12 Clever Household Tips and Tricks Life Hacks for Using Salt in Everyday Life

Alright, let’s be real for a second. How many of us have that giant box of salt sitting in the pantry, only getting called into duty for seasoning pasta water or maybe sprinkling on some fries? It’s a kitchen staple we completely take for granted. I was the same way until I started digging into its potential.

Turns out, that humble box of sodium chloride is basically a superhero in disguise. It’s the original, all-natural, dirt-cheap life hack. Forget running to the store for a dozen specialty cleaners—chances are, you already have one of the most versatile tools right there on your shelf.

I’ve been on a bit of a salt kick lately, testing out these old-school tips, and honestly? My mind is blown. Some worked so well I felt like a domestic wizard. Others? Well, let’s just say I learned a few things so you don’t have to :). So, grab your salt shaker, and let’s get into it. Here are 12 clever ways to use salt that have absolutely nothing to do with dinner.

Your New Favorite Cleaning Companion

Let’s start with the gritty stuff. Salt is mildly abrasive and a fantastic absorber, making it a powerhouse for tackling messes you’d normally need harsh chemicals for.

Conquering Greasy Pots and Pans

Ever scrubbed a baked-on, greasy pan until your arm felt like it was going to fall off? Yeah, me too. It’s the worst. Next time, skip the exhausting scrub and let salt do the heavy lifting.

Sprinkle a generous amount of salt onto the greasy surface. It acts like a million tiny scrubbers, absorbing the grease and providing grit. Then, just add a little hot water and watch the grease break up almost magically. A quick wipe, and you’re done. This method cuts through grease without scratching your precious cookware. It’s my go-to now for my favorite cast iron skillet.

Banishing Stubborn Stains from Your Coffee Mugs

That ghost of coffee past that haunts your favorite mug? It’s not just ugly; it’s a personal insult every morning. For a quick fix, make a paste with salt and a tiny bit of water. Scrub the inside of the mug with it, rinse, and behold—a miraculously clean mug. The abrasiveness of the salt scours away the tannin stains without any weird chemical tastes.

Reviving Your Grimy Sponges

This one is brilliantly simple and kinda satisfying. To de-gunk and disinfect your kitchen sponge, give it a soak. Dissolve about a quarter cup of salt in a quart of warm water and let your sponges sit in it for a few hours, or even overnight. The salt water helps to break down the grime and rinse it away. It’s not a forever solution (sponges have a life expectancy, sadly), but it’ll definitely extend their life by a few more washes.

Unexpected Laundry Room Hero

Who knew the laundry room could be such a salty place? These tricks will make you look at that box in a whole new light.

Brightening Up Yellowing Linens

Tablecloths, pillowcases, and even those vintage handkerchiefs from your grandma can develop a sad, yellowish tinge over time. To bring back their bright white glory, try this old-fashioned method.

Simmer the yellowed fabrics in a large pot of water with a handful of salt and a scoop of baking soda for about an hour. The salt helps to loosen the discoloration and acts as a mild bleaching agent. I tried this on an old tea-stained tablecloth with surprisingly great results. It’s not always 100% miracle-working, but it made a huge visible difference.

Setting Colors in New Clothes

We’ve all had that heart-dropping moment when you wash a vibrant new red shirt and everything else in the load comes out pink. To help set the dye in new fabrics, especially bright colors like red or dark blues, soak them in a gallon of cold water with a cup of salt for 24-48 hours before their first wash. Rinse them in cold water until the water runs clear, then wash as normal. It’s a simple step that can save your entire wardrobe from an unfortunate tie-dye incident.

Fighting Stubborn Stains Pre-Wash

Grease stains on your favorite jeans? Mud splatters on the kids’ clothes? Before you toss them in the wash, try this. Wet the stain, cover it with a layer of salt, and gently rub it in. Let it sit for about ten minutes. The salt will start to absorb the oily substance. Brush off the salt and then launder as usual. You might just find the stain has vanished.

The Gardener’s Not-So-Secret Weapon

Yep, even your plants can benefit. Well, some of them. And for others… let’s just say salt is a very effective deterrent.

Keeping Unwanted Guests Out of Your Garden

Slugs and snails think your hostas are an all-you-can-eat buffet. IMO, they’re the worst. Instead of using harsh pesticides, a light sprinkle of salt around the perimeter of your garden beds creates a barrier they will not cross. (It’s a bit gruesome, but very effective). Just be careful not to get it directly on your plants, as too much salt can affect the soil pH.

Giving a Boost to Certain Plants

Did you know some plants actually thrive with a bit of salt? Tomatoes and asparagus, for example, can benefit from a light saline solution. A tablespoon of salt in a gallon of water, used occasionally, can provide essential minerals. But FYI, this is a pro-level move—do your research on your specific plants first, because for most, salt is a big no-no.

Around-the-House Wonders

This is where salt really starts to feel like magic. These uses are so random and brilliant.

Testing the Freshness of an Egg

Ever found an old egg in the back of the fridge and played the risky game of “is this still good?”. No more guessing. Dissolve two teaspoons of salt in a cup of water and gently place the egg in it.

• Fresh egg: It sinks to the bottom and lays on its side.
• Okay-but-getting-old egg: It sinks but stands on one end at the bottom.
• Bad egg: It floats. Throw it out immediately.

This works because as an egg ages, moisture escapes and air enters through the shell, making it buoyant. It’s a foolproof life hack.

Extending Candle Life and Preventing Mess

Here’s a nifty two-for-one. Soaking new candles in a strong saltwater solution for a few hours, then letting them dry thoroughly, makes them burn slower and more evenly. Who knew?

Also, to prevent wax from dripping everywhere, try this: if you’re using a candle holder, add a layer of salt to the bottom before placing the candle. The salt provides grip and absorbs any melted wax, making cleanup a breeze.

De-icing Your Driveway the Old-School Way

Ran out of fancy, pet-safe ice melt? Regular table salt (or better yet, rock salt) works in a pinch. It lowers the freezing point of water, causing ice to melt. It’s not as effective as some commercial products in extreme cold, and you should be mindful of its effects on concrete and plants, but it’ll get the job done in a bind.

The Ultimate Pinch Hitter: Polishing Tarnished Metals

This one feels like alchemy. Make a paste with salt and vinegar (or lemon juice for a nicer smell). Use a soft cloth to gently rub the paste on tarnished copper or brass items—like an old pot or decorative piece. The mild acid from the vinegar combined with the abrasion from the salt will cut through the tarnish and reveal the shiny metal underneath. Rinse well and dry immediately. The transformation is seriously satisfying.

A Quick Word of Caution…

While salt is amazing, it’s also powerful. Always test any cleaning method on a small, hidden area first. And please, for the love of your household surfaces, never use salt on porous stone like marble or granite countertops. The abrasion can scratch them, and that’s a repair bill you definitely don’t want.

So there you have it. Who knew that little box could do all that? It’s cheap, it’s natural, and it’s probably already in your kitchen. The next time you see a spill, a stain, or a slug, you know what to do. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some candles to soak and some pans to scour. Happy hacking