The Uses for Salt

What is salt used for?

Salt is a mineral found naturally in many places around the world. It can be mined underground or underwater.

Salt is made mainly made up of two compounds which are sodium and chloride. It is used for many things, although we tend to think about common table salt which is added to food.

Salt can have many uses. It is needed for consumption, as it is essential for our bodies to function. Salt can help with muscle contraction and maintaining fluid levels. But too much in our diet can lead to health problems such as high blood pressure and kidney disease. A recommended daily intake for a healthy adult should be no more than 2,300mg of sodium.

Salt and it's Uses

There are many different ways we can use salt, and it really is quite useful.

Cooking with Salt

Salt can be added to food for seasoning. It gives taste to many dishes such as meat dishes, soup and sauces. It also brings out flavour in sweet dishes too.

Salt acts as a preservative, meaning food will last longer when salt is added to it. Packed around to cure meat, added to butter or put in water as brine, it will give food a longer shelf life as it protects it from bacteria.

Salt is also used when baking bread, as it improves flavour and helps the dough to rise.

Water Softeners

Salt can be used to soften water in domestic and industrial appliances. The salt used for this is more refined than table salt. It cleanses impurities to maintain efficiency. Appliances include dishwashers, home water softeners and cooling systems.

Cleaning

Salt is a great stain remover. By soaking clothes in salted water will help to lift stubborn marks.

Soak in a tub of warm water and plenty of salt for at least an hour, before washing as usual in your washing machine

Salt can be mixed with natural products to make a cleaning solution. Try mixing with lemon juice or vinegar to polish household brasses and door handles safely. It will also clean mildew from windows.

Salt can clean a number of things. Mix it with turpentine to clean toilets, bathtubs and sinks or use a strong solution to clear grease down kitchen sinks.

Try cleaning stained coffee cups with salt, mix with soda water to clean out your refrigerator or clean dirty pots and pans by scouring with salt.

Antiseptic

Salt has antibacterial properties and can be used to heal a number of skin problems. Always dilute it in clean water and it won’t sting.

For sore areas on the body, put sea salt in a running bath and relax. Do this regularly to clear away the problem.

Salt water can clean sticky or infected eyes. Soak a cotton wool ball in a solution and rub over the eye, sweeping from one corner to the other. Dispose and use a new cotton wool ball for the other eye.

If you can stand it, gargle with salt water to fight infections such as mouth ulcers or sore throats. It works wonders.

Or try brushing your teeth with salt water to fight germs which may cause gum problems. Then soak your toothbrush in salt water to keep it for longer!

Removing Odours

Salt can remove nasty odours. Wash your hands with it, especially if you have been cooking with onions or garlic.

It can remove smells from drains and smelly sinks.

It can also clean and freshen Tupperware tubs and plastic bottles.

Beauty

Use rock salt to exfoliate your body cheaply. Use it in the shower and mix with baby oil for a moisturising softening experience.

Use finer salt grains on the face to remove dead skin cells and deep cleanse.