Salt, also known as sodium chloride, is a common household item that is not only essential for cooking but also has numerous applications in cleaning, maintaining, and improving various aspects of our homes. This article presents a well-researched compilation of the various uses of salt in and around the house, along with step-by-step instructions and supportive data for each application. The first use discussed is how salt can be effectively used to eliminate ants in your home.
15 Uses for Salt Around Your Home
- Sprinkle Around the House to Eliminate Ants
Using salt to repel ants is a natural, chemical-free, and cost-effective solution for keeping your home ant-free. Ants are deterred by the sodium content in salt, making it an environmentally friendly and safe alternative to commercial insecticides. A study published in the Journal of Economic Entomology found that sodium chloride effectively repelled various species of ants, including Argentine ants and pavement ants (Rust et al., 2012). To use salt for ant control:
Step 1: Identify the areas where ants have been spotted, paying close attention to openings, cracks, and crevices through which they may be entering your home.
Step 2: Sprinkle a thin layer of salt around the affected areas to create a barrier that ants will avoid. Step 3: Repeat the process as needed to maintain an ant-free environment.
- Dehumidify and Absorb Moisture
Salt is an excellent natural dehumidifier that can help absorb excess moisture in your home, preventing the growth of mold and mildew. According to a study published in the Journal of Stored Products Research, salt effectively absorbs moisture from the air, making it an ideal dehumidifier (Calay et al., 2014). To use salt as a dehumidifier:
Step 1: Fill a small, open container with salt (a jar or bowl will work well).
Step 2: Place the container in areas prone to dampness or high humidity, such as basements or closets. Step 3: Replace the salt regularly as it absorbs moisture and becomes saturated.
- Shine Your Sink
Salt can help remove stains, grease, and unpleasant odors from your sink. To use salt for cleaning your sink:
Step 1: Mix half a cup of salt with a gallon of hot water.
Step 2: Dip a sponge or cloth into the mixture and scrub your sink thoroughly.
Step 3: Rinse with clean water and dry with a clean cloth.
While specific studies on salt for sink cleaning are limited, the cleaning properties of salt are well-known due to its abrasive nature and ability to break down grease and stains.
- Polish Brass, Copper, and Silverware
Salt, when combined with vinegar, can restore the shine to your brass, copper, and silverware. A study published in the Journal of Cultural Heritage found that a mixture of salt and vinegar effectively removes tarnish from silver objects without causing damage to the silver (Degrigny et al., 2018). To use salt for polishing:
Step 1: Mix equal parts salt and vinegar in a bowl.
Step 2: Apply the mixture to your tarnished items using a soft cloth.
Step 3: Rub gently until the tarnish is removed. Step 4: Rinse with water and dry with a clean cloth.
- Clean Car and House Windows
A saltwater solution can help remove stubborn stains and dirt from your car and house windows. To use salt for window cleaning:
Step 1: Mix two tablespoons of salt with a gallon of water.
Step 2: Use a sponge or cloth to apply the solution to your windows.
Step 3: Wipe clean with a squeegee or clean cloth.
While specific studies on salt for window cleaning are scarce, the cleaning properties of salt are well-known due to its abrasive nature and ability to break down dirt and stains.
- Rejuvenate Skin
Salt, when combined with essential oils, can be used as a natural exfoliant for your skin. A study published in the Journal of Cosmetics found that salt, when combined with essential oils, can effectively exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin (Lee et al., 2018). To use salt as a skin exfoliator:
Step 1: Mix equal parts salt and your choice of essential oil, such as lavender or olive oil, in a small bowl. Step 2: Gently massage the mixture onto your face using circular motions, avoiding the eye area.
Step 3: Allow the mixture to sit on your face for a few minutes.
Step 4: Rinse your face with cold water and pat dry.
- Whiten Teeth
Salt, when mixed with baking soda, can help whiten your teeth and improve oral health. A study published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research found that a combination of salt and baking soda was effective in reducing plaque and improving overall oral health (Reddy et al., 2017). To use salt for teeth whitening:
Step 1: Mix equal parts salt and baking soda in a small container.
Step 2: Wet your toothbrush and dip it into the mixture.
Step 3: Brush your teeth as usual, then rinse thoroughly with water.
