before using for a longer-lasting broom.
11. Clean and Whiten Cutting Boards
Over time, wooden and plastic cutting boards absorb food stains and odors. Salt can disinfect and brighten them.
How to Use:
- Sprinkle salt on the board and rub with half a lemon.
- Let it sit for 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
Final Thoughts
Who knew table salt could be such a versatile household essential? From cleaning stains to freshening up odors, these simple tricks can help you keep your home clean without using harsh chemicals.
Have you tried any of these? Let me know your favorite salt hack! 🧂😊