10 Surprising Uses for Table Salt

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Say So Long to Starch

Yes, you can clean your iron—with salt! Reader Nanci Howard of Cedar Lake, Indiana, says, “While ironing starched clothing, some of the starch may transfer onto your iron. Should this happen, run the iron over salt sprinkled on the end of the ironing board until the starch comes off. Psst! These are some of the all-time best cleaning products according to our staffers.

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Weed Out Thistles

Tackle thistles in your yard with this tip from reader Joy Westphal of Pecatonica, Illinois. “Sprinkle a little table salt in the center of the thistle. It works best on warm sunny days. If done in the morning, the weeds will be dead by nightfall. Be careful to apply only to the plant so you don’t damage the soil for other more desirable plants.” Check out these secret ingredients that can help your garden grow.

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Remove Stains

If you spill food on your clothes, don’t panic. Margaret Fauci of Dumont, New Jersey, says, “Wet the spot with cold water, rub it with table salt and wash. This works in removing spaghetti sauce, coffee or tea stains.” Salt is also great for removing fruit and wine stains from your tablecloth, towels or napkins. Mrs. CJ Adams of Arlington, Iowa says, “Cover the stain immediately with salt, let stand for a short time, then wash in cool water.” 

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Make Your Broom Better

Reader Margaret Lozier of Lockburne, Ohio, says, “Dip a new broom in hot salted water before using it. This will toughen the bristles and make the broom last longer. Psst! Here’s how to clean up your cleaning tools. 

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Flush Away Drain Clogs

To avoid clogged kitchen drains Helen Wilhelm of Chillicothe, Illinois, says, “Pour a cup of salt and a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of boiling water. Sure makes the grease let go!” But remember, you should never put these things down the drain. 

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Soak Up Oil Spills

Mrs. Lee Hoyer of Lewiston, Montana, shares a tip she learned by accident. “My son tipped a glass bottle of cooking oil off a grocery store shelf. The clerk quickly opened a 5-lb bag of salt and poured it over the oil. In a matter of minutes, he was able to sweep away the salt and oil with no stain. Works well with eggs, too.” Check out these common mistakes you are probably making with eggs. 

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Cold Weather Helper

Save energy while drying your clothes year-round. Mrs. John McSloy of Havre, Montana, says, “A handful of salt added to the rinse water will keep clothes from freezing to the clothesline.” 

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No More Oven Messes

If something spills over in the oven, sprinkle salt on it right away. Gail Pitt of Jacksonville, Texas, says, “When the oven cools down, the spill will have turned to ash and can be removed easily.” 

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Extinguish Grease Fires

Keep calm in the kitchen. Jean Steingold of Chesapeake, Virginia, says salt thrown on a grease fire will extinguish it quickly. Every home cook should have these kitchen safety products on hand.

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Clean Copper Pots

Don’t throw away lemon halves after squeezing out the juice. Mrs. Orlin Peterson of Utica, South Dakota, says, “Dip the lemons in salt and rub on the bottom of a copper-bottom pot for a few minutes. The pan will shine like new.” Check out more things you can clean up with lemons.