Halite (from the Greek ἅλς - salt) is a mineral from the class of halides, subclass of chlorides: sodium chloride. Synonyms: rock salt, salt. Chemical formula: NaCl.

Glass shine. Hardness 2. Specific gravity 2.1-2.2 g/cm3. Colorless, white, greyish, pink, red, brown, blue, indigo. It is not uncommon to observe different colors within the same sample. The line is white. Crystalline halite exhibits perfect cleavage in three directions along the faces of the cube. Solid granular, dense, leafy, fibrous, sintered (stalactites and other forms); also drusen, crystals and plaque. Cubic system. The crystals are grown and ingrown and are usually cubic in shape.

The crystal lattice of halite is ionic. The lattice nodes, which have a cubic shape, contain positive sodium ions and negative chlorine ions. This is due to the presence of perfect cleavage in crystalline halite in three directions along the faces of the cube.

Features . Halite is characterized by a non-metallic luster, medium hardness, salty taste, and perfect cleavage in three directions along the cube faces, observed in crystalline varieties. Rock salt is similar to sylvite. It differs in taste (Sylvin’s is bitter) and color (Sylvin’s is milky white).

Chemical properties. The taste is salty. Easily dissolves in water.

Halite. Photo. G. Zell Galit. Photo by Pyotr Sosonovsky Cubic crystal of rock salt. © Hans-Joachim Engelhardt Stone salt with green illumination in the Museum of Mineralogy Bonn

Origin of halite

The surface is mostly lagoonal and lacustrine chemical sediment. There are ancient and modern deposits. The ancient ones are represented by rock salt and are chemical sediments of ancient sea bays, lagoons and lakes, formed under conditions of intense evaporation (hot, dry climate). Rock salt occurs in the form of layers, stocks or domes among sedimentary rocks. Layered deposits usually occupy large areas (tens and hundreds of kilometers) and have great thickness (up to 100 m or more).

Modern halite deposits are represented by salt lakes, bays, lagoons, where the process of sedimentation and accumulation of salt continues to occur today. In addition, relatively small concentrations of salt are observed on the walls of volcanic craters, at the outlets of salt springs, in desert and steppe areas - on the soil surface (“efflorescences”).

Satellites. Silvin, carnallite, gypsum, anhydrite.

Applications of halite

Halite is a raw material for the production of hydrochloric acid and its salts (caustic and soda ash, chlorine gas, ammonia, etc.). Almost no industry can operate without salt. Salt is used in the manufacture of more than one and a half thousand different products. Salt is used in refrigeration as food product, for canning meat, salting fish; for salting soap and organic paints, for salting leather; in metallurgy – for chlorinating roasting; in ceramics - for glazing clay products, in medicine. Salt is used in the production of aluminum and bleach.

Halite also serves as an ore for the production of metallic sodium and chlorine, as well as all compounds of these elements. Metallic sodium is used to produce alloys, as a reducing agent in metallurgy, as catalysts in the production of organic compounds and in the electrical industry - for the manufacture of wires (sodium “cores” covered with a copper sheath) and discharge lamps. Sodium lamps are used for street lighting. They are twice as bright and almost three times as durable as mercury ones. Sodium lamps also increase the contrast of objects.

Sodium serves as a catalyst in the production of synthetic rubber. Sodium peroxide regenerates air in the cabin of a spaceship and in a submarine. The cloud of sodium vapor released from space rockets makes it possible to determine the location of the rocket and clarify its flight path. It has been established that 1 mm3 of rock salt can store up to a billion pieces of information. This opens up the possibility of using grains of salt in computers. Sodium-sulfur battery is a lead-oxygen battery of equal weight. Sodium coolant is used in nuclear reactors. Concentrated solutions are good antiseptics.

Place of Birth

Largest in the world in terms of reserves table salt is the lake Baskunchak; The lake is also famous. Elton (both are located in the Volgograd region).

The Sol-Iletsk rock salt deposit (Orenburg region), Usolye - near Irkutsk, in Yakutia, as well as the Slavyano-Artemovskoe and Prikarpatskoe deposits (Ukraine) have long been known. Formative deposits with a large distribution area include the Statfurt salt basin in Germany, the salt deposits of the states of Kansas and Oklahoma in the USA, and the Saskatchewan basin in Canada.

Salt is the most popular and widely available seasoning. It is added to almost all dishes, including baked goods. However, few people know that regular table salt has a cousin, black salt. It is filled with additional minerals and nutrients and claims to take the main place in your kitchen.

