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3. Eliminates Stubborn Odors
If your washing machine has developed a musty smell, or if your clothes have a lingering odor that won’t come out, salt can help eliminate these odors.
How it works: Salt acts as a natural deodorizer, absorbing and neutralizing odors. By adding salt to your washing machine, you can help combat both the odors in your laundry and those in your washing machine drum. It helps to break down grime and residue in the machine, reducing any funky smells that can develop after many washes.
How to use it: To freshen up your clothes and your washing machine, add half a cup of salt to the drum during your regular wash. You can also run an empty cycle with salt in the machine to freshen up the drum itself.
4. Softens Water for Cleaner Clothes
One of the biggest challenges in areas with hard water is that it can make your clothes feel stiff and rough after washing. The high mineral content in hard water prevents soap from working as well, leaving clothes feeling gritty or harsh.
How it works: Salt works as a natural water softener. It binds with the minerals in hard water, preventing them from interfering with detergent’s cleaning abilities. By softening the water, salt allows detergents to work more efficiently, leading to softer, fresher clothes after each wash.
How to use it: For softening water, add half a cup of salt to each load of laundry. This will make your detergent more effective and your clothes softer, even without fabric softeners.
5. Helps Prevent Soap Scum Build-Up
Soap scum is the residue left behind when detergent interacts with minerals in hard water. Over time, this can build up inside your washing machine, causing it to work less efficiently and even causing mold or mildew growth.
How it works: Salt helps to break down and dissolve soap scum, preventing it from accumulating in your machine. This keeps your washing machine running smoothly and efficiently, as well as keeping your clothes cleaner after each wash.
How to use it: Simply add half a cup of salt to the drum during the wash cycle, and it will help dissolve soap scum in the machine and on your clothes, keeping everything fresh.
6. Restores Towels to Their Fluffy Best
If your towels have started to feel rough, stiff, or less absorbent, adding salt can help restore their soft, fluffy texture.
How it works: Salt helps to break down detergent residue that can build up on towels and other fabrics over time, causing them to lose their softness. It also helps to lift any oils or residue left behind, allowing your towels to regain their absorbency and comfort.
How to use it: Add half a cup of salt to your washing machine when washing towels. This will help soften them and keep them fresh after each wash.
7. Helps Clean and Maintain the Washing Machine
Just as salt can help clean your clothes, it can also help clean the inside of your washing machine. Over time, soap scum, dirt, and detergent residue can accumulate in your washing machine drum, causing unpleasant odors or performance issues.
How it works: When you run a cycle with salt in your washing machine, it can help break down and dissolve these buildups, keeping your washing machine clean and in good working order.
How to use it: To clean your washing machine, run an empty load with one cup of salt and a little vinegar. This will help to freshen up the drum, remove grime, and eliminate any lingering odors.
Final Thoughts: A Simple Trick That’s Worth Trying
Adding salt to your washing machine is an incredibly simple and inexpensive way to enhance the effectiveness of your laundry routine. From boosting detergent performance to softening water and preventing color fading, this little household item can deliver powerful results for both your laundry and your machine.
While appliance repairmen may not share this trick, it’s one that’s been used for generations to keep laundry looking and feeling its best. So, the next time you do a load of laundry, don’t forget to toss in a little salt — you’ll be amazed at the results!
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