How to Use Salt in Your Washing Machine
Using salt in your laundry routine is easy. Here’s how:
- Choose the Right Type of Salt
Opt for coarse sea salt or rock salt instead of table salt. Coarse salts are more effective due to their larger grains, and they don’t contain additives that could potentially harm your machine. - Add Salt to the Drum
For a regular load, add about ½ cup of salt directly into the drum of your washing machine. For especially hard water or tough stains, increase the amount to 1 cup. - Run a Maintenance Wash
Every few months, run an empty cycle with salt and hot water. This will help clean the inside of your washing machine, remove limescale build-up, and eliminate lingering odors. - Combine with Detergent
You can also add salt alongside your regular detergent in each wash to boost its cleaning power. This is particularly helpful for lifting tough stains and ensuring vibrant, clean clothes.
Precautions and Considerations
While salt is a helpful addition to your laundry routine, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Frequency:
You don’t need to add salt to every single wash. A maintenance wash once a month or adding it when dealing with particularly tough stains is usually sufficient. - Compatibility:
Always check your washing machine’s manual or consult with the manufacturer to ensure that using salt won’t void your warranty or cause damage to specific parts of the machine. - Delicate Clothes:
Be cautious when washing delicate fabrics or items with embellishments, as the abrasive nature of salt could cause damage. Salt is great for heavy-duty loads but might be too harsh for more delicate garments.
Conclusion: A Simple Yet Powerful Tip
Incorporating salt into your laundry routine is a simple and cost-effective way to keep your washing machine running efficiently, extend its life, and ensure your clothes come out looking their best. The added bonus is that it’s an easy, affordable way to combat hard water, fight stains, and keep your washing machine fresh!
Have you tried this salt trick before? If not, give it a go next time you’re doing laundry—you might be surprised at the results!