There are two popular types salts, which are called “black”.

1. Exotic, volcanic or Himalayan, or Indian, black salt, “Kala-namak”. It is mined mainly in Pakistan and India. It is not completely black, in the piece it has a dark brown-red tint, almost black. When ground, it acquires a pale pink color. He explains chemical composition salt, which in addition to sodium chloride is rich in iron sulfide and magnesium. It has a characteristic odor of hydrogen sulfide and for this reason is not very common. When added to hot food, salt darkens to black.

2. Orthodox, black (Thursday) salt. It is not mined, but produced by mixing it into dough with spices and calcining it in an oven in coals. During this treatment, within 12 hours all organic matter burns out, and the salt crystals are charred and saturated with calcium, magnesium, iron and others. useful elements. In Rus', such salt was prepared during Holy Week, at night from Wednesday to Thursday, and, in addition to healing properties, it was often attributed magical properties. IN modern culture this kind of salt is prepared all year round.

So, first things first.

Benefits of Himalayan salt

Compound: sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, sodium bisulfate, sodium bisulfite, sodium sulfide, iron sulfide and hydrogen sulfide.

In addition to their taste qualities Himalayan black salt is popular for its health benefits as well as its ability to preserve food.

Useful for gastrointestinal diseases, flatulence, gases in the intestines, bloating. Increases immunity, stimulates digestion and normalizes metabolism. Able to cleanse the body of waste and toxins. Often recommended for people with increased blood pressure, as it contains less sodium than regular table salt.

Helps with stomach upsets, as it is a good nutritional stimulant, balances the production of acid in the stomach and bile in the liver. Helps digest food, can ward off constipation and increases appetite.

Useful for increased acidity and heartburn. Full of minerals resulting from exposure to high temperatures, making it very suitable for regulating acidity. Reduces acid reflux. In this case, the best combination is with coriander, cumin and fennel in equal proportions.

You can also try adding this salt to lemon water which will improve digestion. Due to the increased content of iron compounds, this salt is useful for iron deficiency anemia.

Prevents osteoporosis, a disorder where our body begins to extract sodium from our bones, thereby reducing their strength. This condition can be prevented by drinking plenty of water along with a pinch of black salt.

Super effective in combating overweight due to its solubilizing and disintegrating effect on enzymes and lipids.

Can be used for gargling. And also as a filler for an inhaler for colds, flu, sore throat and other respiratory diseases. If you don’t have an inhaler, then just throw a teaspoon of salt into boiling water and breathe in the steam for a few minutes.

An important fact for women is that “Kala-namak” can be used as bath salt. It has a miraculous effect on cracked and swollen feet, skin, sprains, and is effective against warts. In short, while you are enjoying the bath, your body is healing clean, natural product. In addition, it delicately opens pores, removes oily skin, while leaving it with a healthy glow.

Thanks to its high content of essential minerals, Himalayan salt strengthens hair, stimulates natural growth, thickens each individual hair and enhances overall shine.

Harm from Himalayan salt

Kala-Namak black salt is extremely safe in small, dietary quantities. It should not exceed 6 grams (sodium is about 2.3 grams) per day. The therapeutic amount of black salt is less than the dietary amount and is used in conjunction with other herbs and spices. These herbal mixtures typically contain 250 to 500 mg of black salt, which is also significantly safer.

In addition, avoid long stays in the bath with salt water, since it can dry out the body, making it unattractive.

Benefits of Thursday salt

A product known since ancient times due to its exceptional qualities. In terms of salinity, it does not differ from ordinary table salt, but has a sharper taste.

After calcination in an oven, such salt has increased content calcium, which is especially useful when it comes to bones, teeth and muscles. And also: magnesium, potassium, iron, iodine, copper, zinc, etc.

It also contains less sodium than regular salt, so it is recommended to consume this salt for those who suffer from hypertension. blood pressure. Water will not be retained in the body, and the need for diuretics will decrease.

At regular use Thursday salt helps cleanse the intestines, as it is rich in carbon, which acts as a sorbent, absorbs and removes toxic substances, slags, heavy metals. Promotes healing of the walls of the gastrointestinal tract, improves digestion and metabolism. Has a mild laxative effect. Improves appetite.

A solution of this salt in water with honey can be used to rinse and treat gums. By rinsing your mouth with Thursday salt, you will eliminate the unpleasant odor and make your breath much fresher. It can also be used as cosmetic product. Has a smoothing and tightening effect on the skin. Rejuvenates, relieves dryness and flaking.

