Rare Uses Of Salt That You Might Not Have Heard About Before Today

1. Wine stain remover

Image Source/ Vapor CleanA red wine spill on a carpet usually means immediate panic stations. But this little trick will have you acting fast with no worries. First you need to dilute the stain with either water or white wine, then cover the stain with table salt. Leave it for around 10 minutes, dab the stain with a cloth and then vacuum the whole mess up. Voila!

2. Put out a fire

Image Source/ The KitchnA fire in the house is nice in winter, but it can take a very long time to burn out. You can go to bed worry free by just throwing some salt on the fire to burn the fire out quicker, reducing any danger. Another benefit of salt is that it can put out grease fires. With these fires, water can actually cause it to spread, so covering the flames with salt is a much better idea.

3. Clean artificial flowers

Image Source/ House BeautifulArtificial flowers are a great addition to any house, with no risk of them wilting and dying. However, they can get a little dusty. Did you know you can use salt to keep them dust free? Fill a bag with some salt, add your fake flowers and shake. Any dirt will be removed and your flowers will be left looking flawless.

4. Keep cheese fresh for longer

Image Source/ Let's Eat HealthyEveryone loves cheese. Or at least everyone with good taste. If you have eyes bigger than your belly and have overstocked on your cheese then you can extend its fridge life with an easy trick. Soak a cloth in salt water and then wrap your cheese. Keep it in the fridge as normal but enjoy an extra week of shelf life!

5. Prolong the life of a sponge

Image Source/ Better Homes and GardensNo one wants to use a manky looking sponge. However, a lot of sponges are thrown away unnecessarily when you can actually use salt to give them a refresh. To revive your sponges, soak them overnight in a quarter cup of salt and one litre of water. Air dry them and they will be as good as new.

6. A natural alternative to mouthwash

Image Source/ The Washington PostMouthwash that you buy from the supermarket can contain all sorts of colouring and sweeteners that definitely aren't good for your teeth. Sometimes, natural is best, so why not try going back to basics! Combine 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda and half a cup of water. Give it a gargle. It won't be minty fresh, but it will be naturally refreshed!

7. Refresh smelly shoes

Image Source/ NikeIs it smelly feet or smelly shoes? Who knows. Trainers and other shoes can get pretty stinky, especially if worn without socks, and those smells can really linger. However, you can deodorise your shoes by sprinkling some salt in them to soak up any lingering smells and leave them fresh and clean.

8. Get rid of lipstick marks

Image Source/ StockFoodA well made lipstick is designed to withstand water, hence why those lipstick marks on your glasses are so hard to remove! All you need to do is give your glasses a scrub with salt before rinsing them or putting them in the dishwasher. Use this the next time you have lots of stained post-party glasses.

9. Homemade drain unblocker

Image Source/ DIYnotAny girl with long hair will despair at how often they are having to unblock the plug hole in their shower, and also how much they are spending on expensive drain unblocker. There is actually an easier and cheaper fix. You can mix 1 cup of salt with 1 cup of baking soda and half a cup of white vinegar, pour it all down your drain and leave it. Finish off with pouring boiled water down after it.

10. Polish your brass ornaments

Image Source/ Selling AntiquesIf you have any antique, rustic ornaments at home, keep them shining with this homemade cleaning solution. Mix equal parts salt, flour and white vinegar to form a paste and then use it to polish your ornaments. Leave it on them for an hour or so then wipe off with a clean cloth.

11. Clean your fish tank

Image Source/ The Design SheppardHard water can cause a build up of mineral deposits in your fish tank. To remove them, rub the stains with salt then rinse the tank out. Now your tank is ready for its guests. Be sure to use plain salt, not iodised, to protect the future fish that will inhabit your tank.

12. Drip proof your candles

Image Source/ PinterestCandles that don't drip! Who would have thought? This cool hack will tidy up your candle display. Place your candles in a bowl of saltwater (2 cups water, 2 tablespoons salt) for 24 hours then pat them dry. This creates a 'shell' around the candle and will catch any drips of wax.

13. Remove grass stains

Image Source/ First For WomenBefore you spend half your money on pricey stain removers, try this home hack first! Try using lemon and salt on stubborn grass stains. First squeeze lemon juice on the stain, then add salt and scrub until the stain has gone. Finish by running it through the washing machine.

