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Epsom salts have long been used for various tasks around the homestead, from garden and animal care to cleaning and personal wellness. These natural salts were first discovered in the 17th century in Epsom in the UK, where they quickly became a popular natural remedy. Since then, Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) have remained a store cupboard staple for homesteaders and preppers alike.
Here’s why homesteaders and preppers swear by it.
1. Natural Fertilizer
Epsom salts are high in magnesium, an essential nutrient that stimulates plant growth and enhances the flavor of fruiting vegetables like peppers and tomatoes. It also makes leaves appear greener and healthier and boosts flowering shrubs such as roses. For the best results, sprinkle a small amount around the base of plants or mix a small handful into potting soil mix.
2. Compost Accelerant
While you’re in the garden with your tub of Epsom salts, throw a couple of handfuls into your compost pile. This speeds up the composting process and creates a nutrient-rich mix that will lead to incredible plant growth. Bear in mind that if you’re adding Epsom salts to your compost mix, it might not be necessary to add any extra when potting up plants.
3. Abrasive Cleaner
Epsom salts provide the perfect level of abrasiveness to remove grime and soap scum without scratching surfaces. Mix a small handful with dish soap and gently rub it over stubborn stains to return your kitchen and bathroom surfaces to their former glory.
4. Body Scrub
When Epsom salts were first discovered, their primary use was in human personal care. My favorite way to use them is as a delightfully decadent exfoliating body or hair scrub, perfect for making my skin feel like new after a long day on the homestead. For the best results, combine a handful of Epsom salts with coconut oil and gently rub it over damp skin before showering.
5. Splinter Removal
If you’ve got a stubborn splinter that is impossible to pull out, try soaking the affected area in an Epsom salt solution for around 10 minutes first. The high salt concentration creates osmotic pressure and softens the skin, drawing the splinter towards the surface. The added benefit of this method is that the natural antibacterial activity of Epsom salts will reduce the risk of infection.
6. Stain Remover
Epsom salts are useful for removing grease and oil stains from clothes – both of which are all too common after a normal day on the homestead! Simply dissolve the salt in water and apply it to stained areas 30 minutes before washing. Make sure to do a spot test on darker fabrics first as high levels of salt can cause dyes to fade.
7. Relaxing Bath Soak
Feeling stressed and tired after a long day? Epsom salts in warm baths are a classic remedy for muscle soreness and can aid in detoxifying the body by drawing out impurities through the skin. The soothing effect of this relaxing bath soak will leave you feeling rejuvenated and ready to tackle whatever lies ahead.
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8. Pest Deterrent
If slugs and snails are nibbling at your garden plants, sprinkle a line of Epsom salts around the edges of your borders or containers. Salt is highly irritant to these garden pests and will create a barrier that they are reluctant to cross.
9. Grout Cleaner
As my husband will testify, new grout can quickly become stained and dirty (thanks to our mud-splattered dog!). However, a mix of Epsom salts and dish soap quickly lifted away even the most stubborn grime, making it look like new again.
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10. Natural Degreaser
Over time, layers of burnt-on grease can quickly build up on cookware. The coarse grains of Epsom salts easily scrub away oil and residue, leaving your dishes and pots looking spick and span. This method is ideal for glass, ceramic, and stainless steel pans, but should never be used on non-stick or ceramic-coated cookware.
11. Soothing Foot Soak
After a long day on your feet, an Epsom salt foot bath is the perfect way to ease those aches and pains. The salts reduce swelling and soften calluses, making feet feel rejuvenated and like new again.
12. Livestock Husbandry
I’m always cautious when it comes to using natural remedies for animals, but Epsom salts can be very useful for treating certain ailments. For example, infections or abscesses can be drawn out by soaking them in a mild Epsom salt solution, and dry salts can be rubbed into fur as a dry shampoo to absorb dirt and oils.
13. Fabric Softener
I honestly couldn’t tell you the last time we bought fabric softener – why bother when there are so many natural alternatives out there? Add a large pinch of Epsom salts to the rinse cycle to soften clothes naturally without chemicals, adding a couple of drops of essential oils if you like a lingering fragrance.
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14. Rust Remover
Rusted tools and outdoor equipment can be quickly brought back to life with this effective rust removal method. Mix Epsom salts with lemon juice and apply liberally to any areas of rust, let it sit, then scrub it off. Voila – your tools will look like new again!
15. Hand Scrub
It can be hard to look glamorous when your days are spent gardening and caring for animals, but Epsom salts make an excellent hand scrub that removes grime with ease. Lather up your hands as normal with soap and water, then rub in a pinch of Epsom salts to shift stubborn dirt.
16. Leaf Curl Treatment
Leaf curl in plants and trees can have many different causes, one of which is magnesium deficiency. Mix Epsom salts with water and apply directly to the soil or as a foliar spray to boost plant health.
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Kate Chalmers
Kate is a passionate gardener who has a keen interest in all things related to homesteading and sustainability. She resides in Portugal with her husband and menagerie of animals and has over 15 years of experience in the UK veterinary industry. In 2020, Kate and her husband took on a dilapidated Portuguese house and abandoned olive grove, turning it into an abundant food forest and home for nature.
Life on the homestead is never the same from one day to the next, and Kate has mastered many skills that she is keen to pass on to anyone with an interest in becoming more self-sufficient. Kate believes that living a sustainable lifestyle is the key to happiness and fulfillment and that everyone can make simple changes that connect us back to nature and reduce our impact on the planet.