In culture, it is believed that Thursday salt has magical powers. People used to believe that if you put a pinch of such salt in the amulet on your neck, it would protect you from the evil eye.

Harm from Thursday salt

Like the Himalayan, and indeed any other, Thursday salt can be harmful when excessive use.

If you abuse it, then healing product will become poison and will gradually poison the body with sodium, causing increased blood pressure, poor circulation, kidney problems, swelling and fluid accumulation in the body.

Where can I get black salt?

Black (Thursday) salt can be bought from healers, in villages, or found in a store or pharmacy. With the proper skill and equipment, you can cook it yourself. Indian volcanic salt can also be found in stores, pharmacies and supermarkets. After all, both products can be ordered online.

Obviously, both types of salt in moderation have extremely positive effects on human body. Food seasoned with such salt tastes better, acts softer and brings more positive impressions, with less risk of damage from regular table or sea salt. In addition, this salt fights a number of diseases, arthritis, cholesterol and even impotence.

In household chores, we have already found out. It's time for salt. What can ordinary table salt do in the right hands?

Remove plaque from a vase or refresh artificial flowers

If there is sediment left on your favorite vase from flowers, rub this residue with salt. Then rinse with warm soapy water - the deposits will disappear. The same trick helps to cope with plaque on the leaves of artificial plants: dip them in a salt solution and hold for a while.

Extend the life of a broom

If you give a new broom a bath by keeping its working part in a hot salt water, then it will last much longer. Soak the broom for 20 minutes and then let it dry thoroughly.

Remove red wine stains

If wine spills on the carpet or clothes, apply a slurry of wet salt on top. Leave for 20-30 minutes, then wash hot water. By the way, salt also works well with greasy stains if you don’t have time to wash them thoroughly. Just sprinkle the greasy stain with salt, then at least the grease will not spread further through the clothes.

Remove water stains from wood surfaces

If there are sloppy marks left on your wooden furniture from glasses or water bottles, salt will come to the rescue again. Mix it with water to form a paste-like mixture, and gently, without scratching, wipe the surface with it using a sponge or soft cloth.

Reanimate the sponge

After a short use, the sponges take on a worn-out appearance, although in fact they can still serve the purpose of the household. Soak the sponges overnight in a salt solution: 1/4 cup salt per liter of water.

Remove frost from windows and frames

Salt reduces the temperature threshold at which water freezes. This property can be used wisely. Wipe the glass near the frames with salt water and let it dry. To prevent windows from sweating, place a cloth bag of salt between the panes. The same bag will be useful for motorists: wipe wet windows with it from time to time during the cold season.

Fight ants

If your house is suddenly attacked by ants and there is no special remedy at hand, use salt. Place it near doors, windows, or right along the ant path. This will help stop the invasion for a while.

Remove burnt milk from the stove

Salt in general good stuff for cleaning dishes and some kitchen utensils. For example, you can use salt to clean a coffee pot, tea or coffee rims on dishes. It also copes well with burnt milk. Soak the stain with water and then sprinkle generously with salt. Wait 10 minutes, then try to remove the stain - the process will go much easier.

Remove lipstick marks

Not every dishwasher can handle traces of modern lipstick, for example, on a glass. Apply salt to the edge of the dish and then place it in the dishwasher. A mixture of vinegar and salt added to water will help deal with yellow stains on glass: just soak the faded glass in this solution.

Peel pecans

Peeling and coreing pecans can be tricky. Try soaking the nuts in salt water for an hour or two. It will be easier to clean, and the body of the nut itself can be removed from the shell without any problems.

Make your apple look fresh again

If the apple is slightly withered and wrinkled, bathe it in a weak saline solution. The skin will smooth out and become more elastic.

Prepare a body scrub

Salt can be used to exfoliate old skin particles before showering. There are many recipes homemade scrubs, although usually participates in them sea ​​salt. But the same effect will be achieved if you simply apply salt to a sponge or washcloth and properly treat the skin before bathing. Such rubbing, by the way, is very invigorating and helps get rid of morning drowsiness.

Freshen your breath

There is an old grandmother's method: how to get rid of unpleasant odors in the mouth. Nowadays he is forgotten by many, but in vain. A mixture of baking soda (1 teaspoon), salt (the same amount) and water (half a cup) still cleanses the mouth perfectly.

Clean the refrigerator

Do not love chemicals when processing the inside of the refrigerator? A saline solution will do a good job with this problem, unless, of course, there are old deposits in your refrigerator. A handful of salt per 3.5-4 liters of warm water will be enough. The main thing is to dissolve it properly so as not to scratch the surface.

