Salt is one of the most used condiments in the kitchen. However, did you know that the uses of salt extend far beyond your kitchen and food? In fact, the Salt Institute claims that there are about 14,000 different uses for salt. Salt has been around since at least the medieval times. Back then, salt was very difficult to obtain but now, it is the most common and readily available non-metallic mineral in the world. It is non-toxic and endlessly abundant, unlike many other natural resources. There are many different types of salts: unrefined, refined, and iodized—but essentially, all salts are the same. No matter which of these types you have in your kitchen, here are fifteen alternative uses of salt.
- Clear residue in a vase. Flowers often leave a residue or deposit on the vase once you remove them. To get rid of these deposits, rub it with salt then wash the vase with soap and water. Alternatively, you can fill the vase with a strong solution of salt and water, shake or brush gently, and then wash the vase.
- Clean sink drains. Pour a mixture of salt and hot water down the kitchen sink at a regular basis to keep grease from building up in the drain and to effectively deodorize it.
- Keep milk fresh. Add a pinch of salt to your bottle of milk to keep it fresh for longer.
- Clean stained cups. Remove tea, coffee, or lipstick stains from your cups by rubbing it with salt. Wash with soapy water afterwards.
- Brighten wicker furniture. Wicker furniture yellows as it ages. To brighten it up, scrub it with a brush dipped in a solution of salt and water. Let it dry under the sun. It should look as good as new once it completely dries.
- Clean artificial flowers. You can freshen up your artificial flowers, either silk or nylon varieties, and give them a quick clean by placing them in a paper bag with one-fourth cup of salt. Gently shake the bag and your flowers should come out clean.
- Clean refrigerators. Refrigerators eventually get dirty and will emit an unpleasant odor. To clean and deodorize your fridge, wipe down its interior with a soda water and salt solution. This is also a great way to keep chemical-ridden cleansers away from your food.
- Keep flowers fresh. Add a dash of salt to the water in your vase to keep your fresh cut flowers fresh for longer.
- Reduce puffy eyes. Mix a teaspoon of salt in a pint of hot water. Dip a clean cloth or eye pad in the solution and place it over your closed eyes. Leave for about 10 minutes or until it becomes cool before removing or re-dipping.
- Easier spill clean-up. Spills on the stove while cooking, especially from when the pot bubbles over, is not an uncommon event. Sprinkle some salt on the spill before it gets the chance to cool to prevent it from hardening and make it easier to wipe off.
- Bee sting and bug bite relief. You can reduce the swelling and the pain from bee stings by wetting the affected area and covering it with salt. For bug bites, soak the area with salt water then coat with lard or vegetable oil for relief from itching.
- Prevent fruits and vegetables from browning. Drop peeled or cut apples, pears, and potatoes in lightly salted water to keep them from browning.
- Invigorating your goldfish. Let your goldfish swim in a solution of one teaspoon salt and a quart of room temperature fresh water for about 15 minutes to make them healthier. Return the goldfish to its original tank afterwards.
- Extend broom life. Soak a new broom in hot saltwater for about 20 minutes before it is first used to extend its lifespan.
- Reduce coffee bitterness. Add a pinch of salt to your coffee mug before pouring in a coffee brew that you’ve accidentally left on the burner for too long to reduce its bitter taste.
