Do you know that there are several non-cooking uses for salt in housekeeping? We’ve already looked at the uses of Vaseline and saw that there’s no need to buy expensive items to do DIY work, cleaning, repairing etc around the home. Salt works in the same way too and can be a cheap alternative to a lot of things you do around the home – especially when it comes to housekeeping. You can see more in our new housekeeping series here.

1. Collect your kids’ smelly plastic juice bottles, stale flasks and other closed containers and soak them with salty water. Leave this overnight and come back tomorrow to fresher smelling bottles and containers.

2. Put some salt in your greasy baking pans and wipe down with paper towels. This makes them easier to wash because the salt cuts through most of the grease.

uses-for-salt-in-housekeeping

3. Collect your faded washable curtains and rugs and put them in the washing machine with a splash of salt added in your washing soap chamber.  They’ll come out brightened and newer looking, but make sure that they’re washable before you do this. (If they’re not washable, they may shrink).

4. Collect all your flower vases, and soak them in a strong solution of water and salt. Rub down with a sponge after a soak. If you can’t reach down to the bottom of the vase, just dump in a handful of raw rice at the end of a long soak (rice works as a scrubber) get something to place on the top of the vase and shake vigorously. Or if you have access to an old bottle brush you can use this instead. This treatment is perfect for getting out those stubborn stains stuck in flower vases.

5. Salt is also great for treating perspiration-stained garments. Dissolve 5 tablespoons of salt in one litre of hot water.  Sponge the garments with the solution and watch the stains disappear. You can then place the garments in the washing machine, add washing powder, and wash as usual.

6. Work on your watermarks left on tables and other wooden surfaces by making a paste with water and salt.  Work into the stain with a soft cloth until it’s completely gone.

 7. Salt can be placed around your doors and windows frames to stop ants and other insects entering the house. They won’t cross the salt barrier. Remember to replace after heavy rain.

Salt uses for personal grooming…

Salt can be used as a cheap teeth-whitener (and gum treatment). Grind down the salt as much as you can (maybe with a rolling pin on a cutting board). Add one part salt to two parts baking soda, make a paste and brush your teeth with it.  You’ll see a marked difference in colour.  This is for whitening, removing plaque and healthy gums.

You can also get rid of your dandruff and get a cheap head massage with salt.  Sprinkle some salt in your scalp and rub through thoroughly.  The abrasive nature of salt will scrub out the dandruff better than shampoos in wet hair.  This will also give you a good head massage.

If you know of any other great uses for salt in housekeeping, please share them with us in the comments below. While you can clean the above items with the help of salt, if you need advice on professional rug cleaning, visit the site for their help. 

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