21 Surprising and Practical Uses for Table Salt You Might Not Know

If you’re searching for a method to enjoy your favorite coffee without relying on cream, sugar, or artificial sweeteners with odd aftertastes, salt has been a trusted solution in various cultures for years. Salt reduces bitterness and amplifies sweeter notes. As noted by culinary expert and food scientist Alton Brown, “Salt not only diminishes bitterness but also improves the taste of water stored in tanks, eliminating any stale flavors. Studies show that salt is more effective at countering bitterness than sugar.”

For brewing coffee, Brown suggests mixing a half teaspoon of salt with two tablespoons of coffee grounds per cup of water to balance bitterness. (Alternatively, a pinch can be added directly to a freshly brewed cup.)

The gritty nature of salt makes it a powerful cleaner for grime and stains. When paired with the whitening properties of lemon, its cleaning effectiveness is enhanced. Sprinkle salt on your butcher block or cutting board, then scrub with a halved lemon. Allow the lemon and salt mixture to sit overnight, and wipe it clean the next morning with a damp cloth. (Alternatively, you can make a paste using lemon juice and salt for application.)

If your favorite shirts are showing yellow underarm stains but are otherwise in good condition, try a salt soak. To tackle underarm discoloration, combine 4 tablespoons of salt with a quart of warm water and soak the garment before washing.

For grass stains, apply lemon juice to the stain, sprinkle salt over it, and gently rub the fabric. For blood stains, soak the item overnight in cold saltwater—use 1 tablespoon of salt per 2 cups of water.

Instead of splurging on costly spa treatments, create your own salt scrub at home. Salt works as an excellent exfoliant, removing dead skin cells that can block pores and lead to breakouts. Your skin will also reap the benefits of the sodium, chloride, potassium, magnesium, and calcium, along with other minerals found in sea salt, leaving it smoother and softer. Simply combine 1 cup of sea salt, 1/4 cup of jojoba, avocado, or olive oil, and 10-20 drops of your favorite essential oil, if desired. Note: Salt scrubs are best used on the body, not the face.

Harness the moisture-absorbing power of salt to tackle the unpleasant odor in your well-worn sneakers. Sprinkle salt inside the shoes, let it sit overnight, and by morning, the foul smell will be significantly reduced.

To freshen up your sink’s garbage disposal, mix 1 cup of salt with 1 1/2 cups of boiling water. (For an added burst of freshness, include a few drops of lemon essential oil.) Pour the solution down the drain while running the disposal to eliminate any lingering odors.

When stubborn food residue clings to your cast iron skillet, a salt scrub can effectively loosen the debris without harming the pan. Start by heating a small amount of vegetable oil in the skillet (though skipping this step in a hurry can still yield results). Add enough salt to cover the bottom and scrub with a damp paper towel. For more stubborn grime, use a ball of aluminum foil instead of a paper towel.

While excessive citric acid can harm cast iron, for non-cast-iron cookware and dishes, a mixture of salt and lemon creates an excellent cleaning paste.

If your beloved coffee mugs are stained with tea or coffee, mix a bit of water with 1-2 teaspoons of salt and scrub until the stains disappear. (This method also works for removing residue inside flower vases.) For your glass coffee pot, fill it with 1/4 cup of table salt and a dozen ice cubes, let it sit for 30 minutes, then rinse with cold water.

To restore the shine to brass and copper, create a paste using equal parts salt, flour, and vinegar—or simply soak the items for 20 minutes in a mixture of one tablespoon of salt and enough white vinegar to cover the metal.

Grass and weeds growing in sidewalk cracks or between patio stones can be eradicated with a potent salt solution. Mix one part salt with two parts water and apply it to the unwanted plants. Let it sit before pouring very hot water over the area. Use salt only in areas where you want no plants to grow, as excessive salt disrupts the balance of salinity and water absorption needed for plant survival.

To eliminate poison ivy, combine one cup of salt with one gallon of vinegar and spray it on the leaves and stems. (Alternatively, mix three pounds of salt with a gallon of soapy water and apply similarly.) After a few days, the poison ivy should wither and die.

Purchasing vibrant clothing, new towels, or dark jeans only to see them fade after the first wash is disappointing, but it can be avoided. To preserve bright colors, especially during initial washes, add 1-2 cups of salt to your washing machine drum. (Alternatively, mix 1/2 cup salt and 1/2 cup vinegar with half a gallon of water and soak the garment until no dye transfers to the water.)

