Salt is a humble mineral that centuries ago was used as money, paying soldiers in ancient Rome for their service. Today, beyond the kitchen, it’s a household superhero that’s worth its weight in “white gold,” tackling everything from frosted windows to itchy throats. Ready to unleash the magic of this mineral?

Many years ago, salt was “so valuable” that it was used as currency, sometimes paying soldiers for their duties in ancient Rome.

In fact, the mineral – also used for trade between nations – was so prized that it was called “white gold.”

Today, though it can’t be used as money to clear your Amazon wish list, it’s a treasured household staple with countless applications beyond the kitchen.

From eco-friendly cleaning solutions and stubborn stain removals to soothing beauty treatments and effective remedies for sore throats, salt proves its worth in every corner of your home.

Here are 12 surprising and practical ways to make salt work for you.

Revive mugs and China cups
Restore the sparkle to your mugs and China cups with a simple salt scrub. Sprinkle salt onto the surface, gently scrub each piece, and rinse them with hot water for a fresh, like-new shine.

Remove red wine stains from carpet
Act quickly when red wine spills on your carpet! Reader’s Digest recommends you start by pouring white wine over the fresh stain to dilute its color. Dab the area with a sponge and cold water, then sprinkle it with salt. Allow the salt to sit for about 10 minutes, absorbing the stain, before vacuuming it away for a clean finish.

Sanitize cutting boards
Cutting boards, whether plastic or wood, can harbor bacteria deep within their grooves. For plastic boards, sprinkle a combination of bleach and salt, scrub with a stiff brush, and rinse with hot water. For wood boards, rub salt into the surface using a lemon wedge, then rinse clean. This simple step helps keep germs at bay and your kitchen hygienic.

Clean pots and pans
Stubborn food residue in your pots and pans? Let salt do the heavy lifting! Soak the cookware in salt water overnight. By morning, the salt will have loosened the scraps, making cleanup quick and effortless.