Super Salt Solutions

With its ability to inhibit the growth of bacteria, kill weeds, deodorize, absorb liquids and de-ice - among other things - salt is perhaps the most powerful item in the pantry. Although salt is most commonly used to enhance the flavor of food, there are more than 14,000 usus for salt, according to The Salt Institute. Centuries ago, salt was put to use around the house preserving meats and foods, cleaning and washing and for a variety of other uses. What worked then, still works today. Below are a few of the many uses for salt.

Kill Weeds. Combine one half cup of salt, one cup of vinegar and two cups of warm water in a spray bottle. Shake well. Spray liberally where weeds grow between the cracks of the patio, driveway or sidewalk, but be careful not to spray on desirable plants - the solution will kill them too. The same solution can also be used to keep ants away, to wash windows and for a variety of other cleaning purposes.

Remove stains. According to the Salt Institute, salt is able to pull even stains from fabric and carpet. When wine is spilled on a tablecloth or rug, the organization recommends bloting up as much as possible and immediately covering the spill with salt, which will absorb the remaining wine. Later rinse the tablecloth with cold water; scrape up the salt from the rug and then vacuum the spot.

Clean vegetables. Soak salad veggies in a salt-water solution prior to serving to keep vegetables crisp and fresh. The salt will also enhance the flavor of the vegetables.

Boost cleaning power. Add salt to dishwasher detergent, laundery detergent or scouring mixture to increase cleaning capabilities. A classic scouring formula is simple salt and lemon juice (especially good for fighting protein stains or mildew stains) while salt and vinegar (which doubles as a tasty topping for French fries) may be mixed with water for a basic, multi-purpose cleanser. Equal parts salt and olive oil is good for removing stains on furniture, countertops and even wood floors. A lemon half, dipped in salt, is great for scrubbing pots and pans or stubborn spots on floors, counter tops and other surfaces. The same solution can be used to scrub tough stains from most clothing, carpets or upholstery.Deodorize. Erase funky odors by sprinkling salt and letting it sit overnight or between uses in shoes, plastic containers, the washing machine, garbage disposal or other places where odors build up. Discard salt and the bad odor will disappear along with the salt.

Clean oven. Sprinkle salt onto a spill while the spot is still warm (but wait until the oven is cool enough to touch). Add a dash of cinnamon or another favorite spice to bring a favorite scent to the oven. Allow the salt enough time to absorb the spill then sweep. If the spill is older or dried on, try moistening first with a bit of water.

Give yourself a facial. Use a mixture made of equal parts olive oil and salt. Dry salt is also good a good exfoliating rub for the face, hands or any body part that is dry or itchy. After rubbing area with salt, rinse salt away and rub a bit of olive oil onto the area for extra softening.

Soothe a sore throat. Most people are familiar with this time-tested method for curing a sore throat. Place one table spoon in a half of a cup of water and gargle with it to ease the pain of a sore throat. The same solution is also good for treating the pain of a toothache. Be sure to brush teeth well, however, salt is not good for the teeth. Why does this work? Salt removes the moisture that bacteria needs, thus inhibits their growth. On this same line, warm water mixed with a few tablespoons of salt is also beneficial for the nasal passages. Use a cotton swab to drip a bit of this solution into your nose to promote drying and inhibit the growth of bacteria. Use a form of salt that does not contain iodine - most sea salts and kosher salts do not contain iodine.Ward off evil. Toss a handful of salt over your shoulder for good luck and to keep evil spirits away. This may or may not work, but it's fun anyway.

Sources:The Salt Institute, http://www.saltinstitute.org/Uses-benefits/Consumer-salt-tips/Salt-Uses-in-Cleaning Oct. 15, 2009