The Magic of Salt in Cleaning

Salt, a natural abrasive and deodorizer, has been used for centuries as a cleaning agent. It’s effective, inexpensive, and readily available in most homes. When paired with a sponge, it becomes a powerful tool for various cleaning tasks.

1. Sparkling Glassware

Cloudy glasses and stained cups can be a nuisance. To bring back their shine, sprinkle some salt on your sponge and gently scrub the glassware. Rinse with warm water, and you’ll be amazed at the clarity and sparkle.

2. Refreshing Cutting Boards

Cutting boards can harbor food odors and stains, especially after chopping onions or preparing fish. Rubbing salt onto the surface with a damp sponge can help eliminate these odors and lighten stains. After scrubbing, rinse the board and let it dry.

3. Oven and Stovetop Cleaning

Baked-on spills in the oven or stovetop can be tough to clean. Sprinkle salt on these spills while they’re still fresh. The salt will absorb the liquid, making it easier to scrub away once it’s cooled down.

4. Brightening Brass and Copper

Salt, combined with a bit of vinegar or lemon juice, can restore the luster to brass and copper items. Apply this mixture with a sponge, rinse well, and watch as the natural beauty of the metal shines through.

5. Combatting Mildew and Rust

Mildew in bathrooms and rust on tools are common issues. A paste made from salt and water, applied with a sponge, can help remove mildew from surfaces and rust from metal objects.

Tips for Using Salt Effectively

• Choose the Right Salt: For most cleaning tasks, regular table salt works fine. However, for tougher stains or for use as a scrub, coarser salt like kosher or sea salt may be more effective.

• Be Gentle: While salt is a natural abrasive, it’s important to use it gently to avoid scratching surfaces, especially on more delicate items like glassware or non-stick pans.

• Rinse Thoroughly: After cleaning with salt, make sure to rinse the item thoroughly to remove any salt residue.