How to

Why Sprinkle a Pinch of Salt in the Toilet Bowl?

This is a nifty little savings hack that many people are unaware of.

14 September, 2025

Using specialized cleaning solutions is a common choice for many, but they tend to be expensive, filled with harsh chemicals, and environmentally unfriendly. An unexpected alternative is table salt, a staple in every kitchen, which can effectively and quickly clean your toilet bowl.

Salt has mild abrasive properties that help lift stubborn stains without scratching the porcelain surface. It also possesses disinfectant and deodorizing qualities, ensuring your toilet remains clean and pleasant to use.

This simple method starts by partially flushing the toilet and then sprinkling an adequate amount of salt on the toilet bowl, focusing on stained areas. Let the salt work its magic for about 1-2 minutes to soften the stains. Then, gently scrub with a toilet brush, and you’ll be amazed at how easily the stains come off without much effort. Finally, flush the toilet to rinse away any remaining salt and dirt.

Not only is this method simple and easy, but it’s also incredibly cost-effective. By utilizing readily available salt, you can save hundreds of thousands annually on cleaning products. It’s also an environmentally friendly, healthy, and practical solution for every household’s daily routine.

With just a small step in your regular cleaning routine, you can maintain a spotlessly clean and fresh-smelling toilet without relying on harsh chemicals or incurring extra costs. It’s a simple tip with significant results.

Additional Benefits of Using Salt in the Bathroom

– Floor Cleaning and Disinfection

The bathroom is a place for washing, bathing, and toileting, often resulting in high humidity. Inadequate ventilation further contributes to making it an ideal environment for bacterial growth.

While we typically use floor cleaners to make our bathroom floors appear cleaner, these chemicals may not effectively eliminate all bacteria. This is where salt comes to the rescue. As we know, salt has natural disinfectant qualities. By sprinkling a small amount of salt on the bathroom floor, you not only remove stains and dust but also destroy invisible bacteria lurking on the surface.

It’s important to note that you should first give the floor a preliminary clean and then mix water with a moderate amount of salt for mopping. Avoid using excessive salt; a small amount is sufficient.

– Eliminating Drain Odor

Bathrooms often have an unpleasant odor, especially in damp areas, which can be a nuisance for guests and family members alike. The primary source of this odor is usually the drain, exacerbated by high humidity. While many opt for air fresheners to mask the smell, it’s only a temporary solution that doesn’t address the root cause.

A concentrated salt water solution offers a more effective approach. Unlike air fresheners, salt water doesn’t just cover up the smell; it eliminates it at its source. Simply mix a tablespoon of salt with boiling water, stir well, and pour it directly into odor-causing areas like drains and sinks.

The hot salt water not only deodorizes the drainage system but also harnesses the heat and disinfectant properties of salt to kill bacteria, parasites, and built-up grime in the pipes, ensuring a thorough clean and preventing future odors.

– Cleaning the Washbasin

The washbasin in the bathroom is something we use daily, and over time, it accumulates stubborn stains, mainly due to the buildup of grease. These stains are not only challenging to remove but also make the washbasin look unsightly.

Here’s where salt comes to the rescue again. Simply sprinkle some salt on the washbasin’s surface and use a brush (or an old shoe brush) to gently scrub the stained areas. The salt will quickly soften and dissolve the grime, allowing you to effortlessly remove it without resorting to harsh chemicals.