Did you know that sprinkling salt on your broom can completely transform the way you clean your house? This old-fashioned cleaning trick, passed down from grandmothers of past generations, is a simple, inexpensive, and highly effective way to sanitize your home naturally. With just two common ingredients—salt and vinegar—you can achieve spotless floors, shiny surfaces, and a fresher, healthier living space without relying on harsh chemical products.

Why Salt Works So Well for Cleaning

Salt has long been known as one of nature’s most powerful and versatile cleaning agents. It’s antibacterial, deodorizing, mildly abrasive, and completely safe for people, pets, and the environment. When used correctly, it helps lift grime, eliminate bacteria, and restore natural shine to dull surfaces.

Combined with vinegar—a natural disinfectant with strong degreasing power—salt becomes an unstoppable cleaning duo that can replace multiple commercial products. Best of all, it costs next to nothing.

The Traditional “Salt-on-the-Broom” Method

Our grandmothers used salt in countless ways around the home, but one of the most effective was using it directly on the broom. This method is simple, sustainable, and surprisingly powerful for deep cleaning floors and other large surfaces.

Here’s how to do it step by step:

1. Prepare the cleaning solution.
   Fill a bucket with warm water, add two or three tablespoons of salt, and pour in half a glass of vinegar. Mix well until the salt is fully dissolved.
2. Soak your broom.
   Place the broom into the bucket, ensuring the bristles are fully submerged. Let it soak for about 10 to 15 minutes so the bristles can absorb the cleaning solution.
3. Start cleaning.
   After soaking, use the broom as usual. The salt and vinegar solution trapped in the bristles helps disinfect and remove grease, dirt, and residue from your floors. Even stubborn spots come off easily, and the floor will regain its natural shine after just one pass.
4. Rinse and dry.
   Once you’ve finished sweeping, wipe the floor with a clean cloth or mop dampened with fresh water to remove any remaining residue. Allow it to air dry for a bright, polished finish.

This simple method not only deep cleans but also revitalizes the floor’s appearance. Aggressive chemical detergents can dull tiles or wooden floors over time, while salt and vinegar restore their natural brilliance without causing damage.

Removing Stubborn Stains and Soap Scum from the Shower

The salt-and-broom technique isn’t limited to floors—it works wonders in the bathroom too. Over time, the shower base often accumulates soap scum, mineral deposits, and grime that are difficult to remove.

Dip the broom into your salt and vinegar mixture and scrub the shower base directly. The abrasive texture of salt helps lift away buildup, while vinegar dissolves soap residue and eliminates germs. You’ll be amazed at how quickly even the toughest stains disappear, leaving the surface bright and spotless.

Cleaning and Sanitizing Furniture

Believe it or not, this same mixture can also be used to clean furniture—especially tall or hard-to-reach areas like the top of wardrobes or cabinets. Simply wrap a soft cloth around the broom’s head, soak it lightly in the salt and vinegar solution, and use it to wipe down surfaces.

— ALSO READ —

If your toilet is clogged and encrusted, skip muriatic acid: just 1 tablespoon is enough.

This natural cleaner effectively removes dust, bacteria, and sticky residue from furniture without leaving behind toxic traces. It’s an excellent alternative to store-bought sprays, many of which contain harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances. With the salt method, you can keep your furniture clean, shiny, and safe for everyone in your home.

Other Practical Uses for Salt and Vinegar Around the House

Once you start using salt and vinegar for cleaning, you’ll find countless other ways to take advantage of their powerful properties. Here are a few more ideas:

1. Cleaning the Kitchen Sink

Mix a spoonful of salt with a splash of vinegar and use a sponge to scrub the sink. This combination removes limescale, water stains, and grease while disinfecting the surface. The result is a gleaming, odor-free sink.

2. Degreasing the Stove and Countertops

Apply the salt-vinegar solution directly to greasy areas of the stovetop or countertops. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe with a damp cloth. The vinegar dissolves oil and residue, while the salt gently scrubs without scratching.

3. Polishing Faucets and Metal Surfaces

If you have taps or metallic surfaces that have lost their shine, rub them with a paste made from salt and a few drops of vinegar. The mild abrasiveness removes oxidation and restores a mirror-like finish.

4. Deodorizing and Disinfecting Drains

Pour half a cup of salt followed by half a cup of vinegar into the drain. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then rinse with hot water. This simple treatment eliminates bad odors and prevents buildup in the pipes.

The Eco-Friendly Advantage

One of the biggest benefits of using salt and vinegar for cleaning is sustainability. These natural ingredients are biodegradable, non-toxic, and don’t pollute waterways. By switching to this traditional method, you can reduce your reliance on chemical cleaners, cut down on plastic packaging, and save money—all while maintaining a healthy, hygienic home environment.

Moreover, these ingredients are gentle enough to be used daily. You don’t need gloves, masks, or special ventilation—just the time-tested wisdom of generations who knew how to keep a home clean with what they already had on hand.

Final Thoughts

The “salt on the broom” trick may sound like a quaint superstition from the past, but it’s actually an ingenious and eco-friendly cleaning method that still works wonders today. With nothing more than salt, vinegar, and water, you can disinfect, polish, and freshen up every corner of your home—from the floors to the furniture and even the bathroom.

Forget expensive detergents and harsh chemicals. Sometimes, the simplest solutions really are the best. Follow this grandmother-approved method and you’ll rediscover the joy of a clean, sparkling home that smells fresh, feels pure, and shines naturally—just as it did in the good old days.