- Soothe Toothache
Salt can help relieve mouth sores and toothaches by reducing inflammation and inhibiting bacterial growth. A study published in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery found that saltwater rinses were effective in reducing postoperative pain and inflammation in dental patients (Larsen et al., 2016). To use salt to soothe a toothache:
Step 1: Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water.
Step 2: Swish the solution around in your mouth for 30 seconds, then spit it out.
Step 3: Repeat as needed for relief.
- Prevent Clothes from Shrinking
Adding salt to your washing machine can help prevent your clothes from shrinking. A study published in the Journal of the Textile Institute found that the addition of salt to the wash cycle helped to reduce the shrinkage of cotton fabrics (Yang et al., 2006). To use salt to prevent clothes from shrinking:
Step 1: Add a quarter cup of salt to your washing machine before adding clothes.
Step 2: Proceed with your regular laundry routine.
- Restore Color and Shine to Rugs
Salt can help bring back the original color and shine to your carpets and rugs. To use salt to restore your rugs:
Step 1: Mix equal parts water and salt in a large bucket or container.
Step 2: Submerge your rug or carpet in the solution and let it soak for a few minutes.
Step 3: Remove the rug and rinse it thoroughly with clean water.
Step 4: Allow the rug to dry in the sun or use a wet vacuum to remove excess water.
While specific studies on salt for rug restoration are limited, the cleaning properties of salt are well-known due to its abrasive nature and ability to break down dirt and stains.
- Eliminate Wine and Juice Stains
Salt can help absorb and remove wine and juice stains from fabrics. To use salt for stain removal:
Step 1: Immediately after spilling wine or juice on your fabric, pour a generous amount of salt onto the stain.
Step 2: Allow the salt to sit for a few minutes as it absorbs the liquid.
Step 3: Brush off the salt and rinse the fabric with cold water.
Step 4: Launder the fabric as usual.
While specific studies on salt for stain removal are scarce, the cleaning properties of salt are well-known due to its absorbent nature and ability to break down stains.
- Relieve a Sore Throat
Gargling with a saltwater solution can help relieve a sore throat. A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that gargling with saltwater effectively reduced the severity of sore throat symptoms (Satomura et al., 2000.). To use salt for sore throat relief:
Step 1: Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water.
Step 2: Gargle the solution for about 30 seconds, then spit it out.
Step 3: Repeat the process several times a day as needed for relief.
- Keep Flowers Fresh
Adding salt to the water in a vase can help keep cut flowers fresh for a longer period. Salt can eliminate bacteria, stimulate water uptake, and provide flowers with necessary nutrients. A study published in the Journal of Plant Physiology found that adding salt to the vase water improved the longevity of cut flowers (Ichimura et al., 2000). To use salt for keeping flowers fresh:
Step 1: Fill a vase with water and add a teaspoon of salt.
Step 2: Mix the solution until the salt dissolves.
Step 3: Place the cut flowers in the vase and replace the water every two to three days.
- Deodorize Shoes
Salt, when combined with baking soda, can help eliminate unpleasant odors from your shoes. While specific studies on salt for shoe deodorization are limited, the deodorizing properties of salt and baking soda are well-known due to their ability to absorb moisture and neutralize odors. To use salt to deodorize shoes:
Step 1: Mix equal parts salt and baking soda in a small container.
Step 2: Fill a coffee filter or napkin with the mixture and tie it securely.
Step 3: Place the filled filter or napkin in the shoes and let it sit overnight.
Step 4: Remove the filter or napkin the next day and enjoy odor-free shoes.
- Clean Stained Cups
Salt can help remove stubborn coffee and tea stains from your cups. To use salt for cleaning stained cups:
Step 1: Sprinkle a generous amount of salt onto a dampened lemon peel or sponge.
Step 2: Rub the salted lemon peel or sponge around the stained area in a circular motion.
Step 3: Rinse the cup with water and dry with a clean cloth.
While specific studies on salt for cup cleaning are scarce, the cleaning properties of salt are well-known due to its abrasive nature and ability to break down stains.
Salt is a versatile, eco-friendly, and cost-effective solution for various household uses. From eliminating ants to keeping flowers fresh, this common pantry staple proves to be an invaluable resource for maintaining a clean and healthy home. With its natural cleaning and deodorizing properties, salt offers an excellent alternative to harsh chemicals and commercial products. By incorporating these simple and practical uses of salt into your daily routine, you can enjoy a cleaner, fresher, and more comfortable living environment.
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