5 Things To Do with Salt
Updated: Oct. 04, 2018
Cutting down on sodium? Instead of tossing the table salt, put it to work around the house! Here are five brilliant new uses for salt.
1. Use salt on a stained carpet
A red wine stain on a pale-coloured carpet is the worst. But there is hope, as long as you act quickly. While the red wine is still wet, pour some white wine on it to dilute the colour. Then, clean the spot with a sponge and cold water. Sprinkle the area with salt and wait about 10 minutes. Now vacuum up the whole mess. Ta-da!
2. Use salt to polish brass and copper
When exposure to the elements dulls brass or copper items, there’s no need to buy expensive cleaning products. To shine your candlesticks or remove tarnish from copper pots, make a paste by mixing equal parts salt, flour and vinegar. Use a soft cloth to rub the paste over the item, then rinse with warm, soapy water and buff to a brilliant shine.
3. Relieve bug bites, stings and poison ivy with salt
Salt works well to relieve the pain and irritation of bee stings, bug bites and poison ivy. Here’s how:
- Stung by a bee? Immediately wet the sting and cover with salt. It will lessen the pain and reduce the swelling. Of course, if you are allergic to bee stings, you should get immediate medical attention.
- For relief from the itching of mosquito and chigger bites, soak the area in salt water, then apply a coating of lard or vegetable oil.
- When poison ivy erupts, relieve the itching by soaking in hot salt water. If the case is very unfortunate, you might want to immerse yourself in a tub full of salt water.
4. Deodorize your sneakers with salt
Sneakers and canvas shoes can get pretty smelly, especially if you wear them without socks in the summertime. Knock down the odour and soak up the moisture by occasionally sprinkling a little salt in your shoes.
5. Use salt to keep wicker looking fresh
Wicker furniture can yellow with age and exposure to the sun and elements. To keep your wicker looking fresh and new, scrub it with a stiff brush dipped in warm salt water. Let the piece dry in the sun. Repeat the process every one or two years.
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