Washing with salt in a washing machine

Modern washing machines offer a variety of different modes to help quickly and efficiently clean clothes. However, homemakers still use various tricks to further enhance washing efficiency. Recently, it's become increasingly common to hear about the need to add salt to your washing machine. But why add it?

Paint protection

Few people today wash clothes by hand—they just throw them in the washing machine and they're done. But it's not as simple as it seems, especially when it comes to clothing color. Improper washing can cause white fabrics to take on a grayish tint, and colored fabrics to lose their vibrancy.

This often happens due to the housewife's own fault, forgetting to separate laundry by color. But there could also be other factors, such as using the wrong laundry detergent or using a detergent that doesn't rinse out well.

Store shelves are filled with a wide variety of laundry detergents and gels that preserve the color and vibrancy of your clothes. But why spend money when you always have a simple and very affordable solution at hand? Besides its primary purpose, salt can be useful in many household chores. It's used to clear clogs, clean and sanitize surfaces, and absorb unpleasant odors.

Washing clothes with salt will help preserve their bright colors. To do this, you just need to add 1 tablespoon of salt to the washing machine. As a result, your clothes will look neat and won't lose their appearance after multiple washes. Another important point: salt helps effectively rinse detergent out of the fabric, which helps preserve color.

To refresh old items, soak them in warm water for 30-40 minutes. This will restore their original appearance. Salt can also help if the fabric is prone to fading. Similarly, soak your laundry in salt water before washing, then load it into the washing machine.

Help in the fight against stains

Salt's benefits go beyond preserving fabric colors. It's also effective at removing stains from clothing. For example, if you spill wine on your blouse, immediately sprinkle the area with salt. Then soak the item in cold water for 30-40 minutes before machine washing.

When washing, please follow the care instructions for this material as indicated on the label.

Adding salt to cold water for soaking can help remove blood stains from clothing. Washing the garment at a moderate temperature will remove all stains. If necessary, you can even boil it, but this isn't suitable for all fabrics.

Another type of stubborn stain is rust. To remove it, scrub the stain with salt mixed with lemon juice. Afterward, dry and rinse the item. Sweat stains disappear after washing in hot water with 3 tablespoons of salt added to 1 liter of water.

Washing with salt is safe for all types of linen, including curtains and tulle, which are typically hand-washed. Simply add salt to your laundry detergent in the recommended proportions and wash as usual.

Fabric softening

Another advantage of washing clothes with salt is that it gives them a softness comparable to using an expensive fabric softener. If you wash by hand, soak the items in a salt solution for half an hour, then rinse thoroughly. The underwear will become very pleasant and soft.

When washing in the washing machine, add 4 tablespoons of salt to the rinse aid compartment. It's best to use Extra Salt, and you can even combine it with the rinse aid if desired. This will give your clothes a pleasant scent and leave the fabric feeling soft.

   

3 reader comments

1. January 21, 2022 at 8:01 PM

   Sholpan:

   I've been washing with salt for six months now, just as recommended. And the color is restored, like new. I put four tablespoons in the washing machine. It's great.

   Answer
2. June 2, 2022 at 1:22 PM

   Zinaida:

   Please tell me how much salt and where do you put it?

   Answer
   • September 14, 2023 at 4:57 PM

     Ivan:

     Put salt in your pocket during the full moon

     Answer