Everyone thinks of table salt as just a kitchen necessity, but it has many unexpected uses beyond cooking. This inexpensive and common ingredient is an excellent cleaner, deodorizer, and even pest repellent. Whether you need to freshen up your home or remove stubborn stains, salt can help you get the job done effortlessly. Here are ten practical ways to use ordinary table salt around the house.

1. Remove Persistent Stains

Spilled red wine or coffee on your favorite shirt or carpet? Don’t worry—salt can help! Salt acts as a natural stain remover by absorbing liquid and lifting stains from fabric. If you spill red wine, sprinkle salt generously over the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. The salt will draw out the moisture, making it easier to blot away. You can also mix salt with a little water to form a paste and scrub away coffee and tea stains from mugs.

2. Deodorize Cutting Boards

Wooden cutting boards tend to absorb strong odors from garlic, onions, and raw meat, making them smell even after washing. To freshen them up, sprinkle salt over the surface and scrub with half a lemon. The salt acts as an abrasive to lift trapped food particles, while the lemon adds a refreshing citrus scent. Rinse with warm water and let the board air dry completely before using it again.

3. Prevent Grease and Oil Splatters

Frying food often results in annoying oil splatters that make a mess of your stovetop and countertops. To minimize this, sprinkle a little salt into the pan before adding oil. This reduces excessive splattering, making cleanup much easier. If oil spills onto your counter, covering the spill with salt immediately will help absorb the grease, allowing you to wipe it away effortlessly without spreading the mess.

4. Unclog Drains Naturally

If your sink is draining slowly, salt can be a simple and eco-friendly solution. Pour half a cup of salt down the drain, followed by boiling water. The salt helps break down grease, soap residue, and minor blockages. For tougher clogs, combine salt with baking soda and vinegar before flushing with hot water. This method is a safe and effective alternative to chemical drain cleaners.

5. Repel Household Pests

Salt is a natural deterrent for ants and other small pests. Sprinkling a line of salt along windowsills, doorways, and entry points can prevent insects from entering your home. The salt interferes with their scent trails, making it difficult for them to navigate. You can also create a saltwater spray and apply it to areas where pests are commonly seen to keep them away.

6. Extend the Life of Sponges

Kitchen sponges tend to accumulate bacteria and odors quickly, but soaking them in a saltwater solution can prolong their life. Dissolve a few tablespoons of salt in warm water and let the sponge soak overnight. This helps eliminate bacteria, deodorize the sponge, and keep it fresh for longer use.

7. Polish Metal Surfaces

If your silverware, brass fixtures, or copper pots have lost their shine, salt can help restore them. Mix equal parts salt, flour, and vinegar to create a thick paste. Apply it to the metal surface and let it sit for about 10 minutes before scrubbing with a soft cloth. Rinse with warm water and dry to reveal a polished, gleaming finish.

8. Freshen Up Smelly Shoes

If your shoes have developed an unpleasant odor, salt can help absorb moisture and eliminate smells. Sprinkle a small amount of salt inside your shoes and leave it overnight. The salt will draw out excess moisture and neutralize odors, leaving your shoes fresher by morning. This method works especially well for canvas and fabric shoes.

9. Keep Windows Frost-Free

During winter, frost buildup on windows can be a hassle. To prevent this, wipe your windows with a cloth dipped in a saltwater solution and let them dry. The thin protective layer left by the salt prevents frost from forming, keeping your windows clearer for longer. You can also use this trick on your car windshield for an easier time scraping off ice on cold mornings.

10. Brighten Your Laundry

If your white clothes have started to look dull, salt can help restore their brightness. Add half a cup of salt to your washing machine along with your detergent. Salt helps prevent detergent buildup and keeps fabrics looking fresh and vibrant. It also acts as a natural color fixer, reducing fading in brightly colored clothes.