14. Instant bee sting relief

Image Source/ NPRThis little remedy will help you out if you ever find yourself in a prickly situation with a bee. Salt is a natural salve, so if you ever get stung by a bee you should immediately wet the sting and cover with salt to lessen the pain and reduce the inflammation and swelling.

15. Clean your fridge

Image Source/ SmarterWhen cleaning your fridge, you'd be surprised how difficult some food stains and smells are to get rid of. All you need is a little salt! Mix half a cup of salt with two litres of warm water, add in some elbow grease and get scrubbing. It's recommended you clean your fridge and freezer every 3 to 6 months, so next time use this hack to make your life easier!

16. Keep flowers in place

Image Source/ Fair Hill FloristFresh flowers are always a treat, especially when someone else buys them! Arranging them is quite the task though. You can use Epsom Salts to fill the bottom of the vase and keep your flowers in place. If you're a fan of artificial flowers, you can use salt with a little cold water which will solidify and hold these in place too.

17. Restoring wicker

Image Source/ Bliss and BloomWicker furniture tends to yellow over time and with exposure to the sun. To refresh your wicker pieces, scrub it with a brush that's been dipped in warm, salty water. Let it air dry in the sun after this. Repeat yearly and keep your furniture looking fresh!

18. Dandruff treatment

Image Source/ First DermIf Head&Shoulders isn't making the cut, maybe you don't need to look much further than your kitchen cupboard for dandruff treatment. You can use salt as a pre-shampoo treatment to scrub out all the dandruff, and then continue to wash your hair properly. Sprinkle some salt on your scalp and give yourself a head massage. Try it!

19. Windscreen de-icer

Image Source/ Car Glass ServiceNow this salt hack is SO clever! There is nothing more annoying than running late for work, only to find your windscreen completely frozen over. Rather than having to wait for your windscreen to defrost, plan ahead the night before with this neat little trick. Salt decreases the temperature at which ice freezes, so if you fill a cloth bag with salt and rub it on your windscreen it will stop it freezing overnight!

20. Soothe your sore throat

Image Source/ New York PostSalt is great for reducing swelling, loosening mucous and flushing out bacteria. All of which can cause a sore throat. So next time you wake up with a tickle in your throat, add some salt to a glass of water and gargle for 30 seconds to help ease the pain and stop a sore throat in its tracks.

21. Tea and Coffee stain remover

Image Source/ Step by StepIf you're addicted to tea and coffee like everyone else, you will know how hard it is to remove the stains from mugs. But now we have a trick to help you remove them. Sprinkle some salt onto a sponge and scrub the stains away. If the stain is particularly stubborn, add a dash of white vinegar too.

22. Homemade exfoliator

Image Source/ IPSYEver spent an obscene amount of money on overpriced skincare? Maybe it's time to make your own. You can use salt like any other exfoliant, just massage into damp skin. Sea salt is the best, but any old table salt will work too! Exfoliating will help remove dead skin and boost your circulation.

23. Give your chopping boards a refresh

Image Source/ Wallpaper FlareYou don't need a scientist to tell you how much bacteria is probably living on your chopping boards. Luckily, there is an easy way to sanitise all your chopping boards. Add a salt scrub step into your washing up regime to kill any bacteria that might be hiding. For wooden boards, you can also use a lemon wedge to rub the salt in.

24. Watermark remover

Image Source/ Housewife How-TosWatermarks on wood or glass can be a real eye sore. You can easily make them disappear by using a teaspoon of salt with a little water to form a paste. Use a soft cloth to work the paste into the watermark until it's gone then rinse. Now those stand out marks will be gone from all your kitchen staples.

25. Stop towels from fading in the wash

Image Source/ The Interiors AddictBrightly coloured towels, especially when new, are prone to running and fading. Thankfully, there is an easy fix. For their first few washes, add 1 or 2 cups of salt into the washing machine and it will help prevent any colour from running. Now you will never ruin a new set of towels.

26. Sweat stain remover

Image Source/ DandiHow gross are those yellow armpit stains on a white T-shirt. They are notoriously difficult to remove, even with stain remover and a hot wash. Salt is a natural stain remover that you can try. Add 5 tablespoons of salt to 1 litre of hot water, then apply to the stain with a sponge. Finish with a cycle in the washing machine and admire your new, fresh T-shirt.

27. Prolong the life of milk

Image Source/ The GuardianIf you have milk left that's nearing the end of its life, you can extend this with just a pinch of salt. Literally. A pinch of salt into your milk will get you an extra day or two of life. This trick will also work with fresh cream. I know no one fancies a drink of salty milk, but with just a pinch you won't even taste it.

