In the past, I’ve taught how to wash using many interesting substances like vinegar, borax cor, starch, and baking soda… however, I’ve yet to demonstrate how to clean using one of the most valuable ingredients you’re likely to have in your pantry, salt! Pure, old, table salt!
Cleaning A Cast Iron Skillet
As you might have noticed on my Instagram account, I enjoy cooking in my Le Creuset skillet. However, cast iron cookware is a delicate product that requires cleaning with a particular method. The best way to get the job done is by using salt.
The easiest way to accomplish this is to fill your pan with half the water and add some tablespoons of salt. Bring it to a simmer over moderate heat, then gently scrape off the top of your pan using a wooden spatula. It’s like deglazing the pan, only with no wine! You can then empty the filthy water and clean it using a towel. The other alternative is to put salt in the pan once it’s dry, then employ a plastic scrubby to clean off any remaining bits of dirt, and then empty it to end the job.
Red Wine Spills
Red wine is delicious. However, it often results in us using our hands to talk and spilling the wine onto our tablecloths, clothes, or even carpets. If this happens, there’s an easy and salty solution.
Blot it up using a paper towel to take the water out as quickly as possible.
Sprinkle table salt onto the stain. Be generous!
Let it dry. It might take a few hours or even overnight.
Once dry, dump the salt from the clothing, vacuum it, or put it in the washer.
The stain should be gone, and you’ll be able to enjoy the wine!
The Tequila Trick
If you’re using stainless steel mugs and pots, you’ll notice they will get stained from drinking tea or coffee. To make them look new, apply my trick using tequila! Sprinkle salt on the object, then squeeze one of the lemon wedges and use the lemon wedge to stir the salt over the stain. The stain will be able to come off!
Cutting Board Cleanup
When I cook, I spend a lot of time in the kitchen with my cutting board, and I frequently chop food items likely to leave stains or smells, such as strawberries, beets, onions, garlic, and so on. I need to keep the cutting surface in top form, so after I’ve finished cooking, I grab my lemon and table salt and begin working. Spread a couple of tablespoons of salt on the cutting board. Spread it out to provide a good amount of coverage. Take half of the lemon and use it as a sponge; in a circular motion, rub it across the board. Then give it a quick rinse, and keep it up (not in a flat position) to dry properly so it doesn’t get warped.
Powdered Cleanser
If you are interested in using a powdered cleanser that cleans the stainless steel sinks and appliances, I have the trick for you. Make a mixture of one part baking soda and one teaspoon table salt. Apply it to the stainless steel appliance that requires cleaning. Add a bit of dish soap. Then clean the way you usually do. It will be evident that the salt gives a bit of grittiness, making the task much more accessible.
Although salt was relegated from being a currency a few hundred years ago to a commodity we use to spice in our meals, there are many excellent applications for salt, like cleaning. Do you have any excellent salty cleaning tips that you would like to give us? Leave a comment below!
