Adding salt to washing-up liquid: a brilliant trick that will fix your biggest kitchen problem
As people look for ways to keep their homes tidy, an old trick has returned: mixing salt with dishwashing liquid. Often called a traditional “grandmother’s remedy”, this simple tweak is cheap and can be more environmentally friendly than some commercial cleaners. It appeals because it is easy to use and inexpensive.
Why salt helps with cleaning
Salt’s slightly gritty texture provides mechanical abrasion. The tiny grains give a gentle scrubbing action that helps lift stubborn stains without damaging surfaces. Paired with dishwashing liquid, you get a combination of physical abrasion and chemical degreasing that tackles grease more effectively. Salt also soaks up and neutralises lingering smells, for example after cooking fish or strongly seasoned sauces. The result is cleaner crockery in less time, with dishes smelling fresher.
Where to use it around the home
This salt-plus-soap combo works well on a range of surfaces:
- Burnt pots and pans: The salt-and-soap method is commonly used for burnt pots, especially stainless steel and cast iron. Sprinkle salt on the scorched spots, add dishwashing liquid and scrub with a damp sponge, and the deposits can come away.
- Glassware: Glass benefits from the gentle abrasion and can regain clarity without obvious scratches.
- Sponges and appliances: A soak in saltwater can freshen smelly sponges, while placing two glasses of salt in an empty washing machine cycle can help remove limescale deposits.
- Rust and polishing: Soaking rusty items in hot water with vinegar and salt, then rubbing gently, makes rust removal easier. For polishing silverware, copper and brass, a paste of salt, a little flour and vinegar is effective.
- Refrigerator: Wiping fridge surfaces with a water-and-salt solution using a cloth helps remove odours and can aid cleaning.
Simple, cheap and effective
Putting this into practice is straightforward. The direct sprinkle method means scattering salt onto the item, adding a small dab of dishwashing liquid and scrubbing with a damp sponge. You can also mix a teaspoon of salt into the detergent bottle to boost performance without noticeably changing appearance or foaming. This can save time, especially on heavily soiled items.
Salt is a low-cost pantry staple, so using it keeps costs down and reduces reliance on expensive commercial cleaners. From an environmental point of view, relying on basic ingredients like salt and dish soap reduces the use of harsher chemicals.
Keep it simple and sustainable
This is not a universal solution for every cleaning task. It is gentle on most surfaces, but it is sensible to test it on a small area first. Those who have tried it find it straightforward, inexpensive and relatively more environmentally friendly than some alternatives.
Adding salt to your cleaning routine is a low-cost option that can reduce the use of harsher chemicals and draws on traditional household practices.