28. Test how fresh an egg is

Image Source/ AmazonIf you're ever unsure how fresh the eggs in your fridge are, there is a quick test you can do by just using salt. Add some salt to water, and then add the egg. If your egg sinks, it's fresh. If it floats, it's rotten! It's as simple as that. Never let an egg go to waste again!

29. Stop weeds from growing

Image Source/ Inch CalculatorWeeds on your patio and driveway can be a very messy sight. You can get rid of them by adding one cup of salt with two cups of water to a pan then bring it to the boil. This hot, salt water concoction will kill the weeds within a few hours so they will be easy to pull out. To simplify it even further, just sprinkle some salt over the weeds before it rains.

30. Clean flower residue from vases

Image Source/ Send Flowers and MoreEw, the cloudy aftermath of having fresh flowers in your favourite vase. Did you know you can use salt to clean this too? If you rub salt on the ring of deposits, then wash the vase with warm, soapy water, you will find your cloudy vase is sparkling again! Use a bottle brush or a sponge to scrub!

31. Prevent Hard Water Build Up 

Image Source / Daily ExpressIf you live in an area with hard water, then you know how annoying it is to get hard water build up and limescale on your appliances or on your bathroom sinks, toilets and anything else. You can condition your water with salt, because it’s made to tackle water that’s high in calcium and magnesium, and therefore help against limescale!

32. Put A Stop To Poison Ivy

Image Source / The SpruceIf you want to stop poison ivy at the source instead of waiting to treat the sting, then salt can help with that. If you find that you have poison ivy growing in your garden, you can use 1kg of salt and 5 litres of soapy water to mix in a spray bottle and spray on the leaves.

33. Soothe That Mosquito Bite

Image Source / WikipediaWith the whole saying about ‘rubbing salt in the wound’, you might have thought using salt for any kind of itch or bite might be counterproductive. But you can easily soothe a mosquito bite with salt by soaking your itch in a salt water solution.

34. An On-The-Go Stain Remover

Image Source / VanishIf you’re clumsy at a restaurant and get a food stain on your white shirt, or maybe you have a toddler who likes to get messy on family days out, you can use salt as a stain treatment. Cover the stain with some salt and it’ll soak up the grease so the stain won’t settle before you have chance to get it in the wash.

35. Slug And Snail Repellent

Image Source / National Plant Protection CentreNothing is a gardener’s worst nightmare more than slugs and snails attacking well-nurtured plants and ruining your hard work. Salt is an easy way for garden pest problems, as it will shrivel up slugs and snails in no time. You can also put down salt to deter them in the first place.

36. Ant Repellent

Image Source / GoPests.comYou might have already known salt is a great slug repellent, but did you know it works as an ant repellent, too? If you’ve noticed that you’re having ants in certain rooms, such as getting in the kitchen through the back door, you can draw a line of salt to stop them from coming in.

37. Perfect Your Poached Eggs

Image Source / RedditThe perfect poached egg is notoriously hard to make for a lot of people, but salt can help with that. If you add ½ a teaspoon of salt to the water before adding the egg, it will help to set the whites and hopefully result in a better poached egg!

38. Make Your Whipping For Cooking And Baking A Lot Easier

Image Source / King Arthur BakingWhipping is hard work, but it’s unfortunately necessary for a lot of delicious recipes, especially baking when you need to whip those egg whites. But if you add a small pinch of salt to egg whites or cream then it will actually be easier to beat.

39. More Tasty Potatoes

Image Source / Recipe GardenYou might sprinkle salt onto your cooked potatoes once they’re on the plate, but it’s much better if you do it during cooking. If you’re boiling a potato or two, take them out of the water after they’ve boiled, sprinkle with salt and then return to the pan. It will make them more flavourful.

40. Freshen Up Those Dirty Salad Leaves

Image Source / TripAdvisorIt’s always important to wash those salad leaves before you eat, but rinsing them sometimes just isn’t enough. They may still be gritty or brown, but salt can help with that. If you soak your leaves in a bowl of salt water (around 2 or 3 teaspoons of salt) and move them around, it’ll help to get into the nooks and crannies and clean them better.

41. Get Rid Of Those Food Smells From Your Hands

Image Source / The Daily EdgeIf you’re a fan of cooking with garlic, onion or fish then you’ll know the downside is having stinky hands afterwards, and it won’t go away no matter how much you wash them. But if you wash your hands as normal afterwards, rub your hands against something made from stainless steel (like a pan) and then rub a pinch of salt into your fingers, the smell should be eliminated!

