A new take on spring cleaning

Spring is finally here, and with the warmer weather comes the annual tradition of spring cleaning. While the process of cleaning can seem like a chore, it doesn't have to be with the help of a little-known secret ingredient: Epsom Salt!

Yes, that's right - the same ingredient that is commonly used to soothe sore muscles can also be a powerful tool in your spring-cleaning arsenal. So, here are some alternative uses for the magic salt when it comes to sprucing up your pad…

1. Deodorise your carpets After a long winter, your carpets may have accumulated some unpleasant odours. Instead of using harsh chemicals to freshen them up, sprinkle some Epsom Salt on your carpet before vacuuming. The salt will absorb any moisture and odours, leaving your carpets smelling clean and fresh.

2. Clean your bathroom Epsom Salt is a natural abrasive, making it a great choice for scrubbing away grime and mildew in your bathroom. Mix equal parts Epsom Salt and washing up liquid to make a paste, and use it to scrub your bath, shower and sinks. Rinse with warm water, and you'll be amazed at how clean and shiny your fixtures look.

3. Shine your tiles Tired of dingy tiles in your kitchen or bathroom? Mix Epsom Salt with equal parts of baking soda and washing up liquid to make a paste. Then, use a scrubbing brush or sponge to apply the paste to your tiles and rinse with warm water. Your tiles will be sparkling clean and looking like new in no time.

4. Remove grease stains Grease stains can be a pain to remove, but Epsom Salt can make the process a little easier. Mix the salt with washing up liquid to make a paste then apply to the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a sponge or stiff brush. Rinse with warm water, and hey presto - the grease stain should be gone!

5. Clean your washing machine Over time, washing machines can develop a musty smell. To freshen yours up, add a mug of Epsom Salt to your machine and run it on the hottest cycle. The salt will help remove any build-up or residue, leaving your washing machine smelling fresh and clean.

6. Polish your silverware We bet you didn’t know that Epsom Salt can be used to polish your silverware? To create a paste, mix equal parts of the salt with baking soda and add a little water. Then, use a soft cloth to apply the paste to your silverware and rinse with warm water. It will come out shiny, looking like new and ready for your next dinner party!

7. Clean your windows Forget expensive window cleaning solutions; Epsom Salt is all you need to get windows and mirrors sparkling. Mix two tablespoons of Epsom Salt with about four litres of warm water and use a sponge or cloth to apply the solution. Rinse with clean water and your windows will be crystal clear.

8. Revitalise your houseplants After a long winter, your houseplants may be looking a bit lacklustre. To give them a boost, mix one tablespoon of Epsom Salt with four litres of water, and use the solution to hydrate your plants. The magnesium and sulphate in Epsom salt will help your plants absorb nutrients and promote growth, making them healthier and more vibrant.

9. Remove rust stains Rust stains can be tough to remove, but good old Epsom Salt can help! Mix equal parts of salt and lemon juice to make a paste, then apply it to the rust stain. Let the paste sit for a few hours and then scrub with a brush. Rinse with warm water, and the stain should be gone.

10. Freshen up your drains Indoor drains can develop unpleasant smells over time. To freshen them up, mix half a mug of salt with enough warm water to make a paste, and then pour it down the drain. Leave for 30 minutes then boil the kettle to pour down and rinse away any residue. Your drains will be smelling fresh and clean in no time!

So, whether you're looking to deodorise your carpets, clean your bathroom or polish your silverware, Epsom Salt is a natural solution that can get the job done. And the win-win when it comes to spring cleaning is that both your wallet and your home will reap the rewards.