More Cleaning With Household Items

What can be more readily available in every house than salt? Not only is it required by our bodies to perform a variety of essential functions, it also is a cheap, green and effective cleaning aide. Here are my 9 favorite cleaning uses for salt:

1. Scouring - Salt works as an effective yet gentle scouring agent. Salt also serves as a catalyst for other ingredients, such as vinegar, to boost cleaning and deodorizing action. For a basic soft scrub, make a paste with lots of salt, baking soda and dish soap and use on appliances, enamel, porcelain, etc.

2. Drain Cleaner - Pour salt mixed with hot water down the kitchen sink regularly to deodorize and keep grease from building up.

3. Water Ring Removal - Gently rub a thin paste of salt and vegetable oil on the white marks caused by beverage glasses and hot dishes on wooden tables

4. Grease Removal – Cast-iron skillets can be cleaned with a good sprinkling of salt and paper towels.

5. Stain Removal - Mix salt with a dab of dish soap to make a soft scrub for stubborn coffee and tea stains.

6. Deodorization - A mix of salt and soda water can be used to wipe out and deodorize the inside of your refrigerator, a nice way to keep chemical-y cleaners away from your food.

7. Brass & Copper Cleaner - Mix equal parts of salt, flour, and vinegar to make a paste, and rub the paste on the metal. After letting it sit for an hour, clean with a soft cloth or brush and buff with a dry cloth.

8. Rust Removal - Mix salt and cream of tartar with just enough water to make a paste. Rub on rust, let dry, brush off and buff with a dry, soft cloth. You can also use the same method with a mix of salt and lemon.

9. Coffee Pot Cleansing - Add salt and ice cubes to a coffee pot, swirl around vigorously, and rinse. The salt scours the bottom, and the ice helps to agitate it more for a better scrub.

Have you tried any of these tips? How did they work for you?

Sources: Mother Nature Network