42. Make Your Coffee Less Bitter

Image Source / TripAdvisorNot everyone loves an overly sweet coffee, but that doesn’t mean a bitter coffee is great, either. If you don’t add sugar or sweetener to your coffee but want to avoid the bitter taste, add a pinch of salt to your cup. It can neutralize the more bitter taste.

43. Soothe A Sunburn

Image Source / Irish MirrorIf you’re up against a painful sunburn, you can ease it by making a mixture of Epsom salt and water in a spray bottle and applying it to the affected areas. It will help to ease the pain, irritation and even the redness, too.

44. Prolong The Life Of Your Bristled Broom

Image Source / Shetland’s Garden Tool BoxIf you’ve a household broom, you can make sure it lasts as long as possible by treating the bristles with salt. Make a mixture of hot salty water and then soak the broom for about 20 minutes. Let it dry out afterwards before using again.

45. Give Faded Linens A New Lease Of Life

Image Source / Rose and FoxglovesLines can easily fade in the wash, and even worse if it’s your favourite clothing item. But you can prepare a strong saltwater solution and dip a cloth in it before rubbing it on your linen clothing (or any other item, like linen curtains) but make sure to wring out the cloth a little first so it isn’t dripping wet.

46. De-Fog Your Car’s Windshield

Image Source / Daily RecordEven after clearing your windshield of ice and snow, you can still have that pesky fog on the glass that still makes it hard to see. If you rub a bag of salt on the windshield it can help keep your window completely clear during the winter.

47. Get Rid Of Rust

Image Source / RedditIf you have some rusty kitchen knives, you can treat them with 6 tablespoons of salt (as well as 2 tablespoons of lemon juice) to have them looking new again. This will create a paste which you can rub onto the rusty area and then rinse well before using again.

48. Get Grease Stains Out Of Your Carpet Or Sofa

Image Source / Cleaner Cleaner LtdGrease stains easily happen, but salt’s here to help. Mix one part salt to four parts rubbing alcohol and then apply to the affected area on your couch or carpet. If using for a carpet, it’s better to rub in the carpet’s natural direction. The stain should then fade away.

49. Unstick Food Bits From The Bottom Of Pans

Image Source / Cleaning - LoveToKnowIt’s normal to leave a pot or pan soaking overnight if it has a stubborn food stain, but you could be missing a trick if you’re soaking in normal water and not saltwater. Leave a saltwater solution overnight and it’ll make everything easier to clean the next day.

50. Get Rid Of Blood Stains

Image Source / Aftermath ServicesCut yourself, or had a nosebleed on your favourite linen top? You can get blood out of fabric by soaking it in salt water and then washing afterwards with hot soapy water. You can also try a cold saltwater soak which you can leave your garment in for a while.

51. Make Your Fireplace Cleanup A Little Easier

Image Source / Fireplace - Cleaning and SealingWith cold weather setting in, you might be excited about using your fireplace, but not so excited about cleaning it. Before you go to bed when your fire is dying down, throw some salt on it to prevent less soot build up, making the cleanup easier.

52. Freshen Up Your Garbage Disposal

Image Source / AllrecipesIf you've noticed a less than pleasant smell from your garbage disposal, it might be time for a refresh. Pour in 1/2 a cup of salt and run some cold water, then start the garbage disposable. The salt will then work to break away anything stuck and therefore stop the smell!

53. Get Stains Off Enamel Pans

Image Source / The Navage PatchEnamel pans are the worst to clean, and they get stained far too easily. You can make it a lot easier by filling the pan with salt water and soaking overnight. Next day, boil the salt water that's in the pan and then wash away the stains easily.

54. Avoid Those Oven Spills From Getting Stuck

Image Source / eBayIf you've had a mishap with the oven and had some food boil or spill over, don't let it stubbornly get stuck and stain your oven. Instead, put some salt on it while it's still warm and running, and when the oven cools, you'll be able to more easily wipe it away.

55. Scrub Away Burnt Milk

Image Source / YouTubeBurnt milk spills are not only stubborn but they stink too! Salt makes it easier to tackle burnt milk; wet the site of burnt milk and then apply salt. Leave to soak for around 10 minutes, then scrub away. The salt should absorb both the milk and the smell.

