CLOTHES IN THE WASHING MACHINE YES, BUT NOT WITH FINE SALT: PUT A HANDFUL OF COARSE SALT

Why Use Coarse Salt in the Washing Machine?

1. Brightens Colors and Keeps Clothes Vibrant: Over time, washing clothes can cause colors to fade, especially with frequent washing. Coarse salt acts as a natural fabric brightener, helping to keep colors vibrant for longer. It prevents dye from washing out and helps maintain the original color of your clothes.
2. Helps Break Down Detergent Residue: Sometimes, detergent can leave behind a sticky residue on your clothes, leading to an unpleasant buildup or an itchy feeling when wearing the garments. Coarse salt helps to dissolve any detergent residue, leaving your clothes soft and clean without the chemical residue.
3. Removes Stubborn Stains: Coarse salt can help loosen stubborn dirt and stains. It works as a gentle abrasive that helps break down dirt, grease, and grime, making your laundry cleaner with less effort.
4. Prevents Fabric Damage: Unlike bleach or harsh chemicals, coarse salt is gentle on fabrics. It helps maintain the integrity of your clothes, reducing wear and tear while still offering cleaning benefits.
5. Neutralizes Odors: If your clothes have absorbed unpleasant odors, such as sweat or smoke, coarse salt can help neutralize those smells. It absorbs odors while keeping your clothes smelling fresh.
6. Eco-Friendly and Cost-Effective: Coarse salt is an affordable, natural alternative to many commercial laundry additives. It’s also a more eco-friendly option since it doesn’t contain harmful chemicals that can pollute the environment.

How to Use Coarse Salt in the Washing Machine

Using coarse salt in your laundry is simple and straightforward. Here’s how to do it:

1. Add the Salt to the Washing Machine: When you load your laundry into the washing machine, sprinkle a handful of coarse salt directly into the drum or into the detergent compartment (depending on your machine). Aim for about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of coarse salt for a regular load of laundry.
2. Add Detergent as Usual: You can continue using your regular laundry detergent as you normally would. The coarse salt will work alongside the detergent to boost its effectiveness.
3. Wash Clothes on Your Preferred Cycle: Run your washing machine as you would for any other load of laundry. The salt will dissolve during the wash, helping to lift stains, brighten colors, and neutralize odors.
4. Dry as Usual: Once the wash cycle is complete, dry your clothes according to the fabric care instructions—either air-drying or using the dryer.

Additional Tips for Using Coarse Salt in Laundry

• Salt for Whitening: If you need to brighten white clothes, you can use a small amount of coarse salt along with baking soda or hydrogen peroxide for a natural whitening effect. This combination can help whiten whites without the harshness of bleach.
• Salt and Vinegar Combo: For an extra freshening boost, add 1/2 cup of white vinegar along with the coarse salt. Vinegar helps to soften fabrics, remove odors, and restore freshness to towels and linens.
• Don’t Overdo It: While coarse salt is a great natural laundry booster, it’s important not to use too much. A small handful goes a long way, and using too much salt can be abrasive on delicate fabrics or lead to residue buildup.
• Check Your Washing Machine’s Manual: Some washing machines may recommend certain types of additives or have specific guidelines on what can be added. Always check your machine’s manual before trying a new product.

Other Household Uses for Coarse Salt

If you’re amazed by the benefits of using coarse salt in your laundry, you’ll be happy to know that it has several other uses around the house:

• Stain Removal: Coarse salt can be used to scrub stains on carpets or upholstery by gently blotting the stain with salt and water.
• Deodorizing: Sprinkle salt in shoes, garbage cans, or other smelly areas to help neutralize odors.
• Cleaning: Use salt as a natural scrub for cleaning surfaces like stainless steel, cast iron pans, or the kitchen sink.

Conclusion: The Surprising Laundry Hack You’ll Love

Using coarse salt in the washing machine is a simple and cost-effective way to enhance your laundry routine. Not only does it help keep your clothes looking fresh, vibrant, and odor-free, but it also prevents detergent residue buildup, minimizes fabric damage, and adds a natural, eco-friendly element to your cleaning process.

With just a small handful of salt, you can boost the effectiveness of your laundry detergent, preserve the colors of your clothes, and tackle stubborn stains with ease. Give this clever laundry hack a try the next time you do a load—it’s a small change that will make a big difference in the freshness and longevity of your clothes.

Try it out and experience the benefits of coarse salt in your washing machine today!