10 Unusual Uses for Salt

I absolutely love finding unusual uses for ordinary things. I know we all use salt everyday in our cooking but did you know salt can do so much more than just seasoning your dinner? I have tried many of these tips myself. My favorites are numbers 1, 5, 9 and 10.

1. Remove Rings – Did your guests leave an unsightly circle on your wooden coffee table? Take a teaspoon of salt and add a few drops of water until it becomes a paste. With a soft cloth rub the mix into the stains until it disappears. Gently clean any remainder and follow with your favorite polish.

2. Use In The Fireplace – It’s been a cold night and you enjoyed a fire in the fireplace. You’re getting tired but the fire is burning strong. Pour salt over the flames. It will help the fire burn out and cause less ashy mess to clean up.

3. Save Your Broom – Extend the life of a broom by soaking the bristles in saltwater before using.

4. Preserve Cheese – Wrap cheese in a cloth moistened with saltwater to slow molding.

5. Clean Your Vases – Salt is terrific at cleaning water stains from vases. Put a small amount of salt on a damp cloth and rub the hard water deposits. Rinse and follow with a warm, soapy wash.

6. Brighten Brass & Copper – Bring brass and copper back to life. To remove that green tarnished look, combine salt, flour, and vinegar in equal parts. Use a soft cloth to coat the item with the paste. Clean thoroughly and buff to shine.

7. Remove Red Wine Stains – Here’s a great one! Spill red wine on the carpet? Immediately pour a large amount of salt on the spot and allow the salt to absorb the wine. After drying, vacuum thoroughly. It pulls up the stain without spreading or rubbing it in. Works well with grease and mud, too!

8. Deodorize – Have stinky sneakers? Salt is a great natural deodorizer. Sprinkle in the soles of shoes and leave overnight to absorb the odor. Shake out the shoes thoroughly.

9. Remove Weeds – Want a natural way to kill those pesky weeds that peek up between cracks in the driveway and sidewalk? Add a cup of salt to boiling water and pour over the weeds.

10. Test Your Eggs – Got a questionable egg? Just add two teaspoons of salt to a cup of water. Then drop in your egg. If it’s fresh, the egg will float. If it’s past its prime it will sink right to the bottom. This is great option if you have a carton of eggs past it’s expiration date but still want to use them.

What is your favorite unusual use for salt? I’d love to hear more fabulous ideas!

Want more great all-natural ideas? Be sure you Follow Me on Pinterest and check out my DIY Ideas Board for more!