Epsom Salt can be found on the shelf of your local grocery story, pharmacy, online at Amazon. Walmart, Target, Sam's Club and many other places. It can be purchased for as little as $2.00 a bag up to $25.00 depending on how often you use it.
Listed below are a couple of ways it can be used for cleaning. We've also added a few extra uses for it as listed at the bottom of this page.
Tip #1 - Cleaning your washing machine:
Even washing machines can get a little stinky. Laundry detergent and other substances can get trapped in the washing machine and cause an unpleasant odor over time. Using Epsom salt in a washing machine is a natural way to freshen the appliance and get rid of any lingering odors.
Fill the tub of the washer with hot water. Mix in 1 cup of Epsom salt and 1 quart of white vinegar. Let the wash cycle run for a minute or so to get the solution moving in the washing machine. Then, pause the cycle to let the cleaning solution soak in the machine for an hour. Next, allow the cycle to finish and drain.
Before running a wash with clothes, run a rinse cycle to make sure the solution has gotten flushed out of the washing machine. This cleaning hack will get your washing machine cleaned out and smelling fresh again.
Tip #2 – Toilet Bowl Cleaner:
Mix 1 cup of Epsom salt, 2 tablespoons of a natural liquid dish soap of your choice and 3 cups of distilled white vinegar. If desired, add antibacterial essential oils for a fresh scent.
Blend the ingredients thoroughly. The Epsom salt may not completely dissolve, but the grainy texture will help with scrubbing away stubborn hard water stains. Pour 1/3 of the mixture into the toilet bowl and allow it to sit for 20 to 30 minutes to let it work its magic. Scrub stains away with a toilet brush. This is a great alternative to store-bought cleaners.
Tip #3 - Tile/Grout Cleaner:
The texture of Epsom salt can get out stubborn stains and mildew when cleaning kitchen tiles, bathroom tiles and grout. The Farmer's Almanac has a recipe for a DIY bathroom cleaning solution. Create the cleaner by mixing equal parts Epsom salt and a liquid dish detergent of your choice in a spray bottle or a bowl. Apply the solution on kitchen or bathroom surfaces and allow it to soak in for several minutes. Use a sponge to scrub away dirt, mildew or stains and rinse with clean water for a streak free shine. This is a great alternative to harsh chemicals and store-bought bathroom and kitchen cleaning products.
Tip #4 - Washing Pots & Pans:
Pour a small amount of Epsom salt onto the pan before you scrub it. Then use a sponge and the salt to rub away any stuck-on food easily. The abrasive nature of the Epsom salt crystals will help remove that stuck-on food without damaging the surface.
Please note that you should always test any cleaning method on an inconspicuous area before applying over the entire surface.
Bonus EPSOM Salt Home Remedies:
Make your own Dishwashing Tablets: When combined with other common and safe ingredients – Borax, washing soda, baking soda, citric acid, vinegar and essential oils – you can make dish-washing tablets that clean your dishes just as well as anything store-bought, for a much more affordable price.
Use as a Fabric Softener: Create your own fabric softener crystals by mixing one cup of Epsom salt with 10 drops of your favorite essential oil. Use ¼ cup per load when beginning the wash. Lavender essential oil provides soothing and relaxing benefits and is great for use with blankets, sheets and tiles. Experiment with other essential oils of your choice for clean and fragrant laundry. Your clothes will be softened naturally by this mixture.
Exfoliating Facial Cleanser: Due to the texture of Epsom salt, it can be a great exfoliant to remove dead skin cells and unblock clogged pores. The Farmer's Almanac suggests mixing a pinch of Epsom salt in with your usual facial cleanser. Gently rub in a circular motion and rinse off. As with all exfoliants, be very gentle as to not irritate your skin and avoid sensitive areas like under your eyes.
Healthy Hair: Not only will your body thank you for adding Epsom salt into your daily routine, your hair will also benefit. To remove build-up of styling products, including hairspray, mix 1 cup each of Epsom salt and lemon juice into a gallon of water. Cover and let the mixture sit for 24 hours before use. Simply pour over hair and let the mixture sit for 15-20 minutes. Wash and condition as usual. To add volume to your hair, combine equal parts conditioner and Epsom salt. Apply to hair and let sit for 20 minutes. The Epsom salt helps remove excess oil that weighs hair down.
Poison Ivy Relief: A cold Epsom salt compress may help bring some relief to poison ivy sufferers by relieving irritation and swelling. Soak a cotton washcloth in an Epsom salt and water solution (2 tablespoons Epsom salt and 1 cup cold water), wring it out, and apply to the affected area.
Bug Bite Relief: To relieve the annoying itch of bug bites, mix 1/2 a cup of hot water and 1/2 a cup of Epsom salt in a spray bottle. Spray onto the affected skin. This spray also works well for other causes of itchy skin.