One of the very first changes I made when moving toward a more green and natural lifestyle was to ditch all of the chemical filled conventional cleaners I had simply assumed were the best way to clean my house.
Since that time I’ve experimented with many, many different natural and non-toxic cleaners and homemade cleaning recipes. I’ve found my favorites that have a permanent spot in my cleaning supply cabinet, as well as made some mistakes along the way.
I continue to be amazed that there are even more natural, non-toxic and effective cleaners that I haven’t yet tried or realized the full extent of their uses. These awesome cleaners are often just hanging out in my cabinets; they are things I already own and use but just for other purposes. Today I want to tell you more about one of those cleaners, salt.
Salt is an effective and non-toxic cleaner that is also super affordable! It combines well with other non-toxic cleaners like vinegar, baking soda, castile soap, or dish soap, helping to boost their cleaning performance. It’s great for scouring and removing stains! Since we’re just cleaning with it, I suggest using simple table salt and buying it at the lowest price you can find. I get mine at Aldi.
Here are 10 ways to clean with salt all around your home.
Scouring Scrub
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup salt
- 2 Tbsp baking soda
- 2 Tbsp cream of tartar
- 1 Tbsp castile soap or dish soap
Make a simple and effective scouring scrub by mixing these ingredients together and using a sponge or soft rag to scrub down surfaces in the kitchen and bathroom, it’s great for sinks, countertops, and the stovetop.
Clean Cast Iron
I usually use Kosher Salt to clean my cast iron pans, but in a pinch, regular salt would work too.
When your cast iron pan is still warm (or even after it’s cooled if you don’t get to cleaning it right away) pour corse salt and some hot water into the pan and use a sponge or stiff brush to scrub away the cooked on or leftover food. Rinse thoroughly and towel dry, or place back on the stove to dry.
Then use a paper towel to wipe down the pan with oil to keep it well seasoned. I like to use avocado oil for that purpose.
Watch this great video for more on cleaning your cast iron skillet.
Clean the Oven
Pour salt onto any spills in the oven to keep them from continuing to smoke and burn. Then use my easy and effective method for cleaning the oven without harsh chemicals.
Remove Hard Water Stains and Deposits
Make a paste using salt and vinegar and apply to hard water stains and deposits on sinks and faucets or in vases or glassware. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes and then use a sponge or damp cloth to scrub away the stains and deposits. Rinse thoroughly.
To remove mineral deposits from a tea kettle, fill the kettle with vinegar and add several tablespoons of salt. Bring the vinegar to a boil and let boil for 5-10 minutes to remove the hard water build-up and deposits.
Remove Soap Scum
Clean your shower and bathtub with a paste of 1 part salt to 3 parts vinegar and use to scrub away soap scum and stains. Rinse clean.
Remove Perspiration Stains from Clothing
Add a 1/4 cup of salt to a gallon of hot water and soak clothes with perspiration stains until stains fade and then launder as usual.
Washing Dishes
When washing dishes add a little salt to a pan with cooked or burned on food and scrub with a scrubbie. If the food is really stuck try some steel wool, to thoroughly clean the pan.
Remove Coffee or Tea Stains
Remove stains from mugs by making a paste with salt and vinegar and using it to scrub the dark coffee or tea stains off.
Clean Your Iron
Cut open a paper bag and lay it flat, or slide it onto your ironing board. Sprinkle salt on the paper bag and then iron over it with a hot iron to remove sticky spots and stains.
Clean Wooden Cutting Boards
Cut a lemon in half and sprinkle with salt. Scrub your wooden cutting board or butcher block with the lemon to remove stains and help disinfect the board.
So go ahead and grab some salt and start using it as an effective and non-toxic cleaner around your home!
Do you use salt to clean your house? What’s your favorite way to clean with salt?
Are you tired of using toxic chemical cleaners around your home? Do you wish you could replace your conventional cleaners with natural and effective cleaners that are truly safe to use around your family?
My eBook, Green Your Life, will walk you step-by-step through replacing all of the conventional chemicals cleaners in your home with homemade, non-toxic cleaning solutions. You will save money by using inexpensive, natural ingredients to make multipurpose cleaning products that can replace the many different cleaning products you have in your cabinets right now. Begin your green cleaning journey today!
SPECIAL OFFER: Green Your Life is just $5.00! Click here to grab your copy on Kindle, or here to grab the PDF version.
What would you like to read next?
How to Use Castile Soap All Around Your Home!
Homemade Soft Scrub and Non-Toxic Bathroom Cleaning Tips
How to Completely Clean Off Your Kitchen Counters
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Fantastic tips! I usually clean my sink with lemon and salt. I sprinkle half of a lemon with salt and rub. Rubbing is a hard task. But It takes me 10 minutes. The result is spectacular. My sink shines every time. Best regards!
Amazing cleaning guide with salt, we have never used salt for cleaning before and we can try this tip now