7 Ways to Use Epsom Salts to Clean Your Home

Epsom salt is extremely beneficial when it comes time to tackle your household chores, so you’re going to want to start keeping it on hand if you’re not already.

Below, household cleaning experts weigh in to share the many different ways that you can use Epsom salt to improve your living space.

Wash Pots and Pans

Dish soap isn’t the only household tool you’ll want to have on hand when washing your dishes. Epsom salt can be extremely helpful as well due to its abrasive nature, Logan Taylor, the owner of The Dazzle Cleaning Company, says.

First, wet your pan and then place a few drops of dish soap and tablespoon of Epsom salt inside before scrubbing it with the rough side of a sponge. Depending on the state of your pot or pan, don’t be afraid to get in there with some elbow grease, Taylor says. He notes that this technique is especially helpful when addressing the outside and bottom of pans.

“Just be sure not to scrub the inside of any non-stick pans with Epsom salt as it is too abrasive for most non-stick surfaces,” Taylor says.

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Clear Grime From the Washing Machine

The concept of cleaning your washing machine may sound silly, but grime can definitely build up there, Taylor explains, and that’s where Epsom salt comes into play.

Before running an empty cycle with hot water, add a cup of Epsom salt to your machine. Allow your machine to fill up with water and then add a cup of white vinegar, Taylor says.

“If you have a front-loading washing machine then put one cup of Epsom salt in the washing machine and put one cup of white vinegar in the detergent funnel,” Taylor says.

Clean Your Mugs

If your daily mugs are beginning to show some signs of wear and tear due to coffee and tea stains, Epsom salt can make them appear like new.

Jess Farinha, the founder of London House Cleaners, suggests adding a paste of Epsom salt and water to the stain and scrubbing it down gently. Then, rinse it thoroughly which will make your mug sparkling clean.

Deep Clean Your Bathroom

Epsom salt is truly useful in all rooms of the home, including the bathroom, where you can use it to help you with your weekly cleaning tasks.

Erin Zanelli, the co-owner of Tranquil Home Eco-Friendly Cleaning Services, recommends mixing equal parts Epsom salt and liquid dish soap to create an eco-friendly scrub perfect for bathtub tiles and surfaces.

“The abrasive texture helps remove grime and soap scum with ease,” Zanelli says.

Deodorize the Trash Can

If unpleasant odors linger in your trash can even once you’ve removed the bag, try this trick, which simply entails placing Epsom salt at the bottom of the bin. The salts will help absorb the moisture and neutralize any unpleasant odors, Farinha says.

Get Rid of Cutting Board Odors

The wooden cutting boards that you reach for every day can also hold onto odors, and yet again, Epsom salt can help.

“After using the cutting board, sprinkle Epsom salt on it and scrub it with a lemon—after this, rinse it thoroughly,” Farinha says. “This fights any lingering smell of onions and garlic.”

Freshen the Look of Stainless Steel Appliances and Chrome Hardware

Even stainless steel appliances, which are meant to appear nice and sleek, can show signs of wear over time. To remedy this, grab your Epsom salt and combine it with olive oil to make a paste of sorts, Farinha advises, then apply it to your refrigerator for a streak-free look.

“Buff this with a microfiber cloth for a polished finish that resists fingerprints,” she says.

If your kitchen features chrome hardware, you may wish to give that some extra shine, too. Again, Farinha says, you will want to grab that microfiber cloth and dampen it with just a bit of Epsom salt—doing so will help you to then get rid of tarnish and watermarks.