Did you know that you could clean your home with salt?
That’s right—the ingredient that makes your food taste better is also an amazing cleaning tool. Not many people know that one of the most powerful cleaning items is quietly sitting in their kitchen. You can scrub surfaces and get rid of stains in minutes, and let’s not forget that is cost-effective and eco-friendly too.
I was surprised to discover this too, but since I’m all about making the house sparkle on a budget, I thought I shared this golden information with you. So, whether you need to freshen up your carpets, get rid of grease, or remove stubborn stains on your beloved cookware, this ingredient is exactly what you need. I am confident that you already have it in your pantry. Therefore, I suggest that you remove it and commence the cleaning party.
Grab your shaker and let’s clean your home with salt!
1. Clean your cutting board
As you already know, some fruits and veggies, like beets, strawberries, peppers, and carrots, can leave colorful stains on your cutting boards. Others, like garlic and onions, leave strong smells that are difficult to remove with soap and water. But don’t worry, because salt has come to your rescue! Sprinkle this amazing ingredient over your cutting board and rub it in a circular motion with a half lemon. Rinse with warm water and let it dry upright. Your kitchen utensil should now be odorless and free of stains.
2. Scrub your sink
Baking soda is another powerful ingredient that can make cleaning easier and more effective, but it doesn’t always get the job done. To solve this problem, combine it with table salt at a 1:1 ratio. Mix well and use it to clean your sink or get rid of soap scum in the tub.
Since this article is all about smart ways to clean your home with salt, here’s another trick for you: dip half a lemon in salt and use your new instrument to clean around faucets. You’ll get rid of lime buildup in no time!
3. Remove stains
Did you know salt is a strong stain remover? Nobody likes red wine spills, especially on your tablecloth or clothes, but you can avoid stains with a simple trick. All you have to do is blot the extra liquid and cover the part in table salt. Let it dry, then put it in the washing machine as usual. It should be fresh and clean after laundry.
In case your ceramic mugs are stained, you can give them their natural color back by sprinkling salt inside and rubbing it around with half a lemon. Allow the mixture to sit for a few seconds, then rinse with lukewarm water. You can use the same method to clean stained stainless steel (it’s a nice oxymoron, I know), such as a trusty coffee moka pot.
4. Do your laundry
Nobody likes sweat stains on their clothes, but they’re not exactly easy to get rid of. Until now! To make your clothes look fresh and clean again, mix 1/4 cup salt with one-quart hot water and let your garment soak until the stains fade. Don’t rub it, because you might damage the fabric. Instead, put it in the washing machine and launder as usual. Your stains and potential odors should be gone!
…Speaking of ways to clean your home with salt, let’s go back to the kitchen because you’re going to love this next tip!
5. Clean cast iron
As you probably know, you should never scrub cast iron with a metal pad because you could ruin the coating. But here’s the thing: you can use salt to get the job done without causing any damage. Sprinkle salt into a dirty pan to loosen food particles, then add water, heat over the stove, and stir with a wooden spatula. Let the mixture sit for a while, empty the water, and use a cloth to wipe it. You can then clean it as usual.
Another method but with the same incredible result is this one: rub salt into the dirty pot until all the food has been removed. Dump out the salt and wipe it with a cloth. Your kitchen pot should now be sparkling and fresh!
6. Clean your iron
Whoever said that cleaning your iron is a hassle surely didn’t know about this hack! As you can tell, there are many methods to clean your home with salt, and another gadget that needs some TLC is your iron.
Besides being a great gunky buildup remover, your magic kitchen ingredient is also amazing for clearing any sticky residue that might accumulate from starch sprays or fabrics. Sprinkle some salt onto a sheet of parchment paper and run your iron over it. This easy method should be just enough to get rid of buildup. Let your iron cool, then wipe it with a cloth. This easy method is exactly what you need to make sure your clothes stay wrinkle-free without any unwanted marks or streaks!
…There are many ways you can clean your home with salt, so keep reading to discover other amazing tips!
7. Freshen up your carpets
Salt can be a lifesaver in many situations, as you can tell, so why not give your beautiful carpets some much-needed TLC? Carpets can hold onto odors, dirt, and moisture, and it’s pretty hard to remove these annoying things at home. But salt can freshen them right up in less than an hour!
Sprinkle salt over your beautiful carpet and let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes. This magical kitchen ingredient will quickly absorb bacteria, moisture, and odors, leaving your carpets smelling and looking fresh. After the “marination” is over, just vacuum or clean it as regular.
This easy method will eliminate allergens and revitalize your carpet without using any harsh chemicals. If you want to take things a step further and give your carpet a beautiful scent, add a few drops of essential oil, such as this one, to the salt before sprinkling. Your room will smell like a billion bucks!
8. Get rid of grease stains on clothes
Nobody likes having grease stains on their clothes. They look terrible and are also pretty hard to get rid of. Don’t worry, though, because salt has come to your rescue! All you need to do to get rid of these annoying stains is to sprinkle some salt on it. Let it sit for a couple of minutes before you brush it off.
Add a small amount of dish soap to the stained area, then wash it as usual. This incredible white ingredient in your kitchen acts like a mini sponge, lifting it out before it has time to set into your fabric.
What are your thoughts on these methods to clean your home with salt? Have you ever tried any of these tips? We’d love to know what you thought about this, so leave a comment below, and let’s chat! If you’re looking for amazing salt (for both your delicious meals and cleaning tasks), here’s my favorite one. If you enjoyed reading this article and want to discover even more tips from Wipe and Organize, here’s another great post you don’t want to miss: 14 Things You Don’t Need to Clean Every Day