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Salt is a chemical compound of sodium and chlorine, and is one of the most basic, plentiful molecules on earth. This simple compound is essential to life itself, as our bodies require salt to function correctly and to regulate our fluid levels.

Salt is present in our vast expanse of oceans and seas. It can be found on the surface of the ocean as brine and below the skin of the earth in the form of salt licks. The salt forms in white veins and is often mined from shafts over half a mile deep.

We are all aware of the significance of salt in cooking, but this resourceful compound is widely employed in over 14,000 commercial applications, from paper production to road safety. This makes it an important and essential mineral for humankind. For centuries, it has played a key role in economic, religious, social and political practices and it is a common topic in many stories, fables and fairy tales.

Today, salt occupies a momentous role in our daily lives with its ability to season and preserve food. It transforms our dependence on seasonal availability, and enables us to store and ship consumables around the world without them spoiling. Salt is inexpensive, easy to obtain and a commodity that we often take for granted. However, in ancient times, it was highly valued and its production was legally restricted, hence its historical use as a method of trade and currency. In fact, the word ‘salary’ derives from salt, and in Roman times it was common practice to pay soldiers wages with this highly prized mineral.

There are  many forms of salt produced today: unrefined salt such as Celtic, Himalayan, kosher, and sea salt; as well as refined, iodised table salt. All these salts can be used to deal with the toughest jobs around the house.

One of the most common, inexpensive household products, salt is an extraordinary cleaning and deodorising agent that can be used as an abrasive for scrubbing and eliminating mould and mildew, or diluted and dissolved into various cleaning solutions. It quickly absorbs foul odours and prevents grease and grime build-up as its granular texture acts as a gentle yet effective scourer.

Salt is extremely versatile and can tackle a wide range of household cleaning tasks. It can be used alone, or mixed with other natural agents; for example, lemon, vinegar and baking soda to boost their cleansing and deodorising powers.

Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical compound with a formula of H2O2. It is the only germicidal agent composed solely of water and oxygen. This astounding solution kills dangerous germs and micro-organisms through a process of oxidation and is considered to be the world’s safest, all-natural disinfectant and sanitiser. Now that’s an impressive accolade! It was first discovered in 1818 by Louis Jaques Thenard,  who happened to stumble upon it quite by chance, while burning barium salts to produce barium peroxide. Thenard noticed that when barium peroxide came into contact with water and dissolved, hydrogen peroxide was produced. Over many years, he worked tirelessly to improve this process and his was the most common method of production until the mid-twentieth century.

Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical compound with a formula of H2O2. It is the only germicidal agent composed solely of water and oxygen. This astounding solution kills dangerous germs and micro-organisms through a process of oxidation and is considered to be the world’s safest, all-natural disinfectant and sanitiser. Now that’s an impressive accolade! It was first discovered in 1818 by Louis Jaques Thenard,  who happened to stumble upon it quite by chance, while burning barium salts to produce barium peroxide. Thenard noticed that when barium peroxide came into contact with water and dissolved, hydrogen peroxide was produced. Over many years, he worked tirelessly to improve this process and his was the most common method of production until the mid-twentieth century.

In 1863 it was proved that hydrogen peroxide was present in rainwater and the American Medical Association announced that this had long been Mother Nature’s way of sterilising herself.

Hydrogen peroxide has a lengthy history as a bleaching agent, steriliser, oxidiser and disinfectant. Both gentle and non-toxic, it is used in a variety of industries around the world. A recent study showed hydrogen peroxide to be a powerful and highly effective disinfectant for surfaces in research labs, animal labs, and hospital rooms, thus rendering it an excellent product for bathrooms and kitchens. This natural commodity offers endless cleaning possibilities. You can purchase 3-10% hydrogen peroxide at most supermarkets and grocery stores. I usually use 3% strength and find this is adequate for most cleaning tasks around the home.

Often referred to as “The Wonder Cleaner”, hydrogen peroxide is non-toxic, practical, inexpensive and an excellent green cleaner. Hydrogen peroxide kills germs and organisms through oxidation and is considered the safest and most effective natural sanitiser available. Therefore, it is a fantastic environmentally-friendly alternative to bleach.