Boil eggs correctly

Add a little salt to the water where you cook the eggs. This will strengthen the shell and the white will not spill out even if the egg cracks. Plus, peeling eggs will be much easier.

Fry food without splashing oil

If you are afraid of splashes of boiling oil, add a little salt to the pan before adding food. Excess moisture will be absorbed, and there will be much less splashing.

Fight mold

A mixture of salt and lemon juice Excellent at removing mold. Relevant when cleaning tiles or bathrooms. Salt can also keep cheese from molding: soak saline solution a napkin and wrap the cheese in it.

Clean piano keys

Dipping half a lemon in salt makes a natural bleach and cleaner for old piano keys. After application, all that remains is to gently wipe the surface with a dry cloth.

Keep water hot

Water in a heating pad or bottle will retain heat longer if it is salted.

Remove sweat marks

Fresh traces of sweat on clothes are removed with a solution of table salt (1 tablespoon per glass of water).

As you can see, salt can be useful not only as flavoring agent. For every household little thing, we are used to buying a separate bottle with a special product in the supermarket. But salt can solve many household problems just as well.

More than 10 million organic and more than 500 thousand inorganic compounds are known to chemists today. Among them there are complex in structure and properties that are used only in chemical or medical purposes. And there are those that are not at all complicated and are very common in everyday life. But that doesn’t make them any less important and significant. One of these substances is table salt. In everyday life it is also called food, and in the chemical industry it is called sodium chloride or sodium chloride. In the technology industry it is called the mineral it forms in nature, halite, and also rock salt or hard rock salt. Let's take a closer look at the physical state of table salt, structure, properties, production, use and history of its introduction into mass consumption.

In what states does table salt exist?

What is it and how does it happen? It depends on what substance we are talking about. Every student over 7th grade can name the physical state of table salt, because this is the substance that is found in every home. Today, it is difficult for a modern person to imagine his life without it. In addition, the state of aggregation of table salt is quite obvious to the naked eye - finely or coarsely dispersed crystals of regular cubic shape. However, having dissolved salt in water, we get it in a different state of aggregation - liquid. We get the same thing if we simply melt the crystals at high temperature. The only state that is not typical for salt is gaseous. But under certain conditions you can get it.

Conditions for changing the state of aggregation

1. To obtain salt in a liquid state by melting solid crystals of natural origin, it is necessary to apply a temperature of 800 o C.
2. To transform the salt into a gaseous state, the molten crystals must be brought to a boil (about 1400 o C) and boiled until the structural components are completely converted into ions (Na + and CL -).
3. The solid state of table salt is its natural form under natural conditions.

Why does such a temperature range occur when manipulating crystals? This is explained by the structure of the crystal lattice.

Crystal cell

It is a regular face-centered cubic transparent crystal. At each corner of the cube (crystal lattice nodes) there are alternating positively charged Na + ions and negatively charged CL - ions. Due to the sharply different electronegativity of these atoms, such a strong electrostatic attraction arises between them that severe conditions (high temperature, mechanical stress) must be applied to destroy it. This is called ionic, and it is characteristic of all salts of alkali, alkaline earth and transition metals.

This is why the temperature of table salt (both melting and boiling) is so high. However, it is possible to obtain crystals not only of cubic shape, but also of pyramidal shape (eight-, twelve- and twenty-sided). To do this, you simply need to adjust the temperature of the evaporation of the salt solution in a certain way. In any case, the internal cavity of the crystals remains filled with liquid if we're talking about about a solution of salt in water.

The chemical formula of sodium chloride is simple and is expressed by the elemental composition NaCL.

Physical properties of halite

Physical properties sodium chloride can be described in several ways:

• Solid crystals of white, pink, blue, violet, red. The color depends on the presence of impurities during extraction. crystal white color.
• Dissolves in water in a ratio of approximately 100/30 (30 g of salt in 100 g of water). Good solubility is explained by the presence of water dipoles, which associate sodium and chlorine ions around themselves, causing the destruction of the electrostatic attraction between them and, as a consequence, the destruction of the crystal lattice.
• Melts and boils at high temperatures(800-1400 o C).
• It has a subtle pleasant smell.
• Salty taste.