Most of us have either caused or been affected by a red wine spill at some point. Whether you’re the culprit or not, this stain-removing trick is a lifesaver for tables, carpets, couches, or clothing. Start by blotting (not rubbing) the spill to remove excess liquid, then dab with water to dilute the stain. Cover the area with table salt and let it sit for 10 minutes. Scrub thoroughly until the stain disappears.

Salt reduces the freezing point of water, making it a common solution for icy roads and walkways in winter. It can also be useful at home and in your car. When temperatures drop, wipe windows with a sponge soaked in saltwater to prevent frost. Similarly, rubbing a slightly damp sock or cheesecloth filled with salt on your windshield before the temperature falls can stop frost from forming. Auto glass experts recommend mixing one tablespoon of salt with 2 cups of water to quickly melt ice on your windshield. (Be cautious, as excessive salt can harm your car.)

The phrase “rubbing salt in the wound” has historical roots. Before modern medicine, salt was used for centuries in Greek, Egyptian, and Roman cultures to clean wounds. As a natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, salt draws fluid from damaged tissue and inhibits bacterial growth that causes infections. However, applying salt directly to an open wound is not advised and can be painful (hence the expression). Sterile saline (not seawater) has numerous therapeutic applications, from treating minor cuts and piercings to nasal irrigation.

If a small grease fire ignites in your kitchen, dousing it with salt can smother the flames by cutting off their oxygen supply. (Use a generous amount for effectiveness.) In emergencies, baking soda can also extinguish flames by releasing carbon dioxide. Avoid using flour, sugar, or baking powder, as these are highly flammable and can worsen the fire.

To determine if an egg is fresh, dissolve 1-2 teaspoons of salt in a cup of water and place the egg inside. Fresh eggs will sink, while spoiled ones will float. When making meringue, a pinch of salt helps egg whites whip faster and reach greater heights, ensuring your peaks are firm and not flat. (This trick also works when turning liquid cream into whipped cream.)

If your furry companion brings home fleas, salt can act as a natural flea eliminator in your home (avoid applying it directly to your pet, as it may irritate their skin). Salt dehydrates fleas, depriving them of the moisture they need to survive. Sprinkle finely ground sea salt onto carpets, pet bedding, and furniture where fleas might be hiding. Let it sit for 12-48 hours before vacuuming thoroughly.

Epsom salt offers a natural remedy to alleviate swelling and discomfort caused by bee or wasp stings. Soak the affected area in a salt bath as needed—Preventive Pest Control notes that this “can also help your skin contract and expel any deeply embedded stinger fragments.” Alternatively, create a paste using salt and water and apply it directly to the sting.

Wicker furniture often yellows with age and can develop mold over time. To restore its appearance, mix salt with warm water and gently scrub the surface. After drying in the sun, the wicker will look revitalized and cleaner.

When water boils over onto your stovetop, the spill (which you can’t clean immediately due to the open flame) hardens into a stubborn, crusty residue with an orange tint. To avoid this, sprinkle salt on the spill before it cools—this prevents hardening and makes cleanup much easier.

To naturally combat soap scum and mildew without harsh chemicals, salt is a must-have. Its abrasive texture and antibacterial qualities, combined with citric acid, can effectively eliminate grime in sinks and tubs. Sprinkle salt on the surface as you would with Ajax or Comet, then scrub using a halved grapefruit or lemon.

For bathroom mold, create a spray with 1/2 cup salt and half a cup of vinegar. To prevent mildew on plastic shower curtains, soak them in a bucket of saltwater (1/2 cup salt per gallon of water) for an hour before drying.

Do people still encourage their kids to gargle? Growing up, gargling was a regular ritual for me. At the first sign of a sore throat, my mom would have me in the bathroom at least once a day with a cup of warm saltwater, ensuring the mixture coated the back of my throat. In fact, the Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement suggests gargling with saltwater (1/4 tsp. salt per 8 oz. water) to alleviate sore throat discomfort.

Saltwater not only soothes sore throats but, as Medical News Today explains, “Regularly gargling with saltwater can help remove bacteria from the gums, aiding in cleaning and preventing plaque and tartar buildup. Bacterial buildup in the mouth can lead to gum disease and tooth decay.” Additionally, they mention that saltwater gargles can help reduce pain and speed up the healing of canker sores.