Why Is Everyone Putting Salt in Their Washing Machines? This Simple Trick Could Change Everything

If you’ve been hearing whispers about salt being the new miracle worker for laundry, you’re not alone. After the popularity of vinegar and baking soda, it seems coarse salt is now making waves in the laundry world. And no, this isn’t a new culinary trend—it’s a simple trick that could improve the performance of your washing machine and transform your laundry routine. Sounds surprising? Let’s take a closer look at why adding salt to your washing machine might just be the change you’ve been looking for.

A Washing Machine Under Pressure

Between the repeated cycles, harsh chemicals, and the inevitable buildup of limescale, your washing machine endures a lot. Over time, these factors can reduce its effectiveness and even cause costly malfunctions. Your clothes aren’t immune either—faded colors, stiff fabrics, and stubborn detergent residue are common complaints.

Before you invest in expensive cleaning products or fabric softeners, consider this—coarse salt could be the natural solution that changes everything. Here’s why this humble kitchen ingredient is worth a try.

A Simple Yet Powerful Ingredient

Coarse salt, commonly used in cooking, has properties that make it a surprisingly effective ally for both your laundry and your washing machine. Here’s how it works:

Natural Descaler: Salt helps dissolve the limescale that accumulates in the drum, pipes, and heating elements of your washing machine. This simple action helps extend the life of your machine.
Color Reviver: Salt’s abrasive and purifying qualities help remove detergent residues, bringing vibrancy back to your clothes and preventing dullness caused by multiple washes.
Eco-friendly Fabric Softener: Unlike chemical softeners, salt softens water naturally, leaving your laundry feeling softer and more pleasant to the touch without harmful additives.

How to Use Coarse Salt in Your Washing Machine

Incorporating salt into your laundry routine is incredibly easy. Here’s how you can maximize its benefits:

For Cleaning the Machine: Add about 500 grams of coarse salt directly into an empty drum. Then, run a high-temperature cycle (90°C) to dissolve any limescale and thoroughly clean the machine’s interior.
For Laundry: Add a handful of coarse salt to the drum alongside your regular detergent. This is particularly effective for reviving colors and softening fabrics.

This method can be done monthly to maintain your machine or as needed to refresh your laundry. The results are noticeable from the very first use.

An Affordable and Eco-Friendly Trick

One of the best things about using coarse salt is that it’s both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Unlike expensive chemical cleaners or fabric softeners, salt doesn’t contain harmful additives. It’s a perfect option for households looking to reduce their environmental footprint while keeping things simple.

Additionally, by helping your washing machine last longer, you’re also reducing the need for repairs or replacements. This is a win for both your wallet and the planet.

Things to Keep in Mind

While coarse salt has many benefits, it’s important to use it wisely. Here are a few precautions to keep in mind:

Avoid using salt too frequently on delicate fabrics like silk or wool, as it can damage these materials.
Ensure your washing machine is capable of handling high-temperature cycles before using salt for deep cleaning.

By following these simple guidelines, salt can become a valuable addition to your cleaning routine without any drawbacks.

More Uses for Coarse Salt

Coarse salt isn’t just for laundry—it has many other household uses. For example, it can effectively clean stubborn pots and pans, deodorize your drains, or remove tough stains from metal surfaces. Its versatility, affordability, and eco-friendliness make it a must-have in any home.

Coarse Salt: An Unexpected Ally for Your Laundry

By incorporating coarse salt into your laundry routine, you’re doing more than just extending the life of your washing machine. You’re improving the quality of your clothes while embracing a more sustainable approach to cleaning. This simple, yet highly effective trick proves that sometimes the best solutions are the most straightforward—and in this case, it’s a solution that’s been right under your nose all along.