Salt is a staple ingredient in almost every kitchen, but its usefulness extends far beyond simply seasoning your favorite dishes. This humble mineral has a
surprising range of practical applications beyond cooking. Here are seven non-cooking uses for salt that you might not have considered before.
1. Cleaning Agent: Salt can be an excellent natural cleaner for various household items. For example, mix equal parts salt and vinegar to
create a paste that can remove stubborn stains from cutting boards and even rust from metal surfaces.
2. Deodorizer: Whether it's the lingering odor of fish or a funky smell in your shoes, salt can help eliminate those unwanted odors. Sprinkle some salt inside smelly shoes or on
cutting boards and let it sit overnight. The salt will absorb the odors, leaving your items fresh and odor-free.
3. Unclogging Drains: Before reaching for harsh chemicals, try using salt to unclog your drains. Pour a mixture of salt and hot water down the drain and let it sit for a
few minutes. Then flush it with hot water. The abrasive nature of salt helps break down debris and clear minor clogs.
4. Removing Coffee and Tea Stains: Are your mugs stained from years of use? Try rubbing the inside with salt and a little water. The gentle abrasive quality of salt
can help lift those stubborn coffee and tea stains, leaving your mugs sparkling clean.
5. Reviving Sponges: Over time, kitchen sponges can become smelly and filled with bacteria. To extend their life and freshness, soak your sponge overnight in a mixture of 1 cup hot water, 1/2 cup
white vinegar, and 3 tablespoons of salt. Doing so helps to remove any odors, giving your sponges a new lease on life.
6. Extinguishing Grease Fires: Salt can be an effective tool in case of a small (emphasis on small) grease fire in the kitchen. Keep a container of salt
near the stove and, if a grease fire erupts, carefully pour a few handfuls of salt directly onto the flames. The salt will smother the fire by depriving it of oxygen.
7. Brightening Colors: If you have faded curtains or linens that are machine washable, a saltwater soak can
help bring back their vibrancy. Fill a basin with cold water, add a handful of salt, and soak the fabric for a few hours. Rinse thoroughly, and you may be surprised to see the colors revived.
