Unique Uses for Salt: 10 Genius Cleaning Hacks

Salt was considered a prized commodity, long before it became a mass produced condiment. Salt was so precious that numerous ancient societies, like the Romans and Egyptians, used it as a form of currency and commerce and exchanged it for goods. These cultures appreciated salt’s many practical benefits, particularly its great cleaning capability – its abrasive texture, moisture soaking properties, and antibacterial qualities that made it the perfect supply for all types of household chores. Although we now view salt mostly as an ingredient for cooking, its historical role as a cleaner is still pertinent to us today.

In this article, 10 genius cleaning hacks using salt will be discussed. It will prove to you that this humble ingredient is more than just a seasoning – from deodorising carpets to unclogging drains; these tips will help you maintain a sparklingly clean home. If you’re preparing for detailed end of lease cleaning in Canberra, these tips will be particularly useful for ensuring a thorough and cost-effective cleanup.

1. Deodorising Carpets and Rugs

Carpets and Rugs are notorious for trapping odours, especially when they are placed in high-traffic areas. Instead of using chemical laden deodorisers to fix the issues, sprinkle a generous amount of salt over the carpet and let it sit for about 30 minutes before vacuuming it away. It will absorb moisture and neutralise odours, leaving your carpet smelling fresh. For better results, mix salt with baking soda before applying it to the carpets.

2. Scrubbing Stubborn Pots and Pans

Burnt-on food residue can be a nightmare to remove, but with salt things can become easy. Its abrasive nature makes it perfect for scrubbing. All you have to do is sprinkle salt directly onto the affected areas, add a bit of warm water and scrub this using a sponge. The salt will help break down the grease and the stuck on food particles without scratching the surface. This is a good eco-friendly alternative to harsh chemical cleaners.

3. Removing Red Wine Stains

Spilling red wine on fabrics can seem like a disastrous end to the life of your precious belongings. Worry not salt can rescue it. The key is to act quickly; blot the stain with a paper towel and absorb as much of the liquid as possible, then cover it with a thick layer of salt – the salt will draw out the remaining moisture and pigment from the fabric. After a few minutes, brush off all the salt and wash the fabric as usual. This trick is particularly useful if you have the task of carrying out thorough End of lease Cleaning Canberra coming up, as it will help you ensure your upholstery and carpets are free from stains.

4. Polishing Metal and Silverware

As a result of oxidation, metals can lose their shine over time. To restore their gleam, create a paste made of salt, vinegar and flour and apply this mixture directly on the tarnished metal surface and let it sit undisturbed for about 10 minutes. Then polish it away with a clean cloth. The salt in the paste will act as a mild abrasive and help remove the tarnish effectively without damaging the metal underneath.

5. Unclogging Drains Naturally

Chemical drain cleaners are harsh on pipes and the environment. Instead try a simple salt based solution. Pour half a cup of salt down the drain, followed by hot water – the salt will break down the grease and debris and help you in clearing away minor clogs. If you are facing tougher blocks, mix salt with baking soda and vinegar before flushing it away with hot water. This method is great as an eco-friendly alternative, especially for households looking to maintain plumbing during vacancy cleaning.

6. Eliminating Refrigerator Odours

Refrigerators can develop unpleasant odours over time due to food spills and trapped moisture. A simple solution to this issue is to dissolve the salt in warm water and use it to wipe down the interiors of the fridge, not only will this remove the stains but will neutralise the bad odours too. To maintain long-term freshness, keep a small open container of salt inside the fridge to absorb any lingering odours.

7. Prevent Ant Infestations

Salt is a natural deterrent for ants. If you notice a lot of ants entering your home, sprinkle salt along the doorways, windowsills and any other entry points to disrupt their scent trails, consequently preventing them from coming inside. This chemical free pest control alternative is safe to use for households preparing for quality End of lease Cleaning Canberra and also for homes with children and pets.

8. Cleaning Coffee and Tea Stains from Mugs

With repeated use, coffee and tea can leave behind stubborn stains on the insides of mugs and cups. To deal with it effectively, sprinkle salt into the mug and add a bit of warm water which you will scrub away with a sponge. The salt will act as a gentle abrasive and scrub away the stain without damaging the surface of the mug. Ensure you’re rinsing it thoroughly after the process is completed.

9. Freshening Up Wooden Cutting Boards

Wooden cutting boards can absorb a lot of food odours and develop stains from frequent use. To clean and deodorise them appropriately, sprinkle some salt over its surface and scrub it away with a halved lemon. The salt will work as an abrasive while the lemon will lend its antibacterial properties. Rinse with warm water once done and you’ll find yourself with a refreshed and ready to use cutting board once more.

10. Restoring Faded Colours in Clothes

Salt can help you in maintaining the vibrancy of coloured fabrics. All you have to do is, before washing new clothes, soak them in a mixture of salt and cold water to set the dye and prevent it from fading. For older clothes, add a small amount of salt to the wash cycle to revive the dull colours and extend the life of your favourite garments.

10 Genius Cleaning Hacks Using Salt

Wrapping up

Salt is incredibly versatile – from seasoning to cleaning to food preservation – it’s a natural and cost effective alternative to most synthetic chemicals. Whether you’re looking for eco friendly options or preparing for more detailed tasks, like cleaning the property before handing over the keys, these hacks will help keep your home in top shape. Try them out yourself. Happy Cleaning!