written by American HouseCleaning
Surprise! One of the most versatile cleaning agents can easily be found in your home. Salt is usually used to add flavor to food, but it can also be used for hard to clean areas in the home. Salt added to a variety of substances can make for an effective cleaning solution. AmericanHouseCleaning.com, a maid service company based in San Francisco, lists several areas where salt can be used as a cleaning agent.
Here they are:
Remove even the toughest carpet stains. Grease, gravy or red wine stains are notorious for being difficult to clean.
• For tough grease stains, all you need is a solution made of 1 part salt and 4 parts rubbing alcohol. Wipe hard in the same direction as the nap of the carpet. Rinse the area with water for a clean carpet.
• For gravy stains, another approach is needed. Cover the stained area with salt to prevent the stain from spreading to other parts of the carpet. Then clean as directed by the manufacturer. To finish the job, you may need a dry-cleaning solution or an enzyme detergent.
• For red wine, you first have to blot up all moisture from the spill. Sprinkle the area with salt. Then just leave the stain for around 15 minutes. The salt absorbs the wine in the affected area. Finish off your task by cleaning the stained area with a solution made from ⅓ cup vinegar and ⅔ cup water.
Cleaning Furniture. Your furniture can look as good as new when you take good care of it – and often with a pinch of salt.
• Wooden furniture. Hot objects can often mark the tops of wooden tables. To restore it to its original color, you start with a paste made from oil and salt. Rub the paste on the discolored area. Then buff the portion gently by wiping it off with a soft cloth.
• Metal furniture. Put the sheen back on copper or brass surfaces with a paste made from equal parts of salt, flour, and vinegar. Put a little paste on a soft cloth. Wait for an hour. Then buff with a soft cloth.
• Copper decorative pieces. Spray this material with vinegar, and then throw on some salt. Scrub with a sponge. Finally rinse thoroughly to make sure you remove all the salt bits. You may have to repeat the procedure. For slightly discolored brass or copper items, clean using a sliced lemon dipped in salt. Rinse with water to finish the task.
• Rattan furniture. You can prevent white rattan furniture from discoloration. Using a stiff brush with saltwater.
Pewter. This type of material must be cleaned gently because it can easily be dented. Make a paste from 1 teaspoon salt and 1 cup vinegar. Wipe paste on a piece of pewter. Let it dry for 30 minutes. Then rinse using warm water. With a soft cloth, wipe away all paste residues to polish the piece.
Kitchen sink. A paste made from turpentine and salt can restore white enameled fixtures that have become yellowish. This paste can be used on sinks, bathtubs, or toilets.
Apply the paste. Let it dry for 15 minutes. Then wipe away the paste with a wet sponge.