7 Amazing Benefits of Washing Clothes with Salt

Salt isn’t just for cooking — it’s also a powerful, natural cleaning agent that can work wonders for your laundry. Below are seven surprising benefits of washing your clothes with salt and how you can easily apply these tricks at home.

1. Helps Clothes Retain Their Color Longer

Washing clothes with salt helps protect the fabric’s color and keeps your garments looking new for longer.
All you need is one cup of water mixed with one cup of salt. Soak your newly purchased clothes in this mixture, gently rub them by hand, and then rinse thoroughly with clean water.

This simple method not only cleans your clothes but also minimizes exposure to harsh detergents and bleaching agents. It’s especially effective for colorful fabrics like jeans, cotton shirts, or patterned dresses that tend to fade after just a few washes.

Tip: For dark-colored clothes, you can add a small spoon of vinegar to the saltwater to boost the color-fixing effect.

2. Helps Remove Stubborn Stains

Salt acts as a natural stain remover thanks to its abrasive texture and ability to draw out dirt. To deal with stubborn stains, follow these steps:

1. Add 1–2 tablespoons of salt into a basin of warm water.

2. Soak the stained clothes for about 30 minutes.

3. Wash again using your regular detergent.

For tougher stains or yellowing marks, dissolve one spoonful of salt in hot water and pour directly over the stain. You’ll see the discoloration fade noticeably after one or two washes.

Bonus tip: This trick works particularly well for sweat stains, wine spots, and mild grease marks.

3. Keeps Fabrics Soft and Comfortable

Regular detergents can make fabrics stiff over time. Salt, however, helps preserve the natural softness of your clothes.
Simply add a spoonful of salt to your rinse water when handwashing or to the fabric softener compartment of your washing machine. It helps balance out detergent residue and restores the gentle texture of cotton and wool fabrics.

The result? Clothes that feel fresh, smooth, and pleasant against the skin — without the need for chemical softeners.

4. Eliminates Odors Naturally

If your clothes have an unpleasant smell after exercise or being left damp for too long, salt can come to the rescue.
Mix 1–2 teaspoons of salt into a basin of water and soak your clothes for 20–30 minutes before washing as usual. The salt neutralizes odor-causing bacteria and refreshes the fabric naturally.

You can also combine salt with a few drops of essential oil, such as lavender or lemon, for a longer-lasting fragrance.

5. Disinfects and Cleans Your Washing Machine

Over time, washing machines accumulate detergent residues, lint, and bacteria that can transfer to your clothes.
To keep your washer clean, dissolve 1–2 teaspoons of salt in hot water, then pour the solution into the drum and run a short wash cycle without clothes.

The salt helps disinfect, remove mildew, and prevent bacterial buildup, ensuring that your laundry always comes out clean and hygienic.

Pro tip: Do this once every two weeks to maintain your washing machine in top condition.

6. Reduces Detergent Use and Saves Money

Because salt boosts the cleaning power of water, you can actually reduce the amount of detergent needed per load. This not only helps you save money but also protects your clothes from chemical damage and reduces your environmental footprint.

7. Eco-Friendly and Gentle on Skin

Unlike chemical additives, salt is completely natural, non-toxic, and biodegradable. It’s a safe option for households with children or people with sensitive skin. Washing with salt helps maintain fabric quality while avoiding allergic reactions caused by strong detergents.

In Summary

Adding salt to your laundry routine is a simple, affordable, and eco-friendly way to make your clothes last longer, stay cleaner, and smell fresher. Whether you’re trying to remove stains, preserve colors, or disinfect your washing machine — a little salt can make a big difference!