6 Amazing Cleaning Uses for Salt You Probably Didn’t Know

Salt is so much more than just an amazing seasoning for chips.

It's been around since medieval times as an anti-bacterial agent and is surprisingly good for cleaning appliances and stains today.

It turns out that cleaning with salt and salt water is not just an eco-friendly way to tackle a whole range of household tasks.  

Why is salt effective? 

As a mild abrasive, it makes an excellent cleaner and can enhance the cleaning power of other natural cleaning superheroes, such as vinegar, bi-card soda, and lemons. Salt’s absorbency power can also make it an effective degreaser or stain remover.  

What can we use salt for? 

1. Removing Grime from Kitchen Sink

Mix salt with lemon juice to tackle grime and leave your kitchen sink fresh and clean. The combination of salt and lemon juice creates a potent natural cleaning solution. Salt's abrasive texture helps scrub away grime, while the acidity of the lemon juice enhances its cleaning power. This duo not only cleans but also leaves a fresh scent in your kitchen sink. 

2. Cleaning an Oven the Natural Way

Cleaning an oven is often a tedious task that demands time and effort, but salt can make the process easier.  

What You’ll Need:

• 1/3 Cup of Vinegar 
• 2/3 Cup of Warm Water
• Spray Bottle 
• ½ Cup of Bicarbonate Soda 
• ¼ Cup of Coarse Sea Salt 

What to Do: 

1. Mix 1/3 cup of vinegar with 2/3 cup of warm water in a spray bottle (double the volume if necessary). Spray this mixture over all surfaces in your oven.  
2. In a small bowl, combine ½ cup bi-carb soda and ¼ cup course sea salt. Sprinkle this mixture throughout the oven, on surfaces you’ve wet with the vinegar mix. Salt, when mixed with baking soda, acts as a mild abrasive. Spraying vinegar on oven surfaces creates a reaction with the baking soda, forming a grease-removing paste. 
3. Ensure the paste is spread evenly throughout the oven (wear gloves for this process) and allow it to sit overnight.  
4. The next day, remove the hardened paste by spraying it with the remaining vinegar mixture and then wipe your oven clean. The combined action of salt and baking breaks down and absorbs grease, making it easier to wipe the oven clean. This process can be a little messy and you may need to replace your cleaning rag a few times.  

3. Degreasing a Pan

Sprinkle some salt over a greasy pan and let it sit for 10 minutes. Then add a little water and scrub the pan or baking tray clean. The salt helps absorb the grease and then acts as an abrasive in the cleaning process, for amazing results. 

4. Freshening Up a Cutting Board

Grab your old wood or bamboo cutting board, half a lemon and coarse salt. Dip half a lemon in salt and scrub the board with the cut side of the lemon, then rinse. This process will clean and disinfect your cutting board, leaving it looking brighter and smelling fresh. 

5. De-Scumming Vase Residue

Struggling to clean the bottom of a vase? Add a third of a cup of salt and warm water to the vase. Let it sit for 5 minutes and rinse. When combined with warm water, salt works to break down and lift away the scum, leaving the vase clean and clear. 

6. Removing Red Wine Stains from Cotton or Linen

Spilled red wine can be a mood changer during dinner. Don't worry, here are steps you can follow to prevent stains and continue enjoying the rest of the night. 

What You’ll Need: 

• Dry Towel 
• Clean Water 
• Salt 
• Optional: Dishwashing Liquid 

What To Do: 

1. Blot the stained area with a dry towel and sponge the area with clean water. 
2. Sprinkle salt and let sit. Enjoy dinner 😉  
3. Wipe away the salt and if the stain persists, clean with a little dishwashing liquid and water. 

NB: It’s best to keep the red-wine stain wet until you get a chance to wash the tablecloth or treat the stain with a detergent mix. 

Need Help with Tougher Stains?

While salt excels in many areas, for stubborn stains and professional cleaning needs, Electrodry offers services from carpet to upholstery cleaning with a 14-day Satisfaction Guarantee, ensuring thorough and effective results.