56. Clean Up Your Fogged Drinking Glasses

Image Source / The Washington PostSometimes glasses come out of the dishwasher look less than shiny, with that weird fogged-up murky look about them. You can then mix a small amount of salt with just over a litre of vinegar. Soak the glasses in the solution overnight and simply wipe away in the morning!

57. Tidy Up Dough Mess

Image Source / The Fresh LoafIf you've been working with dough to make some fresh bread, you'll already know how annoying it is to clean up the remaining bits of dough all over the countertop. You can sprinkle salt along your counter and then wipe away with a sponge!

58. Keep Your Teapot Spout Nice And Shiny

Image Source / TripAdvisorTeapots inevitably get their spouts all stained up, but you can clean them with salt. Stuff as much salt as you can into the spout so it's packed tight and then leave overnight. In the morning, you can pour through boiling water until the salt has washed away.

59. Give Your Coffee Percolator Some TLC

Image Source / WikipediaYou can usually tell when your percolator needs a clean when your coffee is tasting more bitter than usual. To sort, you can fill your percolator with water mixed with 4 tablespoons of salt. Percolate as you usually would, then rinse it (and all the parts) before using again.

60. Stop Getting Splattered By Cooking Grease

Image Source / Metro VancouverIf you're used to get assaulted by grease splatters on your hands, clothes or - worse - your face when you're cooking something especially greasy in a frying pan, then next time you can try added a sprinkling of salt to the pan first. This should mean no grease splatters, either on you or your hob!

61. Boil Water In A More Nifty Fashion

Image Source / Food.comIf you need to cook something that requires boiled water, then add a couple of pinches of salt to the water first. This will make it boil at a higher temperature, resulting in your food needing less time in the pan. The salt doesn't boil water quicker, it just makes the temperature higher.

62. Make Shelling Eggs Less Stressful

Image Source / RedditIs there anything more annoying than trying to break into a hard boiled egg and just ended up with tiny fragments of shell that you have to spend an hour picking off? To avoid all this hassle, add a teaspoon of salt to the water you're going to boil your eggs in.

63. Ensure Your Spinach Gets A More Thorough Wash

Image Source / RedditSpinach is a pain to try and wash because it's nearly impossible to get into all the nook and crannies. To make it easier, wash your spinach in salt water instead of normal water. The salt will help to better rinse away the dirt.

64. Give Your Apples Some Wrinkle Treatment

Image Source / Adam's ApplesYou take care of your own skin to avoid wrinkles, so why not do the same for your apples, too? If they're looking kinda wrinkly, you can soak them in a mild salt water solution to make them nice and smooth again!

65. Stop Your Cut Fruit Pieces From Going Brown

Image Source / Sites at Penn StateIf you're a fan of preparing cut fruit pieces in advance, then you'll know the pain of them going brown before you've even managed to eat them. To avoid this happening, soak the cut pieces of fruit in a bowl of mild salt water.

66. Clean Up Spilled Egg Easily

Image Source / Fresh Eggs DailyTrying to clean up a spilled egg is close to impossible - there's just no way to soak it up, and it's like trying to keep hold of a slippery fish. To make it easier, sprinkle salt over the spilled egg. This will make it a more solid mixture for you to then clean up!

67. Give Your Iron A Clean

Image Source / ISU Extension and Outreach Blogs - Iowa State UniversityThe metal plate of your iron can get clogged up easily - which isn't ideal when that's the part you need for your clothes. Whether it's something you've burned, something that's melted on it or just general dirt, you can sprinkle salt on to a piece of newspaper and place on your ironing board before switching your iron to hot and running over the salt.

68. Clean Out Your Flowerpot

Image Source / The Gardening CookYou can avoid cleaning your flowerpots with water (which makes a cakey muddy catastrophe) by instead using salt. Sprinkle the salt inside the pot and then scrub away with a dry brush instead of using water. This helps to avoid a wet mess!

69. An Old-Fashioned Breath Refresher

Image Source / StylecrazeMake your own mouthwash the old-fashioned way! If you'd rather avoid store-bought mouthwash, you can instead mix together 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/2 a cup of water. Rinse and gargle in your mouth and then spit out (don't swallow!).

70. Get Rid Of Muddy Footprints

Image Source / Dreamstime.comIf you've accidentally trailed muddy footprints over your carpet - or the kids or the dog have done it for you - don't worry, salt can help. Sprinkle salt onto the areas of mud on your carpet to dry it out, and then vacuum away as you usually would!