Salt is an essential ingredient in our kitchen, but did you know that it can also be your best ally when cleaning and maintaining your home? Indeed, salt has antibacterial and antifungal properties which make it an excellent natural cleaning product. Here are three surprising uses of salt for cleaning the house that will make your job easier.
1. Fight bacteria and mold on laundry
Regular use of chemicals to bleach and disinfect our clothes can cause skin irritation and are not always effective against all stains. Thanks to salt, you can clean your clothes while preserving their quality and without damaging the environment.
has. Eliminate bacteria and mold
Clothing and home textiles can quickly become colonized by bacteria and mold, especially if they remain damp or poorly dried after washing. Since salt has antimicrobial properties, it is very effective in eliminating these undesirables and maintaining a healthy environment in your home. To take advantage of these benefits:
- Mix a teaspoon of salt in a liter of lukewarm water
- Then soak your laundry in the solution for at least an hour
- Then rinse with clean water and dry normally.
Bacteria and mold will be eliminated without the use of chemicals.
b. Whiten and stain laundry
Salt can also be used to whiten and stain your clothes. If you have delicate or white laundry that has lost its shine, follow these steps:
- Mix 2 tablespoons of salt in a quart of hot water
- Let your laundry soak in the solution for 1 hour
- Scrub the stains with a soft brush or old toothbrush
- Finish with a normal machine wash.
Your laundry will regain its original color and will be cleaner than before. In addition, this method is just as effective for cleaning more fragile materials such as silk or lace, without damaging them.
2. Clean surfaces and objects in the house
Salt can be used to clean and disinfect different surfaces in our home. With its abrasive texture, it acts as a natural exfoliant that easily removes embedded dirt and helps combat unpleasant odors. Here are some examples of applications:
has. Clean the floors
Instead of using a chemical detergent, try this natural solution to clean your floor:
- Mix a handful of salt in a bucket of hot water
- Then scrub the floor with a mop dipped in the solution
- Rinse the mop well with clean water and repeat until the floor is clean.
This method is ideal for tile or stone floors; however, it is not recommended for waxed or varnished parquet floors.
b. Eliminate stains on your glass objects
Water stains on lenses can be difficult to remove. Try this tip to give your tarnished glass items a second lease of life:
- Create a paste from salt and a little water
- Apply this paste to water stains by rubbing lightly with a soft cloth
- Leave on for 15 minutes then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Your glasses will regain their transparency and will be like new.
3. Clean the kitchen and its utensils
The kitchen is a central room in our home, but it is also often exposed to dirt and bacteria. Salt can be a valuable ally in cleaning this room and its utensils and ensuring a healthy and hygienic environment for the whole family.
has. Clean pots and pans
Salt makes it easy to degrease pots and pans while removing encrusted residue:
- Generously sprinkle salt on affected surfaces
- Then rub with a damp sponge or cloth and rinse thoroughly with warm water
- Food residues and grease will thus be eliminated without the need to use an aggressive chemical product.
b. Descaling kettles and coffee makers
Over time, lime deposits can form in our household appliances and affect their operation. Here’s how to use salt to descale them:
- Fill your kettle or coffee maker with water and add 2 tablespoons of salt
- Let sit for at least two hours
- Heat the device then discard the water and rinse it carefully several times with clean water
This simple and natural method will help you extend the life of your devices, improve their performance and avoid the use of polluting chemicals.
Salt is an ingredient with multiple uses that can make our daily lives easier in maintaining our home. Don’t hesitate to explore these tips to enjoy the natural benefits of salt and reduce your consumption of household chemicals.
