Salt is traditionally used to flavor and season food; however, a variety of home remedies exist for salt. According to The Salt Institute, there are over 14,000 different uses for salt. The institute further states many salt remedies are no longer commonly used because of the increased use of chemicals in the home. Still, salt alone or in combination with other common household items creates inexpensive home remedies and solutions to common problems.
Cleaning
Salt can be used as a household cleaner. The abrasive grains add texture to remove stubborn stains. Mix salt with turpentine, suggests the Salt Institute, to whiten and brighten enameled bathtubs and toilets. Mix together salt and a small amount of salad oil to remove water marks or burn marks on wood tables. Combining salt, flour and vinegar in equal parts creates a paste used to clean brass. The paste is rubbed onto the brass and left in place for about one hour. Remove the paste with a dry cloth or buff clean. Extend the life of a broom's bristles by soaking them in hot saltwater before the broom's initial use. Decontaminate wood cutting boards by rubbing a thick paste of salt and water onto the board. Allow it to sit for about 30 minutes and rinse.
Health and Beauty
Salt in combination with olive oil creates a facial scrub. Applying the scrub and massaging onto the face removes dead skin cells and leaves skin brighter. Leave the mixture on the face for five minutes and then rinse, suggests the Salt Institute. Salt added to warm water is used as a mouth gargle or to relieve toothaches or sore throats, according to Rutgers. Adding a pinch of baking soda to the salt gargle makes a homemade mouth wash. The baking soda and salt gargle also whitens teeth and removes plaque.
Household Tips
If a kitchen fire occurs, keeping a box of salt handy next to the stove will prevent a grease fire from spreading. Sprinkle the salt onto the flames; never add water as it will increase and spread the flames. Candles soaked in hot salt water for several hours become drip proof. A handful of salt added to a home's fireplace will remove and loosen soot and make flames appear yellow in color. Adding a pinch of salt to fresh flowers' water will revive and refresh the plants.
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