Salt is a staple in every kitchen — essential for seasoning and enhancing the taste of food. Without it, even the most delicious dishes can fall flat. Apart from being a key ingredient in cooking, our body needs a certain amount of salt to stay healthy, as completely cutting it out can cause health issues. But did you know that salt has many uses beyond the kitchen?

Salt, which is readily available in almost every home, can make several household chores much easier. From cleaning to deodorizing, salt is a natural and affordable solution for many everyday problems.

Here’s how you can use salt to simplify your daily tasks:

1. Natural Cleaner for Kitchen and Floors

Salt can act as an effective natural cleaner. Mix salt with lemon juice or vinegar to create a paste. This can be used to clean sinks, cutting boards, countertops, and marble floors. It’s also great for scrubbing burnt pots or removing stubborn grease stains, making cleaning less of a hassle.

2. Restore Shine to Brass and Copper Utensils

Brass utensils tend to turn black over time, losing their shine. You can easily clean them by rubbing a mixture of salt and lemon or salt and baking soda on the surface. This also works wonders for copper utensils, restoring their bright appearance quickly.

3. Eliminate Refrigerator Odors

Sometimes your fridge might develop unpleasant odors that can spoil the food inside. To neutralize these smells, put a bowl of salt mixed with lemon inside the fridge. You can also place bowls of salt in corners of your house or cupboards to absorb unwanted odors.

4. Remove Bad Odor from Shoes

Smelly shoes can be embarrassing and uncomfortable. To get rid of the foul smell, sprinkle some salt inside your shoes before going to bed. Shake out the salt in the morning — it helps absorb moisture and reduces odor effectively.

5. Unclog Sink Pipes Naturally

Clogged sink drains are a common household nuisance. Pour a mixture of salt and baking soda down the drain, followed by boiling water. After a while, the salt and baking soda combination will break down the grime, helping the water flow smoothly again.

6. Wash Vegetables to Remove Dirt and Bugs

Vegetables often carry dirt, bacteria, and insects when bought from the market. Soaking them in salt water for a few minutes helps clean off impurities and pests. After washing, let the vegetables dry before storing — this can also help increase their shelf life.

Using salt in these simple ways can save you time and effort while keeping your home fresh and clean. Next time you reach for the salt shaker, remember it’s a versatile helper beyond just cooking!