You might initially dismiss the idea of putting salt in your washing machine as just another old-fashioned myth. But this surprisingly simple trick can actually have a big impact on how you do your laundry. It’s a lesser-known tip that can help get your clothes cleaner, improve your washer’s performance, and even extend its lifespan.

So why isn’t this more widely known? Why don’t appliance technicians mention it more often? It’s not exactly information they’re eager to advertise.

It’s understandable to be doubtful—after all, how could something as basic as table salt be useful in laundry? The answer lies in the many ways salt can help, from tackling stubborn stains to keeping your machine in better shape. Before you write it off, keep reading to discover how this everyday kitchen item could transform your laundry routine.

The Science Behind Salt

Salt is known for its abrasive properties and its ability to dissolve easily in water. These characteristics make it an excellent cleaning agent for various applications, including your washing machine. Here’s how salt can positively impact your washing machine and laundry:

Softening Hard Water:

Hard water, which includes high levels of calcium and magnesium, can leave deposits on your clothes and inside your washing machine. These mineral deposits can cause dull, stiff fabrics and can cause damage to the machine over time. Salt acts as a natural water softener by binding with the minerals, preventing them from clinging to your clothes and machine parts.

Removing Stains:

Salt can help break down and lift stains from fabrics, making it easier for the detergent to do its job. This is particularly effective for sweat stains, blood stains, and grease marks.

Preventing Limescale Build-Up:

Limescale can accumulate in the heating elements and pipes of your washing machine, reducing its efficiency and lifespan. The abrasive nature of salt helps prevent the formation of limescale by breaking down the minerals that cause it.

Boosting Detergent Efficiency:

Adding salt to your wash can improve the effectiveness of your detergent. Salt helps to release dirt and grime from fabrics more effectively, enabling the detergent to penetrate deeper into the fibers and clean more thoroughly.

Eliminating Odors:

Washing machines can develop unpleasant odors because of the buildup of detergent residue, fabric softener, and grime. Salt has natural deodorizing properties that can neutralize these odors, leaving your washing machine smelling fresh.

How to Use Salt in Your Washing Machine

Using salt in your washing machine is simple. Below’s a step-by-step guide:

Choose the Right Type of Salt:

Choose coarse sea salt or rock salt rather than table salt. Coarse salts are more effective due to their larger grains and lack of additives.

Add Salt to the Drum:

For a regular-sized load of laundry, add about ½ cup of salt directly into the drum of your washing machine. If you’re dealing with particularly hard water or tough stains, you can increase the amount to 1 cup.

Run a Maintenance Wash:

Periodically, run an empty wash cycle with just salt and hot water. This helps to clean the inside of your washing machine, remove limescale, and eliminate any lingering odors.

Combine with Detergent:

You can add salt along with your regular detergent for each wash. This will boost the cleaning power of the detergent and keep your clothes looking vibrant.

Precautions and Considerations

Though adding salt to your washing machine has numerous benefits, it’s important to keep a few considerations in mind:

Frequency:

Don’t overdo it. Using salt in every wash isn’t necessary. A maintenance wash once a month or adding salt to particularly tough loads should suffice.

Compatibility:

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.

Type of Clothes:

Be cautious when washing delicate fabrics or garments with embellishments, as the abrasive nature of salt could cause damage.