With the passage of time and constant use, many garments – especially towels, sheets or bathrobes – tend to harden, accumulate odors or lose their original color. An economical, simple and effective trick is to use salt in the wash. This kitchen staple can help you restore freshness, kill bacteria, and soften your fabrics without the need for expensive products.

Below, we explain how to use salt correctly in the washing machine and what benefits it brings.

What kind of clothes can be washed with salt?

This method is ideal for:

• Rigid or foul-smelling towels
• Sheets, covers and garments for daily use
• Plush bathrobes
• Second-hand purchased clothing
• Garments with a musty or perspiration smell

For very delicate clothes, it is recommended to do a previous test or consult if salt can affect the fabric.

How to prepare the saline solution?

1. Take a clean container.
2. Add three tablespoons of plain salt (it doesn’t need to be coarse salt).
3. I poured a cup of boiling water (about 250 ml).
4. Stir well until all the crystals are dissolved.

Methods for applying salt in washing

Option 1: Add directly to the washing machine

• Place the clothes on the drum as usual.
• I poured the saline solution over the garments.
• Start the usual washing cycle by adjusting temperature and spinning.

Option 2: Manual pre-wash with salt

• I immersed the garment (e.g., a towel) directly in the saline solution for 15 to 30 minutes.
• Then wash in the washing machine normally.
• This method is ideal for clothes with a strong odor or stubborn stains.

Benefits of washing with salt

• Eliminates bacteria and fungi: ideal for damp clothes that have been stored or poorly ventilated.
• Neutralizes bad odors: such as the smell of humidity, mold or sweat.
• Softens fibers: returning the original texture to garments without the need for artificial softeners.
• Helps preserve colors: Salt can prevent fading, especially on new garments.
• Reinforces cleaning: useful for second-hand purchased clothing that requires additional disinfection.

Recommendations and tips

• Don’t use too much salt. Three tablespoons per load is enough. Excessive use can leave residue.
• It does not replace detergent, but it can enhance its effectiveness.
• On delicate clothing, test an inconspicuous part.
• Do not use salt on fabrics that are very sensitive to contact with minerals, such as silk or some synthetic fibers.
• Dry in the sun if possible, as it reinforces the antibacterial effect.

Incorporating salt into the washing process is a practical and affordable solution to keep your clothes clean, soft and odour-free. It is a natural alternative that can considerably improve the quality of washing without damaging your clothes. Try it and you’ll notice the difference.