Most of us have at least one container of table salt sitting in our kitchen, ready to season our favorite dishes. But what many people don’t realize is that this common household ingredient is far more versatile than just a cooking staple. Salt has been used for centuries as a natural cleaner, preservative, and deodorizer, making it one of the most useful items you can keep on hand.
Beyond adding flavor to your meals, salt can tackle everyday problems around the house quickly and effectively without the need for harsh chemicals or expensive cleaning products. Here are eleven clever ways you can put table salt to work in your home that prove it’s a true multi-tasker. One of the most practical uses for salt is removing stuck-on grease from pots and pans. Instead of scrubbing endlessly or using strong detergents, just sprinkle salt directly into the greasy pan and use a damp sponge to scrub. The salt absorbs the grease while acting as a mild abrasive, lifting stubborn residue without scratching your cookware.
Another handy trick is preserving cheese that’s past its prime but not yet spoiled. Soak a clean cloth in a mixture of salt and water, then wrap it around the cheese before storing it in the fridge. The salt solution slows bacterial growth, buying you extra time to enjoy the cheese without waste. If you’re dealing with ants in your kitchen or other parts of the house, salt is a natural and safe deterrent. Sprinkle it along windowsills, doorways, or anywhere you’ve seen ants entering. The salt disrupts their scent trails and keeps them away. For even stronger results, mix in a little cayenne pepper to make your homemade ant barrier even more effective.
Salt can also be a lifesaver for clogged drains. Combine equal parts baking soda and salt, pour the mixture down the drain, and follow with distilled vinegar. Let it sit for about 30 minutes before flushing with hot water. This natural solution helps break down minor clogs and keeps your drains fresh-smelling without harsh chemicals. Bathrooms often struggle with grime and mildew buildup, but you can fight it naturally using salt and lemon.
Cut a lemon in half, sprinkle salt on the cut side, and use it as a scrubber on shower tiles, bathtubs, or sinks. The acidity of the lemon combined with the scrubbing power of salt removes stains, soap scum, and mildew while leaving a fresh citrus scent behind. Smelly shoes can also benefit from salt’s deodorizing abilities. Simply sprinkle salt inside your shoes and let it sit overnight. By morning, the salt will have absorbed unpleasant odors, leaving your footwear smelling much fresher. Shower curtains are notorious for developing mold spots, but rinsing them with a mixture of water and salt after cleaning can help prevent mold from forming.
This simple trick extends the life of your curtain and keeps your bathroom looking clean. Another clever use of salt is determining whether eggs are fresh or past their best-before date. Fill a glass with water and dissolve a few teaspoons of salt, then place an egg in the solution. If the egg sinks, it’s fresh, but if it floats, it’s time to throw it out. This old-fashioned method is quick, reliable, and saves you from guessing. Similarly, you can keep fruits and vegetables fresh for longer by placing them in a bowl of water mixed with a little salt. This solution slows down oxidation and browning, keeping your produce crisp and appetizing until you’re ready to eat it.
For unexpected carpet spills, blot up as much liquid as possible, then cover the stain with salt and let it sit overnight. The salt absorbs leftover moisture and helps lift the stain. Vacuum it up the next day to reveal a cleaner carpet. Lastly, salt can remove lingering food odors from your hands after chopping onions, garlic, or fish. Simply wet your hands, sprinkle salt onto them, and rub gently before rinsing. The salt neutralizes odors naturally, leaving your hands fresh and clean.
These eleven clever uses for table salt show that this simple, inexpensive ingredient is a powerhouse for household cleaning, preserving, and problem-solving. Instead of relying on costly products filled with chemicals, you can turn to salt for natural, effective solutions that work just as well today as they did generations ago. Keeping an extra container or two in your pantry isn’t just smart for cooking—it’s a great way to be prepared for life’s little messes and challenges.
