Consumer salt tips

Here are some of the fascinating applications of salt, many handed down in families for generations.

In our homes, salt makes food delicious … and so much more. In fact, there are more than 14,000 uses of salt, many of which involve helping us with our household tasks. Our grandmothers were probably familiar with most of them since many were for simple things around the home before the advent of modern chemicals and cleaners. Many "old" uses are still valid today and a lot cheaper than using more sophisticated products. Here are some of the fascinating applications of salt, many handed down in families for generations. We make no guarantees about the results, but most have stood the test of time.

The most familiar use of salt undoubtedly is in the kitchen and on the dining table. Salt accents the flavor of meat, brings out individuality of vegetables, puts "oomph" into bland starches, deepens the flavor of delicate desserts and develops flavor of melons and certain other fruits. No other seasoning has yet been found that can satisfactorily take the place of salt. But there are other uses around the home, too.Salt is an excellent cleaning agent, by itself or in combination with other substances. A solution of salt and turpentine restores the whiteness to yellowed enameled bathtubs and lavatories. A paste of salt and vinegar cleans tarnished brass or copper. Pour a strong brine poured down the kitchen sink to prevent grease from collecting and eliminate odors.Salt helps destroy moths and drives away ants. A dash of salt in laundry starch keeps the iron from sticking and gives linen and fine cottons a glossy, like-new finish. A thin paste of salt and salad oil removes white marks caused by hot dishes or water from wooden tables.A box of salt is an important item in many bathrooms. In mild solutions, it makes an excellent mouthwash, throat gargle or eye-wash; it is an effective dentifrice; it is an effective antiseptic; and it can be extremely helpful as a massage element to improve complexion.We offer these other tips for the kitchen , in cleaning , in health & beauty and other “miracle” uses of salt at home . Students are always on the lookout for good ideas for science projects; here are some featuring salt. And "sculptors" of all ages can enjoy easy and inexpensive salt dough.