11 Clever Ways to Use Salt

From Woman's Day

1. ABSORB OVEN SPILLS

If batter bubbles over your pan and onto the bottom of the oven, pour salt on it (protecting your arm with a mitt). It will be easy to sweep out the large salty pieces when the oven cools.

2. BRIGHTEN LINENS

Place yellowed cotton fabrics in a pot of water. Add ¼ cup salt and ½ cup baking soda, then bring to a boil. Turn off the heat. Let soak for at least three days, then rinse with cold water and lay flat to dry.

3. REVIVE OVER-BREWED COFFEE

To save a bitter cup of joe, stir in a pinch of salt. When it dissolves, the sodium ions break off and block harsh-tasting molecules. Your coffee will have a balanced flavor without a hint of saltiness.

4. CLEAR YOUR PORES

For nonsensitive skin, mix 1 Tbsp salt in 2 oz warm water. Soak cotton balls in the solution, wring them out and lay them on your face. Leave in place for 8 minutes, then rinse. The salt dissolves dirt for a cleaner complexion.

5. COMBAT STINKY SMELLS

The oils in garlic and onion leave a scent on your hands after cooking. Squirt lemon juice on your palms and sprinkle salt on top. Rub hands together, then thoroughly rinse. The lemon juice is a disinfectant and deodorizer, while the salt acts as an abrasive to remove the oil.

6. WASH VEGGIES

Remove dirt from greens like spinach, arugula and kale by swirling them around in a bowl of salt water. (Fun fact: Ancient Romans seasoned vegetables with salt, which is where the word salad originates!)

7. KEEP WINDOWS FROST FREE

Rub the inside of windows with a sponge dipped in salt water, and frost won't collect.

8. BANISH BUBBLES

Get rid of excess suds when handwashing garments in the sink or doing the dishes by sprinkling them with a pinch of salt.

9. CLEAN A GREASY PAN

Shaking a little salt on the pan before washing absorbs most of the grease.

10. FIX A STICKY IRON

To remove gunk spots, sprinkle a little salt on a piece of brown paper and run the hot iron over it. Repeat if necessary.

11. REMOVE WATER MARKS FROM WOOD SURFACES

Make water marks disappear by making a paste of salt and cooking oil. Gently rub the paste onto the ring with a sponge; let sit for a few minutes. Wipe with a soft cloth and polish as usual.

Sources: Linda Cobb, Queen of Clean. Darcy Gentleman, PhD, American Chemical Society. Melissa Maker, editor, CleanMySpace.com. Cleusa Paula, esthetician.