Grandma wasn’t just onto something—she was way ahead of her time. Those humble ingredients hiding in your kitchen? They’re multitasking marvels. From soothing sore throats to scrubbing away stubborn stains, salt, lemon, and pepper pack surprising power beyond the dinner table.
Here’s 10 ingenious ways to transform these everyday staples into secret weapons for your health, home, and beyond. Ready to see your pantry in a whole new light?
1. Soothe a Scratchy Throat
When a tickle in your throat strikes, try this classic combo: mix 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper in 1 cup warm water. Add 1 tbsp lemon juice.
Gargle gently for 30 seconds, then spit out. The salt helps draw out mucus and reduce inflammation, (ref) while lemon provides vitamin C. Repeat a few times daily as needed.
2. Brighten Laundry Naturally
Ditch the harsh bleach. For a natural whitener, add 1/2 cup lemon juice to your wash cycle. The citric acid helps break down stains and leaves clothes fresh.
For extra cleaning power, mix 1/2 cup salt into 1 quart hot water and pre-soak heavily soiled items for 30 minutes before washing. The abrasive salt helps lift grime.
3. Repel Garden Pests
Aphids and other pests bugging your begonias? Sprinkle pepper around the base of plants to create a spicy barrier. (ref) You can also mix 1 tbsp liquid dish soap with 1 quart water and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Spray on plant leaves to deter hungry insects. The soap and pepper irritate bugs without harming your plants.
4. Deodorize Musty Rooms
Notice a stale, musty odor? Place a small bowl of salt in the room overnight. Salt absorbs excess moisture from the air, which can help prevent mold and mildew – the culprits behind that funky smell.
For an extra fresh scent, add a few drops of lemon essential oil to the salt.
5. Treat Athlete’s Foot
Fungus thrives in warm, moist environments – like sweaty socks. To help fight foot fungus, soak your feet for 10-15 minutes in 1 quart warm water mixed with 1/2 cup lemon juice and 1/4 cup salt.
The acidic lemon creates an inhospitable environment for fungus, while salt’s antimicrobial properties help kill bacteria. Pat feet dry and sprinkle with cornstarch to absorb moisture.
6. Exfoliate Rough Elbows
Rough, dry elbows cramping your style? Mix 1 tbsp salt, 1 tbsp sugar, and 1 tbsp lemon juice into a paste. Gently massage onto elbows in circular motions for 1-2 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
The salt and sugar work together to slough off dead skin, while the lemon juice’s alpha-hydroxy acids help naturally moisturize. Repeat once or twice a week for smoother skin.
7. Eliminate Garbage Disposal Odors
Is your garbage disposal smelling less than fresh? Toss in 1/2 cup salt, 1/2 cup baking soda, and 1/2 cup lemon peels. Run the disposal for 30 seconds with cold water flowing.
The abrasive salt and baking soda help scrub away odor-causing residue, and the lemon peels leave a citrusy scent. Repeat monthly to keep your sink smelling clean.
8. Clean Greasy Stovetops
Battling stubborn stovetop grease? Sprinkle a generous amount of salt onto the greasy areas. Cut a lemon in half and use it to scrub the salt into the grime.
The salt acts as a gentle abrasive, while the lemon’s acidity cuts through the grease. Let sit for 5 minutes, then wipe clean with a damp sponge. Repeat for tough stains.
9. Soak Sore Muscles
After an intense workout, mix 1 cup Epsom salt, 1 cup sea salt, and 1/4 cup baking soda into a warm bath. Add 10 drops lemon essential oil. Soak for 20 minutes to help relieve muscle aches and pains.
The magnesium in Epsom salt helps relax muscles, while sea salt’s minerals can reduce inflammation. Lemon oil provides an energizing aroma.
10. Remove Tea & Coffee Stains
Stubborn tea and coffee stains on your mugs and cups? Sprinkle a little salt onto half a lemon and rub it directly onto the stains. The salt provides a gentle abrasive action, while the lemon’s acidity helps break down the tannins in the stains.
Rinse with warm water and repeat if needed. For extra tough stains, let the lemon and salt mixture sit on the stain for a few minutes before scrubbing.
But before you raid the spice rack, a word of caution: while generally safe in moderation, home remedies are no substitute for medical advice. Always consult your doctor for chronic or severe symptoms.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.