Salt
For millennia salt was a rare and valuable commodity—the word “salary” comes from the Roman habit of paying soldiers in salt. Today it is plentiful, and has become more than just a condiment or means of curing meats.
Salt
Salt, or sodium chloride, comes from two sources: sea water or the mineral halite, also called rock salt. In ancient Rome, roads were built specifically to bring the mineral to the capital. Since medieval times salt has been used as a cleaner, and with its nontoxic yet abrasive character, it is still popular for scouring surfaces and removing stains around the house. It is also a catalyst to boost the cleaning and deodorizing power of other cleaners like vinegar.
CLEAN STAINED CLOTHES
Try these tricks to get different types of stubborn stains out of fabrics.
Blood stains: Salt and water make an efficient and cost-effective way to remove blood stains from fabrics. You can either rub dry salt into the stain first and then soak the garment in cold water, or you can simply soak the whole thing in a saltwater bath. Follow up with a soap-and-water wash, and finally rinse with warm—not hot—water.
Tip: Don’t use hot water at first—it may set the stain deeper rather than washing it out. Also, using seltzer instead of tap water can be even more effective.
Wine Stains: When removing red wine stains from your clothes, it’s best to start as soon as possible after the spill so that the stain doesn’t set. Blot the stain dry as much as you can without rubbing the wine further into the fabric. Then, cover the stain with salt, allowing it to break up the stain and absorb as much of it as possible. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wash the garment with soap and warm water.
Clean wine stains
Sweat Stains: To wash sweat stains or yellowing out of clothes, soak the fabric for several minutes in a solution of 4 tablespoons of salt for every quart of hot water. Let soak for several minutes and then wash as you otherwise would, and all discoloration should vanish.
Pots and Pans: To clean greasy or food-crusted pans, use a mixture of salt and vinegar to scour away unwanted debris. Pour salt and white vinegar into the pan and swish around until the food and grease come loose. Rinse the pan, then clean as normal.
Tip: Use a rough sponge to help scrub away any hard-to-clean food residue.
Clean Up Raw Egg: If you spill a raw egg on the floor or kitchen counter while cooking, you can use salt to make the cleanup a little easier. Pouring salt on the egg before you wipe it up should make the egg coagulate, making the job easier and less messy.
Clean a Stained Bathtub: Salt can be used as an inexpensive scrub to remove stains from the bathtub. Mix equal parts salt and turpentine to form a paste, then scrub stains from tub. The stains will lift quickly and easily. Using a washcloth or a firm sponge in combination with this cleaning solution should be enough to scour even deep stains without damaging your bathtub.
Clean egg spills
Unclog a Drain: If your kitchen sink is clogged with food residue, pour 1/4 cup baking soda and 1/4 cup salt into a clogged drain, followed by 1/2 cup of white vinegar. Let sit for about 20 minutes, then follow with a pot of boiling water. If the drain isn’t completely cleared after this, repeating the process should produce the desired results.
Clean a Refrigerator: To clean your refrigerator’s shelves and drawers after emptying it out—or to clean up after a spill—you can use a mixture of salt and seltzer water. The coarse texture of the salt will help scrub off any food residue or stubborn stains, as well as deodorize your fridge for future use.
Clean Oven Spills: Salt is great for soaking up grease from stains and loosening accumulated grime on kitchen surfaces. This, combined with its abrasive nature, makes it a great choice when cleaning greasy stove tops or ovens. Start by applying a damp cloth to the area in question, then pour a liberal amount of salt wherever you can see stains. Leave it there for several minutes to clump over the mess and make it easier to clean, and then wipe the area down with another damp cloth or sponge.