Salt it's not just for cooking anymore

Salt is not just for the table anymore, it can be used for a variety of things around the home. When we do many everyday chores, salt can come in handy. Doing and using some of these tips can help with so many every day cleaning problems.

We have all had dinner parties, and accidents have happened. Wine spills especially, are at the top of the list. Well if you blot the spill up as much as you can, and cover the spot with a pile of salt, it will help pull the wine away from the fiber. Then when possible, soak your cloth in cold water for at least 30 minutes, then wash as you normally would. This also works for wine stains on clothing.

How many times have you accidentally put to much laundry soap in the washer. I know I have. Well now you can rid all those suds by sprinkling some salt in the washer.

If you are like some many mom's, nothing feels greater than the smell of freshly dried cloths outside. Now you can continue that process even in the winter by adding salt to the final rinse. This will prevent clothes from freezing on your clothes line.

If you buy additional products to brighten colors when washing, you don't need to do that any more. You can wash your colored curtains in a saltwater solution that will bring out the bright colors.

And how about those perspiration stains, don't be embarrassed any more. You can add 4tbls of salt to 1qt of hot water and then apply the solution with a sponge to your fabric. This will help your stain fade quickly. For blood stains you can soak the stained item in a cold saltwater solution, then wash in your machine with warm water.

For tough mildew or rust stains, take and moisten a sponge with a mixture of lemon juice and salt. After you apply the mixture to the item lay it in the sun for bleaching. Then rinse and totally dry.

To tackle the gunk on the bottom of your iron, sprinkle a pinch of salt on a piece of paper and then run your hot iron over it to remove all that gunk, and any sticky spots.

If your home gets invaded with ants, go green with sprinkling salt at your doorways, window sills and any other places these little critters can get in. The ant's do not like walking on salt, so this is a great green tip for keeping them at bay.

Grease fires can flare up at any time, keeping a box salt on hand is a good idea. Just douse the flames with salt, of course this is for small flares not large.

I love my candles, and by soaking new ones in a strong salt solution for a few hours helps them dry and they won't drip as much during burning.

With spring and summer coming, I love to cut my flowers and bring them inside. I put a dash of salt in the vase water, this helps keep the cut flowers fresh for a longer period. I also have alot of artificial flower arrangements, and I use salt in the vase to keep them in place. How I do it is put the salt in the bottom of the vase, place the artificial flowers in, and after arranging them where I want them, I pout a little water into the vase and the salt will harden and keep the flowers in place.

For gardening salt can help also with patio weeds. For those weeds or even grass that grows between bricks, or sidewalks, carefully spread salt. Then sprinkle with water, and wait for rain to wash it away.

If you would like to extend the life of your toothbrush, soak it in salt water before using.

Bee sting, or mosquito bite, make a simple pile of salt on the area to reduce pain and swelling.

Share your salt idea with me.