Add Salt to Your Washing Machine — Here’s Why It Works
At first, the idea of tossing salt into your washing machine might sound like an old wives’ tale. But this surprisingly easy method can actually make a noticeable difference in your laundry routine. It’s a lesser-known trick that can help your clothes come out cleaner, improve the performance of your washing machine, and even help it last longer.
So why isn’t this common knowledge? And why don’t repair experts bring it up more often? Simply put, it’s not the kind of tip most technicians are rushing to share.
It’s natural to be skeptical. After all, how could something as simple and inexpensive as salt make a difference in your wash? The secret lies in salt’s unique properties, which can help with everything from removing stains to preventing build-up inside your machine. Before you brush it off, let’s look at how this everyday kitchen staple can completely change the way you do laundry.
Why Salt Works
Salt is both gently abrasive and easily soluble in water, making it a surprisingly effective cleaning agent. Here are several ways it can benefit both your laundry and your washing machine:
1. Softening Hard Water
Hard water is full of minerals like calcium and magnesium that leave residue on clothing and inside your washer. Over time, this buildup can make fabrics feel stiff and even cause internal damage to the machine. Salt acts as a natural softener by binding to these minerals, preventing them from sticking to clothes and machine parts.
2. Helping Remove Stains
Salt can break down stubborn stains, making it easier for detergent to lift them away. It’s especially useful on sweat, grease, and blood stains.
3. Reducing Limescale Buildup
Mineral deposits can accumulate on your washer’s heating elements and pipes, decreasing its efficiency. Salt’s abrasive quality helps disrupt these deposits, stopping limescale from forming.
4. Enhancing Detergent Performance
When you add salt to a wash cycle, it can help loosen dirt and grime from fabric, allowing the detergent to clean more deeply and effectively.
5. Neutralizing Odors
Over time, washing machines can develop musty smells from detergent residue, fabric softener, and general grime. Salt has natural deodorizing abilities that can freshen up the machine and eliminate unpleasant odors.
How to Use Salt in Your Washing Machine
Adding salt to your wash is incredibly easy. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Choose the Right Salt
Opt for coarse sea salt or rock salt rather than fine table salt. Coarse grains are more effective and don’t contain additives that might interfere with cleaning.
Step 2: Add Salt to the Drum
For a normal laundry load, sprinkle about ½ cup of salt directly into the drum. If you’re dealing with hard water or especially stubborn stains, you can increase the amount to 1 cup.
Step 3: Run a Maintenance Cycle
Every so often, run an empty hot wash with only salt. This will help clean the inside of the machine, dissolve limescale, and get rid of lingering odors.
Step 4: Use Salt with Detergent
You can combine salt with your regular detergent during normal washes. This boosts the detergent’s cleaning power and helps preserve the brightness of your clothes.
Things to Keep in Mind
While using salt has many benefits, there are a few important points to consider:
Don’t Overuse It:
There’s no need to add salt to every single wash. A monthly maintenance cycle or using it on particularly tough loads is usually enough.
Check Your Manual:
Make sure your washing machine manufacturer doesn’t advise against using salt. In rare cases, it could affect certain parts or void a warranty.
Be Careful with Delicate Fabrics:
Salt is slightly abrasive, so take care when washing delicate items or garments with embellishments, as it may cause damage.
Final Thoughts
Using salt in your washing machine is a simple, inexpensive way to keep clothes looking fresh and your washer running smoothly. Whether it’s softening hard water, preventing limescale, or neutralizing odors, this age-old trick can make a modern difference. With occasional use and a bit of care, salt can become a surprisingly powerful ally in your laundry routine.