Erick The Cleaner
When you think about home cleaning, salt probably isn’t the first thing that pops into your head. Most people see it as just something to flavor food—but here’s the twist: salt is a cleaning powerhouse hiding in your kitchen cabinet! From scrubbing tough stains to deodorizing hidden odors, this humble mineral can save you time, money, and even protect your health.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through six powerful DIY home cleaning tips with salt that actually work. We’ll also dive into why salt deserves a permanent spot in your cleaning routine, how it compares to store-bought products, and when it’s better to call in professional cleaners.
Why Salt is a Secret Weapon for Home Cleaning
Salt isn’t just for seasoning—it’s been used for centuries as a natural cleaner. It’s abrasive enough to scrub, absorbent enough to pull out odors, and even has antibacterial properties. No wonder our grandparents swore by it.
Think about it: instead of buying multiple cleaning sprays, powders, and gels, you already have a simple all-in-one solution right in your pantry.
Benefits of Using Salt as a Natural Cleaner
Eco-Friendly and Safe for Families
Unlike harsh chemical cleaners, salt is completely safe to use around kids and pets. Plus, it’s an eco-friendly cleaning solution that won’t pollute waterways or leave behind toxic residues. Learn more about green cleaning ideas here: Eco-Friendly Cleaning.
Affordable and Always Available
Forget spending a fortune on specialty cleaning sprays. A single bag of salt can tackle multiple household tasks for just a fraction of the cost.
Powerful Antibacterial Properties
Salt naturally inhibits bacteria and mold growth. That makes it a perfect option for cleaning areas where germs love to hide—like cutting boards, sinks, and bathroom tiles.
Preparation Before Cleaning with Salt
Before diving into the actual tips, let’s cover the basics.
Choosing the Right Type of Salt
- Table salt: Great for general cleaning and deodorizing.
- Kosher salt: Coarser, perfect for scrubbing.
- Sea salt: Works well for natural and eco-friendly cleaning.
Tools You’ll Need for DIY Cleaning
- A soft cloth or sponge
- A small scrub brush or toothbrush
- Lemon or vinegar (for extra cleaning power)
- A bowl for mixing solutions
6 DIY Home Cleaning Tips with Salt
Here are the six best ways to use salt in your home cleaning routine.
Tip #1: Remove Stubborn Stains on Pots and Pans
Burned food stuck on the bottom of a pan? Sprinkle salt directly on the surface, add a little water, and scrub gently. The salt’s abrasive texture lifts grime without scratching your cookware.
Tip #2: Deodorize Your Sink and Drain
If your kitchen sink smells funky, pour half a cup of salt followed by hot water down the drain. The salt not only deodorizes but also helps prevent grease build-up.
Tip #3: Brighten and Whiten Laundry Naturally
Add half a cup of salt to your laundry cycle to revive faded clothes. Salt softens the water, helps colors stay bright, and even acts as a natural fabric deodorizer.
Tip #4: Shine and Refresh Cutting Boards
Wooden cutting boards can trap odors. Sprinkle coarse salt, scrub with half a lemon, then rinse. This removes stains, kills bacteria, and restores freshness.
Tip #5: Eliminate Odors from Shoes
Smelly sneakers? Just shake a little salt inside, leave overnight, then dump it out in the morning. The salt absorbs moisture and neutralizes odors.
Tip #6: Clean Bathroom Tiles and Grout
Mix salt with vinegar into a paste and scrub between tiles with a brush. It lifts stains, kills mildew, and makes your bathroom shine again.
Extra Hacks: Creative Ways to Use Salt in Cleaning
Salt as a Natural Pest Deterrent
Sprinkle salt near windowsills, doorways, or corners where ants sneak in. It creates a natural barrier they won’t cross.
Salt to Refresh Carpets and Rugs
Mix salt with baking soda, sprinkle over carpets, let it sit, then vacuum. It lifts dirt, freshens fabric, and keeps allergens at bay.
Safety Tips When Cleaning with Salt
Avoid Using on Delicate Surfaces
Salt is abrasive, so don’t use it on glass, polished wood, or delicate finishes.
Combine with Other Natural Cleaners for Best Results
Pair salt with vinegar, lemon, or baking soda for maximum cleaning power. You can find more clever hacks at Cleaning Tips DIY.
Salt vs. Commercial Cleaning Products
Cost Comparison
A container of salt costs less than a dollar, while commercial cleaners can easily add up to $20 or more monthly. Salt saves you money.
Health and Environmental Impact
Unlike chemical cleaners, salt won’t irritate your skin, harm your lungs, or damage the environment. For workplaces and offices, you might still need professional help—check out Commercial Cleaning.
When to Use Professional Cleaning Services Instead
DIY with salt is great, but sometimes you need backup.
Deep Cleaning Your Home
Salt can handle surface-level messes, but for seasonal or post-construction cleanup, professional services like Residential Cleaning and Specialty Cleaning are a better fit.
Specialized Cleaning Needs
Some areas—like carpets after flooding or offices with heavy traffic—require specialized care. Learn more about these options here:
Conclusion
Salt is more than just a kitchen staple—it’s one of the most versatile and eco-friendly cleaning agents you can use at home. From scrubbing pans to deodorizing drains, its power lies in being simple, natural, and effective. Best of all? You already have it on hand.
So next time you’re tempted to grab that chemical-heavy spray, reach for salt instead. Your home, your wallet, and even the planet will thank you. And when you need a deeper clean, you can always rely on trusted pros like TLS Cleaners.
FAQs
1. Can I use salt to clean glass surfaces?
Not recommended—salt is abrasive and can scratch glass.
2. Is salt safe for cleaning around pets?
Yes, salt is non-toxic, but always wipe surfaces afterward to avoid residue.
3. How often should I clean my cutting board with salt?
Once a week is ideal, or after cutting raw meat.
4. Can salt replace baking soda in cleaning?
Sometimes—salt works well for scrubbing, but baking soda is better for deodorizing.
5. Does salt kill mold?
Salt can inhibit mold growth but may not eliminate large infestations.
6. Can salt clean silverware?
Yes! Line a bowl with foil, add hot water, salt, and your silver pieces. Let soak, then rinse.
7. Should I mix salt with vinegar or lemon for better results?
Absolutely! Both boost salt’s cleaning power naturally.