Chemical properties of sodium chloride

Like any soluble salt, sodium chloride can interact with:

• Other salts by exchange reaction (required condition: reaction of gas evolution, precipitation or formation of a poorly dissociable substance): NaCL + AgNO 3 = NaNO 3 + AgCL (white cheesy precipitate). This is a qualitative reaction to the CL - ion.
• With metals located in the EHRNM to the left of sodium: K + NaCL = KCL + Na.
• Dissociates in an aqueous solution into free ions hydrated by water dipoles: NaCL ( water solution) = Na + + CL - . As a result, a solution of table salt is formed, which is a strong electrolyte.
• It does not undergo hydrolysis, since it is a salt formed by a strong acid and a strong base.
• During electrolysis (action of electric current) it decomposes with the formation of free products and caustic soda (caustic): NaCL = Na + Cl 2 + NaOH.

Where is sodium chloride found in nature?

Currently, it is a substance often found in nature. And although this has always been the case, in ancient and medieval times it was considered very expensive product. All this is due to the fact that they did not know how to extract salt from natural sources. And there are a lot of such sources in the world's reserves - halite is considered an almost unlimited natural resource. Where is salt found in nature?

1. Seas and oceans with salt water.
2. Salt lakes.
3. Salty springs.
4. The groundwater.
5. Waters of estuaries.

Halite mining

The extraction and processing of salt has its own technology, since the substance simply extracted is most often unsuitable for consumption due to high content foreign impurities. Halite is mined in different ways, for example:

• through underground work;
• from layers at the bottom of salt reservoirs;
• by evaporating or freezing salty sea or ocean water;
• evaporation of groundwater.

Any of the methods makes it possible to obtain halite crystals. However, to be eaten, they must undergo another type of processing - grinding. After all, hardly anyone uses it at home when preparing food. large crystal table salt. Most often it is purchased in a form already purified from impurities and crushed almost into powder. There are also types of salt, iodized, fluoridated, and so on, not only for food, but also for technical purposes.

Uses of rock salt

The areas of application and use of sodium chloride are very extensive. The main ones, along with examples and results, are given in the table.

Industry	Basis of salt use	Result
Landscape construction	Soil softening at low temperatures and eliminating water leaks	Construction of irrigation canals and reservoirs
Medicine	The similarity of the salt solution to human blood. Blood replacement solution of sodium chloride (0.85%), called saline	Restoring blood balance after extensive blood loss, normalizing the functioning of the sodium-potassium pump in cardiovascular system, maintaining a constant composition of gastric juice
Chemical	Syntheses of practically important substances based on sodium chloride raw materials	Get: sodium bicarbonate, hydrochloric acid, sodium metal, chlorine, sodium hydroxide, glass, plastics, soap, paper and other products
Food		Canning food (meat, fish, vegetables), improving the taste of food
Metallurgical	Physical and chemical properties of salt	Production of aluminum, salt batteries, filters
Tannery	Antiseptic and antibacterial effect of salt	Treatment of fur and rawhide during tanning

History of appearance in everyday life

Salt did not immediately appear on the tables in every home. Once upon a time it was worth its weight in gold, and in the very literally. Back in the 18th century, some African peoples exchanged a handful of salt for a handful of gold dust. A little later in Ethiopia, sticks of salt were the standard currency. In ancient Rome, military legionnaires were even given a monthly salary in this substance, which over time led to them being called soldiers. Children of poor African peoples simply licked stone pieces of table salt as a delicacy. In Holland it was used to punish criminals and torture. The offender was not given any salt at all, and the person a short time was dying.

People first learned to isolate and consume this substance in ancient times. It was then discovered that salt was found in plants. Therefore, they were burned and the ashes were used as a seasoning. Later in China they learned to evaporate salt from sea water, and the process of developing methods for its production began to move faster.

In Rus', salt was mined from lakes (the most famous in Russia so far are Elton and Baskunchak). At that time, the commercial value of the substance was a very rare phenomenon. Only a few merchants mined it, who then sold it at exorbitant prices. Only rich and famous people could afford to have salt. Over time, production and extraction improved. Began to be used different ways extraction and processing, and today one of the most common household substances is table salt. The chemistry of this compound, properties, application in medicine and other industries have become known since about the 16th-17th centuries.

Studying in a school course

The study of the structure and state of aggregation, as well as the chemical properties of table salt, begins from school, within the framework of a discipline such as chemistry (8th grade). Salts in the school course are studied in all their diversity in nature. Students gain an understanding of the chemical basis, empirical formulas, basic physics and chemical properties. For simplicity and convenience of memorizing formulas, salts are usually located on the flyleaf of the textbook, the table of which gives an idea of ​​their solubility in water. There you can also find information on the solubility of acids, alkalis and bases.

