Olive oil and salt are kitchen staples, but their usefulness extends far beyond cooking. These two natural ingredients can help with a variety of household tasks, delivering impressive results at minimal cost. Here’s how to maximize their potential for a cleaner, more polished home.
Uses of Olive Oil at Home
1. Polishing Stainless Steel
Remove fingerprints from stainless steel surfaces by applying a small amount of olive oil on a paper towel and gently wiping the area.
2. Reviving Leather Items
Rub olive oil gently onto worn leather products to moisturize and restore their shine.
3. Maintaining Cast-Iron Cookware
After cooking, coat cast-iron cookware lightly with olive oil to prevent rust and prolong its life.
4. Removing Stubborn Stains
Olive oil helps remove tough substances like paint on skin, makeup, and paper labels. Mixing it with baking soda can also help remove tar from sidewalks.
5. Restoring Sink Shine
Combine olive oil with lemon juice and clean sinks in circular motions. Olive oil removes dirt, while lemon acts as a natural disinfectant.
6. Removing Crayon Marks
Dip a cotton pad in olive oil and gently wipe crayon or wax marks. The oil softens the wax, making it easy to clean off with a damp cloth.
7. Polishing Wooden Furniture
Mix olive oil with vinegar to create a natural polish that restores wooden furniture’s luster.
8. Removing Sticky Residue from Clothes
Soak stickers on clothes in olive oil for a few minutes, then gently brush away the residue.
9. Maintaining Wooden Cutting Boards
Regularly apply olive oil to wooden boards to prevent cracking and drying, keeping them hygienic and durable.
10. Cleaning Countertops
Olive oil can safely polish marble and granite, reducing the need for harsh chemicals.
The Power of Salt and How to Use It
Salt is a natural cleaning powerhouse with several advantages:
Gentle Abrasive: Scrubs surfaces without scratching delicate materials like copper or marble.
Odor and Moisture Absorption: Draws out water and neutralizes unpleasant smells.
Enhanced Effect with Other Ingredients: Works even better when mixed with vinegar or baking soda.
Natural Disinfectant: Helps eliminate some bacteria and fungi in the home.
Practical Uses of Salt
1. Cleaning Carpets
Salt absorbs stains and helps sanitize carpets. Vacuum first, then sprinkle salt (or a mix of salt and baking soda) on stains. Wait 30 minutes, gently rub, vacuum again, and wipe with a damp cloth.
2. Removing Coffee and Tea Stains from Cups
Coarse salt helps break down tannins without scratching cups. Add salt to a dry cup, scrub with a damp sponge in circular motions, and rinse thoroughly.
3. Polishing Copper and Silver
Mix equal parts salt and vinegar (optionally with flour to make a paste). Apply to metal, rub gently with a soft cloth, rinse, and dry.
4. Removing Yellow Stains from White Fabrics
Yellow stains caused by sweat or oils can be treated with a mix of half a cup of salt and half a cup of lemon juice or vinegar. Apply for one hour before washing. Dry in sunlight for enhanced whitening.
Olive oil and salt are versatile, eco-friendly, and cost-effective tools that can simplify household cleaning while preserving surfaces and fabrics.
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