The humble mineral that sits on your kitchen counter does much more than just add flavor to your meals! Table salt is a powerhouse with an array of uses that can tackle common household issues. Not only is it readily available and affordable, but it can also serve as a fantastic alternative to expensive cleaning products. From tackling pesky stains to giving your skin some TLC, here are 15 surprising ways to incorporate table salt into your everyday life.
1. Deodorize Smelly Shoes
If your footwear has taken on an unpleasant odor, salt can come to the rescue! Simply sprinkle a generous amount into your boots or shoes before bedtime. By morning, the salt will have absorbed the unwanted scents, leaving your shoes smelling fresh.
2. Soothe Bee Stings
Bee stings can be uncomfortable, but salt can help alleviate the pain. Apply some salt directly to the sting site, then cover it with a damp cloth. This natural remedy can soothe irritation—just remember to seek medical attention if you experience any severe reactions!
3. Refresh Your Kitchen Sponge
Over time, kitchen sponges can become grimy from everyday cleaning. To give yours a new lease on life, soak it overnight in a mixture of salt and water. By morning, the sponge will be clean and ready for use again.
4. Remove Coffee Stains
Those pesky coffee rings that linger on your favorite mugs can be banished with coarse salt. Just scrub the stained area with some salt to restore your mugs to their former glory.
5. Keep Colors Bright in Laundry
When washing bright towels for the first time, add a cup or two of salt to the wash. This simple trick helps prevent colors from running, keeping your laundry looking vibrant and fresh.
6. Heal Dry Skin
Salt is not just for seasoning; it also has healing properties! Add a cup of sea salt to your warm bath to help soothe dry skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. You can even create a face mask with one part salt and two parts honey for an anti-inflammatory treatment.
7. Chill White Wine Quickly
In a hurry to cool your wine? Place the bottle in a bucket filled with ice, water, and a handful of salt. The salt helps the ice work more efficiently, chilling your drink in no time.
8. Clean Up Cracked Eggs
If you’ve accidentally dropped an egg on the floor, don’t panic! Pour salt over the spill and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. The salt will absorb the egg, making cleanup a breeze.
9. Create a Natural Air Freshener
For a homemade air freshener, hollow out an orange, lemon, or grapefruit and fill it with coarse salt. You can even add a few drops of your favorite essential oil for a delightful fragrance that’s eco-friendly and compostable.
10. Remove Wine Stains from Carpet
To tackle red wine spills on your carpet, blot the area with a damp cloth first, then cover the stain with salt. Let it sit for at least eight hours to absorb the liquid, and your carpet will be as good as new!
11. Clean Your Sticky Iron
If your iron has developed sticky residue, try this simple fix: place a sheet of wax paper on your ironing board, sprinkle it with salt, and run your hot iron over it. The salt will help lift off the gunk.
12. Give Yourself a Manicure
Treat your hands to a spa experience at home! Mix a teaspoon each of salt, baking soda, and lemon juice in half a cup of hot water. Soak your fingertips for at least ten minutes, scrub with a nail brush, and rinse for softer cuticles and stronger nails.
13. Make Your Own Exfoliant
Forget the sugar scrubs; salt scrubs are equally effective for sloughing off dead skin. Combine salt with olive oil for a moisturizing treatment that leaves your skin feeling smooth and rejuvenated.
14. Run Your Dishwasher
You can whip up your own dishwasher detergent with salt, baking soda, and regular dish soap. This eco-friendly alternative is not only budget-friendly, but it also leaves your dishes sparkling clean without any residue.
15. De-Grease Kitchen Sponges
Tired of grimy sponges? Soak them overnight in a mixture of salt and water to break down grease and grime. In the morning, your sponges will be fresh and ready for cleaning!
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