When you think of salt, you probably picture a trusty shaker on the dining table or a pinch tossed into a bubbling pot of soup. But did you know that this humble mineral has a long and fascinating history of use far beyond the kitchen?
For thousands of years, salt has been prized for its ability to season and preserve food and its remarkable versatility around the home and garden.
We love a good household hack that saves money, reduces waste, and simplifies life. So, before you reach for expensive specialty products, look at these clever ways to use salt daily.
1. Neutralise nasty odours
Salt is a natural deodoriser because it absorbs moisture and traps odours. To keep things fresh, sprinkle a generous layer of salt in the bottom of your rubbish bin, in smelly shoes, or the fridge.
Let the salt sit overnight for shoes, then shake it out in the morning—you’ll be amazed at the difference.
2. Remove stubborn clothing stains
Red wine on your favourite shirt? Sweat marks on collars? Salt to the rescue! For wine stains, blot the area with water, cover with salt, and let it sit for half an hour before washing.
For sweat stains, soak the garment in a solution of four tablespoons of salt to one litre of hot water, then sponge and wash as usual. It’s a gentle, effective way to tackle tough marks.
3. Polish copper and brass
Mix salt, white vinegar, and plain flour to make a paste if your copper pots or brass ornaments look dull.
Rub it onto the metal, leave for an hour, then buff with a soft cloth. The result? A gleaming finish without harsh chemicals.
4. Soothe bee stings and bug bites
Salt’s alkaline nature helps neutralise the acid in bee stings and can reduce swelling and discomfort. Mix a little salt with water to form a paste, apply to the sting, and let it sit for several minutes. For a relaxing all-over remedy, add Epsom salts to a warm bath.
5. Strengthen brittle nails
Try a weekly salt soak if your nails are prone to splitting or breaking. Combine a teaspoon of salt, a squeeze of lemon, and a tablespoon of bicarb soda in two cups of warm water. Soak your hands or feet for 10 minutes to help restore strength and shine.
6. Defrost icy windows
Salt lowers the freezing point of water, making it a handy tool for winter mornings. Sprinkle salt directly onto icy windscreens or make a spray by dissolving a cup of salt in a litre of water. Be careful not to spray metal parts, as salt can cause corrosion over time.
7. Naturally repel ants
Ants hate salt! Sprinkle it along windowsills, doorways, or anywhere you’ve spotted a trail. The salt dehydrates the ants and deters them from entering your home, all without resorting to harsh chemical sprays.
8. Exfoliate and rejuvenate skin
Salt’s coarse texture makes it a fantastic natural exfoliant. After a shower, gently rub a handful of salt onto damp skin to slough away dead cells and reveal smoother, fresher skin underneath. Remember to moisturise afterwards, as salt can be drying.
9. Remove water stains from wood
Water rings on your coffee table? Mix a teaspoon of salt with a few drops of water to form a paste, then gently rub it onto the stain with a soft cloth. Wipe clean and finish with furniture polish to restore the wood’s shine.
10. Disinfect piercings and jewellery
A simple saline solution (one-fourth teaspoon of non-iodised salt in a cup of warm water) is perfect for cleaning new piercings or soaking jewellery. It’s gentle, effective, and much cheaper than store-bought cleaners.
11. Relieve sore throats
The classic saltwater gargle is a time-honoured remedy for sore throats. Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in warm water and gargle for 30 seconds. It helps reduce inflammation and flush out irritants—repeat twice or thrice daily for best results.
12. Unclog drains
Skip the harsh chemicals and try this DIY solution: pour a cup of salt, bicarb soda, and half a cup of white vinegar down the drain. Let it fizz for 10 minutes, then flush with boiling water. It’s a safe, eco-friendly way to clear minor blockages.
Salt is one of your pantry’s most affordable, eco-friendly, and versatile items. Its uses are almost endless, from cleaning and deodorising to soothing stings and sprucing up your skin.
Just remember: a little goes a long way, and always check manufacturer guidelines before using salt on appliances or delicate surfaces.
Have you tried any of these salt hacks? Do you have a favourite salt use that we haven’t mentioned? Share your tips and stories in the comments below.
