Table salt is a versatile and inexpensive household staple with many uses beyond the kitchen. From cleaning to personal care, here are 15 creative and practical ways to use table salt that don’t involve cooking.

1. Stain Removal

Application: Sprinkle salt on fresh stains (like wine or coffee) on fabric or carpets. Let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the liquid, then brush it off before washing.

Benefit: Salt helps to absorb moisture and lift stains from fabrics, making them easier to clean.

2. Cleaning Coffee Pots

Application: Add a few tablespoons of salt and some ice cubes to your coffee pot. Swirl the mixture around to scrub away coffee stains, then rinse thoroughly.

Benefit: The abrasive action of the salt and ice effectively removes stubborn coffee stains without harsh chemicals.

3. Deodorizing Shoes

Application: Sprinkle a small amount of salt inside shoes and let it sit overnight. Shake out the salt before wearing them again.

Benefit: Salt absorbs moisture and odors, leaving your shoes smelling fresher.

4. Unclogging Drains

Application: Pour a mixture of salt and baking soda down the drain, followed by vinegar. Let it fizz for a few minutes, then flush with hot water.

Benefit: This natural solution helps break down clogs and deodorizes your drains.

5. Exfoliating Skin

Application: Mix salt with a small amount of olive oil or coconut oil to create a natural exfoliating scrub. Gently massage it onto your skin in circular motions, then rinse off.

Benefit: Salt’s coarse texture removes dead skin cells, leaving your skin smooth and refreshed.

6. Cleaning Cutting Boards

Application: Sprinkle salt on a damp cutting board and scrub with a lemon half. Rinse thoroughly with water.

Benefit: Salt acts as a natural abrasive, while lemon disinfects and removes odors.

7. Removing Rust

Application: Make a paste with salt and lemon juice. Apply it to rusty areas on metal surfaces, let it sit for a few hours, then scrub off the rust.

Benefit: The acidity of lemon combined with the abrasiveness of salt effectively removes rust.

8. Extinguishing Grease Fires

Application: Keep a container of salt near your stove. In case of a grease fire, pour salt over the flames to smother them.

Benefit: Salt cuts off the oxygen supply to the fire, extinguishing it safely without spreading flames.

9. Brightening Colors in Fabrics

Application: Add a cup of salt to the wash cycle to help set the colors in new clothes or brighten faded colors in older garments.

Benefit: Salt helps to lock in colors, preventing fading and keeping fabrics vibrant.

10. Polishing Silverware

Application: Line a pan with aluminum foil, fill it with hot water, and add a tablespoon of salt and baking soda. Soak your silverware for a few minutes, then rinse and polish.

Benefit: This method uses a chemical reaction to remove tarnish from silver without harsh chemicals.

11. Preventing Weeds

Application: Sprinkle salt in the cracks of your driveway or sidewalk where weeds commonly grow. Be cautious to avoid surrounding plants.

Benefit: Salt dehydrates and kills weeds, preventing them from growing.

12. Cleaning Sponges

Application: Soak sponges in a solution of saltwater overnight to remove odors and bacteria. Rinse thoroughly before use.

Benefit: Salt helps to sanitize and extend the life of your kitchen sponges.

13. Relieving Sore Throat

Application: Gargle with a solution of warm water and salt to soothe a sore throat.

Benefit: Saltwater helps reduce swelling and kill bacteria in the throat, providing relief from pain and irritation.

14. Deterring Ants

Application: Sprinkle salt along doorways, windowsills, and other entry points to keep ants at bay.

Benefit: Salt creates a barrier that ants are reluctant to cross, helping to keep them out of your home.

15. Cleaning Wine Glasses

Application: Use a salt paste to scrub wine glasses and remove residue and water spots. Rinse thoroughly with water.

Benefit: Salt’s abrasive texture cleans delicate glassware without scratching.

Conclusion

Table salt is much more than a seasoning for your meals. Its versatility extends to various household and personal care applications, making it an essential and cost-effective tool for many everyday tasks. Try incorporating these salt uses into your routine and discover the many benefits of this humble pantry staple.