How to Use Salt in Homemade Cleaning Products

Salt is often associated with seasoning food, but its cleaning capabilities are just as impressive. Due to its abrasive texture, antibacterial properties, and deodorizing effects, salt can be a powerful ingredient in a variety of homemade cleaning solutions. It's also cost-effective, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly, making it a great choice for those looking to reduce their exposure to harsh chemicals. Here’s how to incorporate salt into your homemade cleaning routine.

1. Salt as an All-Purpose Scrub

Salt’s abrasive nature makes it ideal for scrubbing surfaces like countertops, sinks, and stovetops. You can create an effective scrub by mixing salt with a mild abrasive, such as baking soda or cream of tartar, and some liquid like water or vinegar. This combination can be used to scrub off grease, grime, and even some tougher stains.

DIY All-Purpose Scrub Recipe:

• 1/2 cup of baking soda
• 1/4 cup of salt (table salt or coarse salt works fine)
• 1/4 cup of vinegar or water
• 10-15 drops of essential oil (optional, for fragrance)

Instructions:

1. Combine the baking soda and salt in a bowl.
2. Add vinegar (or water) to form a paste.
3. Use a sponge or cloth to apply the scrub to dirty surfaces.
4. Scrub, rinse, and wipe clean.

This mixture is perfect for cleaning bathroom surfaces, kitchen counters, and even greasy oven racks.

2. Salt for Removing Stains

Salt can be a lifesaver when it comes to removing stains, especially from fabrics and carpets. It works by absorbing liquid stains and preventing them from setting. It’s particularly effective for things like wine or coffee stains on clothing or tablecloths.

DIY Stain Remover for Fabrics:

• 1 tablespoon of salt
• 2 tablespoons of baking soda
• A few drops of dish soap or liquid laundry detergent
• Warm water

Instructions:

1. Mix the salt and baking soda in warm water.
2. Add dish soap or laundry detergent to create a bubbly solution.
3. Apply this mixture to the stained area and gently scrub with a brush or cloth.
4. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing or washing the fabric as usual.

This simple solution is great for spills on clothing, upholstery, and table linens.

3. Salt to Clean Copper, Brass, and Stainless Steel

Copper and brass items often tarnish over time, but salt can help restore their shine. Salt works in combination with lemon juice or vinegar to break down tarnish and bring back the luster of metals like brass and copper.

DIY Copper and Brass Cleaner:

• 1/2 cup of salt
• 1/2 cup of vinegar or lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Mix salt and vinegar (or lemon juice) in a bowl to create a paste.
2. Use a soft cloth or sponge to rub the paste onto tarnished copper or brass.
3. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then scrub gently with a brush.
4. Rinse thoroughly and polish with a clean cloth.

For stainless steel, a similar mixture of salt and lemon juice can be used to remove fingerprints and stains, restoring the shiny appearance.

4. Salt to Deodorize and Freshen Fabrics

Salt can also act as a deodorizer to absorb odors from carpets, rugs, or upholstered furniture. Whether it’s musty smells or pet odors, salt’s ability to absorb moisture and neutralize odors makes it a great natural option.

DIY Carpet Deodorizer:

• 1 cup of salt
• 1/2 cup of baking soda
• 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix salt, baking soda, and essential oil in a bowl.
2. Sprinkle the mixture generously onto carpets or rugs.
3. Let it sit for at least 15-30 minutes to absorb odors.
4. Vacuum up the mixture.

This salt-based deodorizer works to keep your home smelling fresh, especially in areas with high foot traffic or where pets may leave unwanted smells.

5. Salt for Unclogging Drains

If your sink or bathtub is clogged, salt can work in conjunction with baking soda and vinegar to break up the blockage and keep your pipes clean. The combination creates a fizzy reaction that can help loosen debris and grime in the drain.

DIY Drain Cleaner:

• 1/4 cup of salt
• 1/4 cup of baking soda
• 1/2 cup of vinegar

Instructions:

1. Pour the salt and baking soda down the drain.
2. Follow it with vinegar.
3. Allow the mixture to sit for 15-30 minutes, then rinse with boiling water.

This simple, eco-friendly drain cleaner can help clear minor clogs and prevent future build-up in your pipes without the use of harsh chemicals.

6. Salt for Cleaning the Microwave

Microwaves can quickly become dirty with splatters of food and grease, but salt can help you clean them with ease. A mixture of salt and vinegar can break down grime, while the salt’s coarse texture helps scrub away stuck-on food particles.

DIY Microwave Cleaner:

• 1/2 cup of salt
• 1 cup of water
• 1 tablespoon of white vinegar

Instructions:

1. Mix the salt, water, and vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl.
2. Heat the mixture in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, allowing the steam to loosen grime.
3. Carefully remove the bowl and wipe the inside of the microwave with a damp cloth.

The steam from the solution will help dissolve food particles, and the salt can help with scrubbing any stubborn stains.

7. Salt for Removing Hard Water Stains

Hard water stains on faucets, showerheads, and glass shower doors can be stubborn to remove, but salt can help break them down when paired with vinegar or lemon juice.

DIY Hard Water Stain Remover:

• 1/2 cup of salt
• 1/2 cup of vinegar
• 1/2 cup of lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Combine the salt, vinegar, and lemon juice to make a paste.
2. Apply the paste to the hard water stains, focusing on affected areas.
3. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then scrub with a brush or sponge.
4. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean cloth.

This solution works wonders on faucets, showerheads, and any glass surfaces where mineral deposits are prevalent.

Conclusion

Salt is more than just a seasoning—it’s an excellent tool for homemade cleaning products. With its natural abrasiveness, antibacterial properties, and deodorizing effects, salt can be used to clean a variety of surfaces, remove stains, freshen fabrics, and even unclog drains. Best of all, salt is non-toxic, inexpensive, and readily available, making it a great choice for creating effective, eco-friendly cleaning solutions at home. By incorporating salt into your cleaning routine, you can maintain a cleaner, fresher, and more sustainable living space.