When it comes to dealing with plumbing issues, most of us don’t hesitate to call a professional to handle the job. After all, plumbers have the tools, experience, and knowledge to fix everything from a slow drain to a backed-up toilet. But what if we told you there’s a simple, inexpensive trick that can help maintain your toilet and even prevent clogs—something you likely already have in your kitchen?

Believe it or not, salt, that humble ingredient used for cooking, can play a surprising role in keeping your toilet clean and functioning properly. While plumbers are great at what they do, they might not always share this kind of tip with you, and for understandable reasons. Using salt in your toilet is an old-school trick that works, and it’s incredibly easy to do. Salt has a coarse texture that helps break down waste and toilet paper, reducing the chance of these materials clumping together and forming clogs. For homes that deal with frequent toilet backups or slow flushing, this can be a game-changer. By using salt consistently, you’re essentially giving your toilet an assist in staying clear, which means fewer headaches and less need for emergency plumbing visits. Salt is also a natural deodorizer, making it ideal for controlling unpleasant bathroom odors.

Moisture, especially in a poorly ventilated bathroom, creates the perfect environment for foul smells to linger. Salt absorbs that moisture and neutralizes odor-causing compounds, helping your toilet and bathroom smell cleaner and fresher without relying on synthetic air fresheners. Another big benefit of using salt is its ability to tackle mineral buildup. Hard water often leaves behind deposits of calcium and lime inside the toilet bowl, which can be tough to remove and unsightly to look at. Because of its abrasive nature, salt acts like a mild scrubber when combined with a toilet brush, loosening and breaking up these mineral stains without the need for harsh chemicals. This simple maintenance step can keep your toilet looking clean and new with minimal effort. On top of being effective, using salt is incredibly affordable. Most households already have it in the pantry, making it a cheap alternative to expensive commercial toilet cleaners. Not only does this save money, but it also reduces your use of harsh chemicals that could damage plumbing fixtures over time.

And speaking of chemicals, salt is also better for the environment. Since it’s a natural substance, using it instead of traditional chemical-based cleaners helps reduce the amount of toxins flushed into our water systems, which benefits the environment and aquatic life. Convenience is another reason to love this trick. Maintaining your toilet with salt doesn’t require any specialized tools or training. It’s as simple as sprinkling, waiting, scrubbing, and flushing. To do it, pour about one cup of salt directly into the toilet bowl. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes, but for a deeper clean, you can leave it overnight. Then use your toilet brush to scrub away stains and buildup, focusing on areas where you see mineral deposits. Once scrubbed, flush the toilet to rinse everything away. Repeat this process every few weeks to help prevent clogs and keep odors at bay.

This method is not only practical but also acts as a preventative measure. Using salt regularly can improve the longevity of your toilet by minimizing wear and tear. A toilet that’s free from constant clogs and hard water buildup will naturally last longer, potentially saving you money on future repairs or replacements. So, why don’t plumbers mention this simple tip? There are a few possible reasons. First, job security—if everyone started using salt and experienced fewer plumbing issues, that could reduce service calls. Second, salt is best for minor maintenance and clogs; more serious plumbing issues still require professional attention, and plumbers may not want to blur that line. Lastly, liability plays a role. Recommending DIY solutions, even harmless ones, could backfire if something goes wrong. Still, this salt trick is a low-risk, high-reward practice that can help you keep your bathroom cleaner and running smoothly, all while saving money and reducing chemical use. It’s a small habit that can make a big difference, and one more reason to appreciate what a basic household item like salt can really do.