Surprising Uses of Salt for Home and Laundry Maintenance
Salt is a versatile and natural solution for home care, especially for laundry. To preserve the vibrant colors of new clothes, coarse salt works wonders. Before washing, soak colored clothes in lukewarm water with five tablespoons of coarse salt to lock in color and prevent bleeding. Salt can also rejuvenate fading colors; just soak garments in a cold saltwater solution (one tablespoon per half-liter). For whites like tablecloths and linens, a saltwater soak restores their brightness and shine, giving them a fresh look.

Salt as a Natural Descaler and Softener
Beyond laundry, salt is effective for removing limescale from bathroom and kitchen fixtures. A simple paste of lemon juice and salt, applied to scaled surfaces, works as a natural descaler. Use it on faucets and tiles for a renewed, clean look. Salt can also soften water in your washing machine, leaving laundry softer and reducing limescale buildup, enhancing the machine’s efficiency.

Bay Leaves: Natural Pest Repellent and Deodorizer
Bay leaves offer valuable home benefits beyond their culinary uses. Their strong aroma repels common pests like ants, flies, and pantry moths, keeping your kitchen safe. Scatter dried bay leaves in storage areas or pantry shelves, and even place them in jars of flour and cereals to deter pests. Boiling bay leaves for 15 minutes can fill your home with a pleasant, natural scent that eliminates odors effectively.

Combining Salt and Bay Leaves for Home Protection
To repel household pests effectively, try using salt and bay leaves together. A bowl of water mixed with coarse salt and bay leaves creates a natural insect repellent. Soaking cotton balls in this solution and placing them on windowsills or other entry points can keep unwanted insects away, making it easy to air out your home while keeping pests at bay. With salt and bay leaves, you can deodorize, protect, and maintain your home with ease.