Household Cleaning Hacks: The Surprising Alternative Uses for ... Salt!

Apart from being a great addition to chips and vinegar, salt is an affordable and versatile cleaning substance that can be used in various areas of your home.

Today, we will explore numerous ways to make use of salt in your household cleaning routine.

As ever, always check specific items or test these tips on a small non-visible area first to make sure they are safe for your belongings.

Kitchen

Clean chopping boards:

Sprinkle salt on your chopping board and use a damp cloth to scrub away any residue. Rinse thoroughly and let dry.

Remove stains from mugs:

Mix salt and water to create a paste, then apply it to the stained area. Let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub off with a sponge or cloth.

Unclog drains:

Pour a half cup of salt down the drain, followed by boiling water. This will help dissolve and remove any clogs.

Deodorise smelly hands:

After handling foods with strong smells, such as onions or garlic, rub your hands with salt and water. This will neutralise the odour and leave your hands smelling clean.

Clean kettles:

Boil a solution of equal parts water and salt in your kettle to remove any residue or build-up. Rinse thoroughly afterwards.

Bathroom

Remove water rings from taps:

Make a paste with salt and water, apply it to the water rings, and gently scrub away to leave your taps shining.

Clean shower heads:

Fill a plastic bag with a salt and water solution, then submerge your shower head in the bag. Secure with a rubber band and let it soak for a few hours, then rinse and wipe clean.

Brighten porcelain fixtures:

Sprinkle salt onto a damp cloth and gently scrub your porcelain basins, toilets and shower trays. This will help remove stains and bring back their original shine.

Get rid of soap scum:

Create a paste with salt and water, then apply it to soap scum areas in your bath or shower. Scrub with a brush or cloth and rinse clean.

Living spaces

Lift carpet stains:

Mix salt and water to create a paste, then apply it to the stained area of your carpet. Let it sit for a few minutes, then vacuum or brush the salt away to lift the stain.

Deodorise garbage cans:

Sprinkle a layer of salt at the bottom of your bins to neutralise odours and keep them smelling fresh.

Refresh upholstery:

Lightly sprinkle salt on your upholstery, let it sit for about 30 minutes, then vacuum to remove dirt and odours.

Neutralise pet odours:

For areas where your pet may have left an odour, sprinkle salt, let it sit for a few hours or overnight, then vacuum to remove the smell.

Laundry

Brighten whites:

Add a half cup of salt to your laundry detergent to help brighten your whites and remove any yellowing.

Stop colours running:

To prevent colours from bleeding, add a half cup of salt to the washing machine during the first wash of new coloured clothes.

Remove sweat stains:

Create a paste with salt and water, then gently rub it onto perspiration-stained areas on your clothes. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wash as usual.

Other household applications

Clean cloudy glassware:

Rub a mixture of salt and vinegar on your cloudy glasses (drinking glasses, not spectacles!) to remove grime and restore shine. Rinse thoroughly afterwards.

Reduce rust on cast iron:

Mix salt with vegetable oil and use a cloth or brush to scrub away any rust from your cast iron pans. Rinse and dry thoroughly before re-seasoning the pan.

Pretty useful, eh?

Salt is a highly effective and budget-friendly cleaning solution for many household tasks. It can save you time, money, and the need to use harsh chemicals. By incorporating salt into your regular cleaning routine, you can keep your home looking and smelling fresh while also being environmentally-friendly.

Any tips to share with us?

If you have any tips of your own about using salt for cleaning, join us on Twitter and Facebook and let us know!

COVID-19 5th January Update

Just to let you know we are open for business as usual and you can continue to have your cleaner clean your house.

The government has made it clear that cleaners are still permitted to work inside peoples' homes as long as Government Guidelines on social distancing and staying safe are followed (see below). In summary:

You can be outside of your home for work purposes where your place of work remains open and where you cannot work from home, including if your job involves working in other people's homes.

The full text can be found here New National Restrictions from 5 January (in England; there are similar texts available for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland). Specifically relating to cleaners, the guidance continues: 'This guidance applies to those working in, visiting or delivering to home environments. These include, but are not limited to, people working in the following areas:

'This can include work in other people's homes where necessary - for example, for nannies, cleaners, social care workers providing support to children and families, or tradespeople (this is not an exhaustive list)'

Note this guidance is for people who are fit and well, and is dependent on the following social distancing guidelines being followed:

No work should be carried out in a household where people are isolating or where an individual is being shielded.
The cleaners can continue work, providing that they are well and have no symptoms. No work should be carried out by a cleaner who has coronavirus symptoms, however mild, or when someone in their own household has symptoms.
No work should be carried out in a household where any occupants are clinically extremely vulnerable to coronavirus, or households with a possible or confirmed case of coronavirus.
Whilst in the house. a cleaner should maintain a safe distance of at least two metres from any household occupant at all times, and ensure good ventilation in the area where they are working, including opening the window.
Upon entering the home, cleaners should wash their hands using soap and water for 20 seconds.
Cleaners should wash their hands regularly, particularly after blowing their nose, sneezing or coughing, and when leaving the property.

The good news with regard to cleaning is that the cleaners can social distance from their clients very easily, and we would advise that, if you are at home when they are there, that you remain in a separate room to your cleaner.

If you are happy to adhere to the government guidelines - and if your cleaner has not been in touch already - then please just call the office and we will ensure that your cleaning continues.

Best regards

The Cleanhome Team

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