Surprising uses for salt around the home

Salt is a humble mineral that centuries ago was used as money, paying soldiers in ancient Rome for their service. Today, beyond the kitchen, it’s a household superhero that’s worth its weight in “white gold,” tackling everything from frosted windows to itchy throats. Ready to unleash the magic of this mineral?

Many years ago, salt was “so valuable” that it was used as currency, sometimes paying soldiers for their duties in ancient Rome.

In fact, the mineral – also used for trade between nations – was so prized that it was called “white gold.”

Today, though it can’t be used as money to clear your Amazon wish list, it’s a treasured household staple with countless applications beyond the kitchen.

From eco-friendly cleaning solutions and stubborn stain removals to soothing beauty treatments and effective remedies for sore throats, salt proves its worth in every corner of your home.

Here are 12 surprising and practical ways to make salt work for you.

Revive mugs and China cups

Restore the sparkle to your mugs and China cups with a simple salt scrub. Sprinkle salt onto the surface, gently scrub each piece, and rinse them with hot water for a fresh, like-new shine.

Remove red wine stains from carpet

Act quickly when red wine spills on your carpet! Reader’s Digest recommends you start by pouring white wine over the fresh stain to dilute its color. Dab the area with a sponge and cold water, then sprinkle it with salt. Allow the salt to sit for about 10 minutes, absorbing the stain, before vacuuming it away for a clean finish.

If you don’t have any white wine, just go for the salt.

Sanitize cutting boards

Cutting boards, whether plastic or wood, can harbor bacteria deep within their grooves. For plastic boards, sprinkle a combination of bleach and salt, scrub with a stiff brush, and rinse with hot water. For wood boards, rub salt into the surface using a lemon wedge, then rinse clean. This simple step helps keep germs at bay and your kitchen hygienic.

Clean pots and pans

Stubborn food residue in your pots and pans? Let salt do the heavy lifting! Soak the cookware in salt water overnight. By morning, the salt will have loosened the scraps, making cleanup quick and effortless.

Frost-free windows

Salt’s ice-melting properties aren’t just for roads – they’re great for windows, too! Prevent frost from forming by wiping your windows with a sponge soaked in salt water. Let them air dry, and enjoy crystal-clear, frost-free windows all winter long.

Freshen up shoes

Canvas sneakers and other casual shoes can develop unpleasant odors, especially during hot summer days when worn without socks. Combat the smell and absorb excess moisture by sprinkling a pinch of the white stuff inside your shoes from time to time. It’s a simple yet effective way to keep your footwear fresh and ready to wear!

This works wonders for canvas and cloth shoes.

Boost laundry routine

Before spending money on expensive stain removers, tackle stubborn grass stains with a simple lemon-and-salt remedy.

Start by squeezing fresh lemon juice directly onto the stain, then sprinkle a generous layer of salt over it. Use the lemon rind to scrub the area, and watch the stain gradually disappear like magic!

You can also add half a cup of salt to your laundry detergent to brighten whites, set fabric dyes, and soften water.

DIY face scrub

Transform your skincare routine with this simple DIY face mask, using just two pantry staples: salt and olive oil. Mix ¼ cup of salt with ½ cup of olive oil to create a nourishing paste. Gently massage the mixture onto your skin in circular motions, letting it sit for five minutes before rinsing it off. The combination of moisturizing olive oil and exfoliating salt will leave your face, hands, and even lips feeling irresistibly soft and refreshed.

Clean fridge

Keeping your fridge fresh and spotless doesn’t have to be a hassle. Aim to clean it every three to six months, and for stubborn stains or lingering odors, turn to a salt-based solution. Mix ½ cup of salt with two liters of warm water, then scrub the shelves thoroughly to lift food residue and banish unwanted smells with ease.

Sore throat relief

Soothe that scratchy throat the natural way with a classic saltwater gargle. Combine table salt with warm water and gargle for 30 seconds to ease discomfort. Backed by research, this age-old remedy helps flush out mucus and other irritants, giving you quick relief from that pesky tickle.

Kill grass and weeds

Unwanted weeds sprouting from cracks in your driveway or sidewalk? Skip the weed-whacker and opt for an eco-friendly solution. Sprinkle salt directly onto the weeds and pour hot water over them. The weeds will shrivel, leaving your pavement weed-free and spotless in no time.

Extinguish grease fire

Dealing with a grease fire? Forget water—it can spread the flames further. Instead, smother the fire by pouring salt or baking soda directly onto the flames or by quickly covering it with a metal lid, according to the Food Network.

From tackling tough stains to soothing sore throats, this household staple is a game-changer. The next time you’re at the store, grab an extra bag of salt – you’ll be amazed at what it can do!

Did you know salt could be so versatile? Please let us know your thoughts and then share this story so your friends will know more about this incredible mineral!