Epsom salts are more useful than just in the bath! They can be used all around the house, for health and beauty, and even outside. Check out these 10 great Uses for Epsom Salts.
Uses for Epsom Salts
It's likely that you know the many benefits of soaking your body or feet in an Epsom salt bath. It's a great way to soothe tired muscles, improve your circulation, and reduce stress. But did you know you can use Epsom salts in more than just your bathtub? Take a look at these 10 Great Uses for Epsom Salts!
10 Great Uses for Epsom Salts
1. Splinter Remover - One of the best uses for Epsom salts is as a splinter removal soak! If you've got a splinter, soak the affected area in a mixture of Epsom salt and warm water for 5-10 minutes. When you're done soaking, the area should be less inflamed and the splinter should be easier to pull out.
2. Exfoliant - You can exfoliate your skin naturally with Epsom salts! To do this, just mix Epsom salts in your hand with some of your current face or body wash. Rub the mixture into your skin, then rinse clean!
3. Raccoon Deterrent - Depending on where you live, you may often be fighting with raccoons over your garbage. To deter them, sprinkle some Epsom salt around your garbage cans! The smell will help keep them away!
4. Homemade Laxative - Rather than swallowing a commercial laxative made up of chemicals, why not just take some Epsom salts? All you need is 1 teaspoon of Epsom salts in 8 ounces (1 cup) of water. Only do this once a day, and make sure to follow the homemade laxative with some extra glasses of water to stay hydrated. If constipation persists over several days, see a doctor.
5. Soothe Burns, Bites, and Stings - Another great use for Epsom salts is as a soothing agent! It can help soothe pain from a number of issues you may encounter after a day outside, like sunburn, bug bites, and bee stings. Just use a 1:8 ratio of Epsom salts and cold water (2 tablespoons of Epsom salts for every cup of water), soak a washcloth in the mixture, then rub the cloth over the affected area for natural relief!
6. Fertilize Your Garden - There's no need to buy expensive magnesium fertilizer if you already have Epsom salts (which are magnesium sulfate)! All you have to do is sprinkle some of the salts around your plants, then water as normal. You can also dilute the salts with water and spray them, if you prefer. Apply the fertilizer every few weeks. Your plants will likely grow bigger and fruits and vegetables will produce a tastier harvest!
7. Clean Your Bathroom - While they're not a disinfectant, Epsom salts can be really handy at cleaning up hard water stains and soap scum! Make an easy bathroom cleaner by mixing Epsom salt and dish soap in a 1:1 ratio. Then scrub at the offending areas and rinse clean!
8. Prevent Garden Pests - Unless you purposefully buy fine grain Epsom salt, you'll likely have traditional, coarse grain Epsom salts. Those big salt chunks can be very helpful at keeping away garden bugs by scratching at their feet and stomachs! Epsom salt does not dehydrate slugs like table salt does, but it can scratch their undersides!
9. Remove Burned Food - If you have a pan with burned food stuck onto it, don't hurt your arm trying to scrub it off! Instead, just mix a little Epsom salt with warm water in the pan, scrub, and rinse clean! The burned food should come off much easier than with just soap and water!
10. Make Your Grass Greener - Another of the many great uses for Epsom salts is as a grass fertilizer! Mix a tablespoon or two of Epsom salts into a gallon of water, spray your grass, and wait for it to green up!
What do you use Epsom salts for? Tell me in the comments!
Did you like these 10 Uses for Epsom Salts ideas? Find more on my In the Kitchen, DIY, and Cleaning boards on Pinterest!
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Laura Lane says
These are some terrific ideas. I had no knowledge of these uses before. I use it as a soak when someone has an inflamed toe or finger.
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Michelle says
That's an oldie but a goodie, for sure!
Gabrielle Tyler says
Thanks for sharing this list. I have a huge bag of epsom salt that i had no clue what to do with. LOL Now, I know I can actually make use of it.
Michelle says
I actually did too! That's why I made the list! Haha!
Paula @ Penelope & Bella says
Thanks for these fabulous ideas! I'm definitely going to try epsom salts in my herb garden. It's so tricky finding something safe to use as an insect repellent.
Michelle says
I know! And the bugs have been really bad for us this year too!
Garry Parmelee says
What can I use to keep snakes out of my yard that are dog safe. EPSON Salt mabe?