Uncommon Household Uses for Salt: To Clean or Kill a Fire

Salt is found in most every home in the world but it actually has many more uses besides being edible and making other foods taste better. Most people know that salt melts ice making a great staple to have around in the winter. Sprinkle it on steps and hand railings for safety. It's used on roads in states that get lots of snow and ice in the winter for less treacherous traveling.

Salt works impressively on ink stains on carpet. If the ink is still wet immediately cover it with salt. Allow the salt to sit overnight then vacuum the area. The salt will absorb the ink. If the ink is already dry wet it thoroughly before trying the salt treatment. Salt works on other stains, too, like Kool-Aid or juice.

In case of fire in the kitchen pour salt on it. Small fires, on a burner or in the oven, are easily stamped out by pouring a large amount of salt directly on it. Actually, any small household fire can be stamped out by pouring salt on it. Salt is inexpensive making it even more attractive as a cleaner and household staple.

Tarnished silver will look practically new again when you shine it with salt. You can also remove mildew with a combination of salt and lemon juice. Mix enough lemon juice in with the salt to make a paste and use it on tubs and shower tiles.

Don't own a weed eater? Use salt to get rid of those unsightly weeds. Simply pour salt on the weeds and they'll wither and die. At first sight of weeds pour salt around the area, particularly next to sidewalks, around steps and around lawn ornaments. It's especially great if you have cracks in pavement or sidewalks and weeds tend to grow up through the cracks.

Bothered by ants? Leave a trail of salt wherever you see ants and you won't see them marching along that path anymore. Ants hate salt and so do other garden critters, like snails. Sprinkle salt around the perimeter of your garden and you'll have less pests and healthier-looking veggies.

If you want your laundry to be extra clean, and your clothes to keep their brightness, pour a half-cup of salt into the washer, during the wash cycle, with your regular laundry detergent. Salt will scrub clothes clean and prevent fading.

Smelly drains? Add a half-cup of salt to a pan of boiling water and pour down the drain. Salt will eliminate odors. Do this once a month to keep drains smelling fresh and clean. Clean the bathroom with salt and turpentine. The two mixed together will remove stubborn yellow places on bathtub, shower, tiles or linoleum.

The next time you're going to hard-boil eggs be sure and put a couple of teaspoons of salt in the water. This will make peeling the eggs much easier. Not sure if your eggs are fresh? Fill a mug with water and add a pinch of salt. Drop the egg into the mug. If it floats the egg is fresh. If it sinks get rid of the eggs and buy another dozen. If you've caught fresh fish soak it in salt water and the scales will be removed much easier.

Soak pecans in salt water for a few hours and it'll be much easier to remove the meat. Peel apples, pears or potatoes and drop them in cold salt water to retain their color. Salad will stay crisp longer if you sprinkle a little salt in before tossing. Salt also removes the bitter taste from coffee and gets rid of coffee or tea stains in cups.

There are many other uses for salt - the most commonly used mineral in the world. Substitute some harsh chemicals with salt to save money and protect your health. Use it to clean pots and pans, no matter how greasy. Make sure your coffee pot is as clean as it can be by running salt water through it. You can find even more uses for salt by reading more about it online.