An important characteristic of salts is their fusibility, on the basis of which their extraction in nature is also based. It is easy for students to navigate when solving problems on the fusibility of salt. The table and graphic images allow you not only to see whether a substance is fusible or refractory, but also to determine the approximate melting and boiling points. Usually such tables are also located in textbooks ("Chemistry", 8th grade). Salts must be studied in the context of sciences such as biology and physics. Therefore, many tasks for students are based on the integration of interdisciplinary connections.

What could be more common than salt in our kitchen? Regular table salt. Yes, sometimes we don’t even notice it, well, it’s there, it’s there, it’s salted and forgotten. It would seem that what else can be taken from it besides using it in cooking?

It turns out that its scope of application is much wider than our kitchen. Well, let's start with the kitchen, with our refrigerator.

What do we have there? Eggs. Do you remember how long they have been lying around? Place the eggs in heavily salted water. Old eggs will float at the top, while fresh ones will sink to the bottom.

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Want to store mold-free cheese in the refrigerator? All you need to do is wrap the cheese in gauze, which has been moistened with salt water.

And so that butter, left in summer heat If it doesn't melt on the table longer, wrap the butter dish in a napkin soaked in salt water.

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Does oil splatter when frying? Before putting food in oil on a hot frying pan, throw salt on it. She will absorb excess liquid and the oil will not start splashing all over the kitchen.

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Have you decided to take up baking? Do you know that if you put a little salt under the molds, the cookies won’t burn?

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A pinch of table salt will improve the taste of coffee, chocolate and cake cream.

Will help you beat quickly egg whites and protects the milk from souring.

A pinch of salt will improve the taste of burnt milk. And if the milk “runs away,” sprinkle the stove with salt so that the burning smell disappears.

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If you salt fresh fish and hold it for 10-15 minutes until the salt is absorbed, it will not crumble when fried. It will be easier to clean slippery fish if you dip your fingers in salt.

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A little trick for mushroom lovers. Dried mushrooms They will become as fresh if they are soaked in slightly salted milk.

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If lettuce leaves(and other green vegetables) immerse in salt water, this will remove insects from them.

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If you forget something you are cooking on the stove and it burns, add salt to the pot or pan. This will help you easily remove traces of your forgetfulness.

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Salt will also help remove white water stains on your countertops or dishes. To do this, mix one tablespoon of salt with a teaspoon of vegetable oil.

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Kitchen sponges can be freshened by briefly soaking them in salt water.

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In order to get rid of unpleasant odor in the refrigerator, use a mixture of salt and baking soda. And by mixing salt with cinnamon you will remove the unpleasant odor in the microwave or oven.

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And to freshen the air in the house, just cut an orange in half and sprinkle both halves with salt.

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You can add shine to a copper surface using a paste of salt, flour and vinegar in equal quantities. To do this, apply it to a metal surface, then wipe it off.

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Salt will help clean silverware without wiping it. Place it in a pan of hot water, add 2-3 tablespoons of salt and a piece of household aluminum foil.

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If you drop an egg on the floor, or, God forbid, on the carpet and it breaks, pour 2-3 tablespoons of salt onto the puddle. The salt will absorb the egg. If it is a carpet, leave the salt for 20 minutes and remove the residue with a vacuum cleaner. Well, you can almost immediately remove it from the floor with a paper towel. But a solution of salt and vinegar can not only remove stains on the carpet, but also add brightness to the colors.

Darkened decanters and crystal vases can be cleaned well with a mixture of coarse salt and vinegar.

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To remove grease stains on clothes, mix 1 part salt with 4 parts alcohol; this solution will help remove the grease stain.

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When drying clothes in winter, salt is also useful. To prevent laundry from freezing, add a little salt at the end of the wash during rinsing.

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A damp, salty cloth will help remove frost from your home windows. A light solution of salt on the glass will prevent it from freezing later. The same can be done with the windshield of a car if it is covered with a crust of ice.

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Salt can be used to soften terry towels or bathrobes. After washing, rinse them in water with added salt.

Salt will help clean your piano keys. Take half a lemon, dip it in salt and wipe the surfaces of the keys. Let them dry and polish with a dry, clean cloth.

Do you know what damp firewood Will they burn faster if you sprinkle them with a handful of coarse salt?

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You can use salt as a body scrub. After your bath, while you are still dry, give yourself a massage using some dry salt. This procedure will refresh the skin and increase blood circulation.

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Salt will also help outside the home. If you want to get rid of grass that appears between the bricks or blocks of the deck floor. Fill the cracks with salt and lightly water.