8 Things Epsom Salt is Good For

Homemade super-smoothing exfoliant

Mix a handful of Epsom salts with a tablespoon of olive oil and rub over wet skin to cleanse, exfoliate, and soften the rough spots. Rinse off well for a polished finish. This tip also works great when applied to calluses and corns. You can also combine with sugar or coffee grounds.

Frost a window

Need some bathroom privacy, or want to have a little creative fun with the kids? You can create a temporary “frost” for a window by mixing a solution of 1 cup beer and 4 tablespoons Epsom salts. Then paint the mixture onto the window. The frost will wash off easily with water and ammonia when you’re ready to go clear again.

Looking for more suprising ways to use leftover beer? Check out Who Knew's article 20 Ways to Harness the Power of Beer (Besides Drinking It)

Get summer-ready soles

Slough the dry, rough patches off your feet with this great, basic foot scrub using two common household ingredients. Simply mix ½ cup Epsom salts with 1 tablespoon petroleum jelly. If you like, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil for a little fragrance. Use to scrub the soles of your feet, and soon they’ll be sandal-worthy!

DIY detergent pods

Pods help anyone in your household use just the right amount of detergent to get the job done, which saves money, your clothes, and oversudsing your machine. How to make your own: Grate a bar of pure soap (such as Ivory) until you have 1/2 cup grated soap. (Or you can purchase soap flakes.) In a glass mixing bowl, combine the grated soap, 1½ cups washing soda, and 2 tablespoons Epsom salts. Mix in 3 tablespoons 3% hydrogen peroxide and ¼ cup vinegar. Scoop the mixture by heaping tablespoons onto a baking sheet lined with wax or parchment paper. You should have enough for 24. Give the piles-to-become-pods a little spritz of water to set, and allow to dry (about 12 hours). Once dry, store the pods in an airtight container.

Like your laundry to smell fresh? You can add 10 to 20 drops of your favorite essential oil to the mix when you add the peroxide and vinegar.

Get amazing grass

Did you know Epsom salts are one of the best natural lawn fertilizers around? They’re composed of magnesium and sulfur, both of which are highly beneficial to grass. Magnesium kick-starts seed...

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