8 Ways You Can Actually Use Epsom Salt To Clean, According To Experts

It seems that every Southern household has a bag of Epsom salts tucked away in a bathroom or linen closet waiting for someone to need a soak. While Epsom salt, also known as magnesium sulfate, is a favorite addition to a sultry bath after a long day, these soothing salts aren’t just for easing aching muscles. 

Luckily, Epsom salt has plenty of other uses in the kitchen (and bathroom, laundry, and living room), specifically when it comes to cleaning. These handy—and completely natural—salts are abrasive enough to tackle stains and soap scum and a whole lot more and gentle enough to do no harm (save to plants).

While we’ve recommended using Epsom salts to make your sheets cozily pliable, there are many other uses for them around the home. We reached out to experts about ways to apply Epsom salts for cleaning and we’ll bet you’ll soon find many reasons to reach for that bag of Epsom salts. Of course, be sure to save a scoop of salts so that when you’re done scrubbing, you can still apply them for a soothing soak. 

Here are some ways to apply Epsom salts to neat, according to experts: 

Scrub Tile

“The abrasiveness of Epsom salt combined with liquid dish detergent can help your tile shine and get into the grout to clean out the grime,” says Merissa Alink, author of Living Slower and Little House Living. “Mix equal parts Epsom salt and liquid dish detergent and scrub tile or grout until clean. Rinse with clean water.”

Freshen Carpets

“Mix Epsom salt with essential oils, sprinkle on carpets, let sit, then vacuum to freshen up the room,” says Jade Piper, the Operations Manager for BetterCleans. 

Polish Pots and Pans

“For those stubborn spots on your cookware, Epsom salts provide a non-toxic but effective cleaning solution,” says Shaun Veran, a microbiologist and founder of Ouragami. “Wet a sponge or cloth with water and sprinkle a generous amount of Epsom salts onto it. Directly apply the Epsom salts to the areas of the cookware with tough spots. Scrub the spots in a circular motion to loosen and lift the grime. Rinse the cookware with clean water and dry it with a towel for a polished look.”

Remove Mold and Mildew

“We’ve had great success removing mold and mildew build-up by creating a paste of 1 cup of Epsom salt, half a cup of baking soda, and a dash of your preferred dish soap,” says Delah Gomasi, Managing Director & CEO, of MaidForYou. “We mix these into a paste and cover the glass in its entirety. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes before rinsing it off and your shower screen will look brand new.”

Deodorize Shoes

“Sprinkle Epsom salt inside shoes, let sit overnight, then shake out to remove odors,” suggests Piper.

Clean grout

“Epsom salts can work wonders on your tile grout, transforming dingy lines into sparkling seams with some scrubbing,” says Veran of Ouragami. “In a bowl, mix the Epsom salts with liquid dish soap until you form a thick paste. Apply this paste liberally to the grout lines or any dirty tiles. Use a stiff scrub brush or a toothbrush to scrub the paste into the grout lines. Work in small sections to ensure thorough cleaning. Let the paste sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the Epsom salts to break down grime and bacteria. Rinse the area with warm water and wipe clean with a cloth.”

Brighten Laundry

“Add a half cup of Epsom salt to laundry to help brighten whites and colors,” Piper of  BetterCleans. 

Scrub Hubcaps

“A sprinkle of Epsom salts can go a long way,” says Veran. “Just sprinkle them on the area you need to clean, scrub with a damp sponge or brush, and watch the magic happen. You’ll want to use just enough salts to cover the dirt lightly without piling it on.”