Salt is renowned for its abrasive and natural antiseptic properties. It has long been used for various purposes, including cleaning, deodorizing, and even as a mild disinfectant.

The versatility of salt makes it an ideal ingredient for home maintenance. So, what happens when you sprinkle a handful of salt into your toilet bowl?

What Happens When You Sprinkle Salt into Your Toilet Bowl?

Sprinkling salt into your toilet is a clever trick that offers multiple benefits that may surprise you.


Sprinkling salt into your toilet bowl has many unexpected benefits that everyone should know. (Image: Gold Coast Plumbing Company)

Eliminating Toilet Odors

Salt, especially granular salt, has antibacterial properties that help neutralize unpleasant toilet odors effectively. Salt is an essential component in many bathroom cleaning formulas.

By adding an appropriate amount of salt to your toilet bowl and letting it sit overnight, you can effectively eliminate unwanted smells. Simply flush the toilet with clean water the next day. The salt will absorb and neutralize any unpleasant odors. Flushing your toilet with salt water can also kill germs and help keep your toilet hygienic and clean.

Unclogging Waste

Granular salt is also an effective and economical way to clear waste and unclog your toilet. Simply pour a cup of salt into the toilet bowl and let it sit overnight. In the morning, pour hot water into the toilet. This is a simple and cost-effective way to unclog your toilet.

Removing Stubborn Stains

Getting rid of stubborn yellow stains from bathroom corners, bathtubs, or toilet bowls can be challenging. Instead of using corrosive chemical cleaners, you can try salt as a gentle yet effective cleaning agent. Salt works as a mild abrasive that can help remove stains and grime without damaging porcelain.

Toilet bowls tend to develop yellow stains over time. You can sprinkle some granular salt into the bowl, let it sit for about 30 minutes, and then gently scrub with a brush. The yellow stains will disappear immediately.

However, this method is only effective for light yellow stains. For heavier or more dense stains, you may still need to use a stronger chemical cleaner to thoroughly remove them.

Whitening and Cleaning the Toilet Bowl

It is best to use natural products to whiten or polish porcelain surfaces. When salt is added to the toilet bowl, it starts to dissolve, forming a salt solution that can break down mild limescale and mineral buildup. It can also act as a gentle abrasive to remove dirt and grime.

The next step is to use a brush or a dedicated toilet cleaning brush to scrub the toilet bowl. This will effectively whiten and disinfect the edges of the bowl.

Cost Savings

Using salt as a natural cleaning agent in your toilet is a simple, effective, and cost-saving alternative to chemical cleaners. This method has been practiced by people in Japan and has proven the effectiveness of salt in maintaining a clean toilet bowl.

Other Uses of Salt

Combining salt with other household ingredients can also make cleaning tasks a breeze.


The combination of salt and other ingredients can simplify your household chores. (Image: The Salt Association)

Cleaning Burnt Pots and Pans

Burned pots and pans are a common occurrence in the kitchen. To clean these burnt cookware, simply soak them in salt and water for 10-20 minutes. The burnt residue will loosen, and you can easily scrub it off with a scouring pad.

Unclogging and Cleaning Drains

Salt helps dissolve clogged substances in drains, especially grease and fat. If you notice your drain slowing down, pour half a cup of salt, followed by a cup of white vinegar and baking soda. These substances will easily dissolve and wash away, clearing the clog.

Removing Stains from Wooden Surfaces

A mixture of salt and olive oil can work wonders on wooden surfaces. Apply a small amount of the mixture to a cloth and rub it into the wood for a few minutes. Then, wipe it off with a damp cloth and dry the surface.

Restoring the Non-Stick Coating of Pans

To maintain the non-stick coating of your pans, clean them with soap and water, dry them, and then sprinkle a sufficient amount of salt onto the pan. Heat the pan over high heat until the salt turns brown. This process will restore the non-stick properties of your pan.

Polishing Metal Surfaces

To bring back the shine to your metal items, simply add a handful of salt to a partially filled can of beer or carbonated soft drink. Soak the metal items in this solution for 30-45 minutes, then rinse them with soap and water. Your metal items will be sparkling clean!

Source: VTC news

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