30 Other Ways to Use Salt in Your Home

Salt (sodium chloride) has been a main fixture in preserving food and for cleaning appliances, porcelain, brass, copper, kitchen utensils etc. Amazing how this versatile mineral do the tricks. Below is a list of other ways you can put salt to good use in your home:

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IN THE KITCHEN

** A very reliable way to test egg freshness is to add one tablespoon of salt in a glass of water. Then put the egg in it — a fresh egg will sink, while an older egg will float.
** We all know that fruits such as apples and pears, when peeled undergo a process called oxidation. To maintain their color, place them in lightly salted water to prevent browning.
** Expending much energy shelling pecans, walnuts and other hard nuts? Soak them in salt water for a few hours and presto! – removing the meat is much easier.
** For cake lovers – do you want to prevent your cake’s icing from sugaring? Just add a small amount of salt to cake icing and it will do the trick.
** For quicker, faster, higher peaks, add a tiny bit of salt when whipping cream or beating egg whites.
** Your favorite cheese can have a long life, how? Before placing them in your refrigerator, wrap it in a cloth dampened with saltwater; this will prevent mold on cheese.

PERSONAL CARE

** Prolong toothbrush life and save a few bucks! Before your first use, make it a point to soak it in salt water.
** Want to have a clean, white, shiny teeth? Dip your toothbrush in a mixture of one part fine salt to two parts water – and brush as usual.
** A mixture of salt and baking soda (1:1) in water is an effective mouth rinse.
** For mouth problems like abscesses and cankers, gurgle with a solution of warm saltwater three or more times a day.
** Got stung by a bee? Quickly moisten affected area by placing a small pile of salt to help reduce pain and swelling.
** Ouch.. itchy mosquito bite! A saltwater soak can do a quick relief.
** Freshens skin after a bath. Before drying yourself, massage your body with dry salt.
** Sore throat? A mixture of salt and warm water can do wonders.

AROUND THE HOUSE

CLEANING

** Keep grease from building up in your sink drains – make it a regular routine to pour a “hot water and salt” solution down the kitchen sink.
** A good sprinkling of salt and paper towels is a sure way to clean greasy frying pans.
** Get rid of stubborn coffee and tea stains, by gently scrubbing stained cups with a salt and liquid dish soap solution.
** A salt and soda solution can be used as deodorizer and to clean the inside of your refrigerator.
** A paste made from a mix of salt and lemon. with just enough water is all you need to clean rust. Rub on rust, let dry for several minutes and polish with a dry, soft cloth.
** Cleaning a glass coffee pot? Do it the quick way – pour ice cubes and add few bits of salt to a coffee pot, shake or twirl around energetically, and rinse.

LAUNDRY

** How to eliminate excess suds while doing your laundry? – Easy, just a sprinkle of salt will do the work.
** Brighten colored curtains, carpets and faded rugs by rubbing them vigorously with a cloth that has been soaked in a saltwater solution.
** Removing blood stains – soak stained clothes in cold saltwater, then rinse in warm water and boil after the wash. Warning! Use only on fibers such as linen and cotton that can bear high heat.
** For rust stains – soak stained spots in a salt and lemon juice solution for several minutes, have it sun-bleached for several hours, then rinse and dry.