Salt isn’t just a kitchen staple—it’s a multi-purpose household hero with applications that range from cleaning to pest control. Its versatility makes it an essential item in every home. From tackling stains to keeping ants away, here are 10 practical and surprising uses for salt that can make your life easier.

1. Absorb Food Spills

Accidents happen, whether it’s juice on the tablecloth or ketchup on your shirt. Instead of reaching for chemical cleaners, sprinkle salt on the spill. Let it sit to absorb the stain, then wash as usual. This works wonders on carpets too, providing a natural, non-toxic solution for household messes.

2. Remove Water Stains from Wood

Watermarks on wooden furniture can be a real eyesore, but salt can save the day. Mix a teaspoon of salt with a few drops of water to create a paste. Rub it gently onto the stain with a soft cloth or sponge until it disappears. Finish by polishing the wood for a restored shine.

3. Eliminate Sweat Stains

Sweat stains on white clothes can be stubborn, but a simple salt paste can help. Combine salt and water, apply to the affected area, and let it sit for at least an hour. Then, toss the garment into the wash, and those unsightly stains will be gone.

4. Clean Your Refrigerator

For a clean and fresh-smelling fridge, mix 1/2 cup of salt with 2 liters of warm water. Use this natural solution to scrub the shelves and tackle tough stains and odors. It’s a safe, chemical-free way to maintain your fridge’s hygiene.

5. Deodorize Sneakers

Sneakers, especially when worn without socks, can develop unpleasant odors. Sprinkle a little salt inside canvas shoes to absorb moisture and eliminate smells. Do this regularly to keep your footwear fresh, even during hot summer months.

6. Kill Grass and Weeds

Got unwanted grass or weeds growing between patio stones or cracks in your driveway? Sprinkle salt directly onto the plants and pour boiling water over them. For an even easier fix, let coarse salt sit overnight on the weeds before dousing them with hot water.

7. Extinguish Grease Fires

If a grease fire starts in your kitchen, don’t reach for water—it will only spread the flames. Instead, grab salt or baking soda to smother the fire. Alternatively, cover the pan with a metal lid to cut off the oxygen and extinguish the flames.

8. Remove Baked-On Food

Baked-on food can turn dishwashing into a chore, but salt makes it easier. Sprinkle salt onto the stuck-on food, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub with a lime wedge or sponge. The abrasive quality of salt helps loosen food and leaves your cookware spotless.

9. Relieve Bee Stings

Bee stings are painful, but salt can offer quick relief. Wet the sting area and cover it with salt to reduce pain and swelling. This simple remedy also works on other bug bites, making it a handy first-aid solution.

10. Keep Ants Away

To deter ants without using harsh chemicals, create a line of salt as a barrier around entry points. Ants won’t cross the salt line, providing a safe, natural way to keep your home pest-free.

Bonus Tips

• Clean Coffee Pots: Restore shine to glass coffee pots by adding 1/4 cup of salt and a dozen ice cubes. Swish the mixture around, let it sit for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
• Prevent Frost on Windows: Rub windows with salt water to stop frost from forming during winter. For car windshields, fill a cheesecloth bag with salt, moisten slightly, and rub it on the glass.

Salt is truly a household powerhouse, offering solutions for everything from cleaning to pest control. By incorporating these tips into your routine, you can save time, money, and avoid harsh chemicals.