Devin Jacobs
Salt is such a quiet presence in our lives—always there on the kitchen counter, yet it is so much more than a simple seasoning. With just a handful of salt, you can tackle some of life’s everyday hassles in unexpected ways. Here are 10 practical hacks that show you the power of salt for the small, practical things in life.
Stop Wine Stains Before They Set
Spilling a bit of a glass of wine on the carpet or tablecloth can feel like a crisis, especially when that rich red begins to stain. But salt can change that with a layer over the wet stain. After a few minutes, brush the salt away and rinse with cold water to see its magic.
Keep Ants from Invading Your Space
Ants have a way of making themselves at home, especially in warmer months. Salt can help stop them from reaching your countertops or window sills. Just sprinkle a bit along windows, doors, or any small gaps they use to sneak inside. With this, it will create an invisible boundary they’re less likely to cross.
Freshen Up Your Sneakers Overnight
There’s something about a favorite pair of shoes—comfortable, broken in, but maybe not so fresh anymore. Salt can make a difference here, too. Put a small amount inside each sneaker and leave it overnight. By morning, it’ll have absorbed moisture and odors, and you will get a renewed, cleaner scent.
Unclog Drains with a Simple, Safe Solution
Drains don’t always need harsh chemicals to stay clear. When you notice a slow drain, try using salt. Pour about half a cup directly down the drain, followed by boiling water. The salt’s texture helps break up minor clogs, and the hot water flushes the drain clean. However, this may not work for severe blockages.
Brighten Up Stained Coffee Mugs
A stained coffee mug feels like a small sign of a well-loved routine, but there’s no harm in giving it a refresh. Add a bit of salt to your mug and rub gently with a damp cloth. Those stubborn brown stains lift easily, and soon your favorite cup looks as good as new.
Restore the Sparkle to Silverware
Over time, silverware loses its shine and is often overlooked until you need it for a nice dinner. Instead of scrubbing, line a bowl with aluminum foil, add salt, and pour in hot water. Drop in the silverware and let it sit—the tarnish fades as the salt reacts with the foil, restoring its sparkle.
Prevent Frosted Windows in Winter
Chilly mornings often begin with scraping frost off windows, which can be a hassle. Saltwater can help you here, too, though its effectiveness can vary. Simply dip a sponge in the mixture to create a barrier that prevents frost from forming. When winter hits, your view stays clear!
Deodorize the Trash Bin Naturally
No one likes the lingering smell in a trash bin, even after it’s emptied. Before adding a new bag, just sprinkle a bit of salt at the bottom of the bin. And it will absorb odors and moisture that cause the stench. It’s a simple way to keep your kitchen smelling fresh.
Help Fresh Flowers Last Longer
A bouquet can bring so much warmth to a room and you can keep them fresh for a little longer by adding a pinch of salt to the vase water. Salt slows down the bacteria that cause wilting, letting you enjoy those blooms just a bit more before they fade.
Keep Clothes Bright in the Wash
Colors can fade quickly, but salt can help as a natural laundry solution to slow that process. You can use it to keep clothes vibrant wash after wash just by adding half a cup to your wash cycle. Salt helps lock in dyes and prevent bleeding, though its effectiveness may vary.