It was one of those mornings when the sun seemed to be chasing the clouds around the sky. I decided to risk getting wet and take the dogs to Loch Dola which is about an hours walk through forestry roads its very beautiful and peaceful there. We were lucky and did not get wet apart from Shula of course who always has a swim in the loch. I was looking out for frog spawn but didn't see any it seems that froggy has not been a wooing just yet in these parts anyway. We enjoyed our walk and I wished that I had taken my camera I forgot it again.

I have been looking at lots of different uses for salt some of them sound interesting. Did you know for example that you can clean artificial silk or synthetic fabric flowers by placing them in a paper bag with 50g salt. Give the bag a few gentle shakes and they will emerge crisp and bright. I don't have any silk flowers so you will have to let me know how you get on. Apparently you can also use it to keep wicker looking new where it yellows with age if you scrub with a stiff brush dipped in warm salt water it will keep its natural tone. Dry in the sun. (Obviously a Summer job!)

This is great you can make brass or copper polish. Mix equal parts of salt flour and vinegar to make a paste. Use a soft cloth to rub over the item and rinse with warm soapy water. Dry and buff back to its original shine. What about restoring a sponge? Hand sponges and mop sponges usually get filthy before they are really worn out. Soak them overnight in a solution of 50g salt to 1 litre of water. Bingo! pristine condition. Is your waste disposal smelling? Pour in 100g salt run the cold water and start the disposal. The salt will dislodge any stuck waste and neutralise odours.

Cleaning greasy iron pans? Sprinkle salt into the pan before you wash it and it will absorb most of the grease. Then wipe it off and wash as usual. If your trainers need deodorising sprinkle them with some salt inside to cut down on odour and soak up moisture. Now this is handy! If you spill red wine onto a light coloured carpet while it is still wet pour a little white wine or mineral water on to it to dilute the colour. Then clean the spot with a sponge and cold water. Sprinkle the area with salt and wait about 10 minutes then vacuum up and wait for the area to dry.How about cleaning grease stains from a carpet or rug? Mix 1 part salt to 4 parts methylated spirits and rub over the grease stain being careful to rub in the direction of the rugs natural nap.

So there you are a few ideas to be going on with. Hope you find them useful.

Linda