Magical uses of salt: Beyond delicious dishes

REMEMBER last week’s exploration of salt’s power to elevate our culinary creations? Well, this wonder ingredient’s usefulness extends far beyond the kitchen. Believe it or not, there are over 14 000 uses for salt, many of which predate modern cleaning chemicals (seasalt.com). Not only are these traditional methods effective, but they’re also often cheaper and kinder to the environment.

So, ditch the harsh chemicals and embrace the magic of salt for your next cleaning adventure.

Here are some incredible ways to utilise this readily available hero:

Bringing brass back to life

Buff up tarnished brass with a homemade paste. Combine equal parts salt, flour, and vinegar to create a thick mixture. Apply the paste generously to the brass item, let it sit for an hour, then gently scrub with a soft cloth or brush. Buff the surface with a dry cloth for a dazzling finish.

Keeping wicker white

Prevent your wicker furniture from turning yellow with a simple salt water solution. Scrub the furniture with a stiff brush dipped in warm salt water. Rinse well and let the furniture dry completely in direct sunlight.

Taming grease on rugs

Bid farewell to pesky grease spots. For some, a solution of one part salt and four parts rubbing alcohol can be your saviour. Apply the mixture carefully, rubbing the affected area gently to avoid damaging the rug’s fibres.

Extending broom life

Give your new brooms a fighting chance! Soak them in hot salt water before their first use. This simple step helps stiffen the bristles, ensuring they last longer and clean more effectively.

Wine spills? No worries!

Accidents happen, but with salt, you can conquer wine spills. Blot up as much of the spilled liquid as possible. Immediately cover the remaining stain with a generous amount of salt. The salt acts as an absorbent sponge, drawing out the remaining wine. Later, rinse the tablecloth with cold water. For rugs, scrape up the salt and vacuum the spot thoroughly.

Removing stubborn rings

Those unsightly white rings left by water glasses and hot dishes are no match for salt! Create a paste using a little salad oil and salt. Apply the paste to the ring and let it sit for a couple of hours. Wipe off the paste with a damp cloth, and your table will be good as new.

Revitalising sponges

Restore your sponges to their former glory with a salt-water soak. After washing your sponges, soak them in cold salt water to eliminate lingering bacteria and odours.

Taming sudsy washing machines

Don’t let overflowing suds from your washing machine ruin your laundry day. If your machine starts to bubble over, sprinkle some salt directly on the suds. The salt helps break down the suds and prevent them from overflowing.

Boosting colour vibrancy

Breathe new life into your coloured curtains and washable rugs with a salt-water solution. Wash them in a tub of water with a generous amount of salt to restore their faded colours. For rugs, you can also try rubbing them briskly with a cloth dipped in a strong salt-water solution (wrung out well) to revive their vibrancy.

Conquering pesky stains

From perspiration to blood, salt tackles a variety of stains.

Perspiration: Dissolve four tablespoons of salt in a quart of hot water. Sponge the stained fabric with the solution until the stain disappears.

Blood: For cotton, linen, or other natural fibres that can withstand high heat, soak the stained item in cold salt water before laundering in warm, soapy water. You can even boil the item after washing for extra stain removal.

Mildew or rust: Create a paste using lemon juice and salt. Apply the paste to the stained area and let it sit in direct sunlight for bleaching. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely.

Matching nylons on a budget

Got mismatched nylons? No problem! You can achieve colour uniformity by boiling them for a few minutes in a pot of lightly salted water.

Fixing a sticky iron

A sticky iron can put a damper on your ironing session. To remove those rough, sticky spots, sprinkle a little salt on a sheet of paper and run the hot iron over it. The salt will absorb any residue, leaving your iron smooth and ready to tackle wrinkles.

Cleaning fish tanks (the safe way)

For a sparkling clean fish tank, use plain, non-iodised salt! Rub the inside of the tank with salt to remove hard water deposits. Rinse the tank thoroughly with clean water before returning your fish.

So ditch the harsh chemicals and embrace the magic of salt for a more natural and effective cleaning experience!