Home >> Science & Nature >> Science

How to Kill Bacteria With Salt

If you have a bacterial infection in your mouth or want to preserve food, use salt to kill bacteria. Bacteria are microscopic organisms that come in different shapes and sizes. They are dangerous because they are potentially harmful to humans and spread exponentially. Temperature, salt and pH are certain factors that affect the growth bacteria. Kill bacteria with salt to keep your home, body and food safe.

Things You'll Need

Meat
Distilled water
Container
Cucumbers
Fish

Instructions

- 1
  Rub pellets of salt on the surface of your meat. The salt concentration needs to be over 20 percent. For example, if you have a 1/2-lb. steak, rub 1 1/2 ounces of salt on the surface of the steak. This process is called corning.
- 2
  Mix one part salt into five parts distilled water to make a brine. Stir the solution. Add any variety of meat or vegetables. The brine not only kills bacteria ̵2; or at least inhibits its growth ̵2; it enhances the flavor of your food.
- 3
  Prepare a solution of warm saltwater. Gargle with the solution for 30 seconds to kill bacteria in your mouth.
- 4
  Rub your cutting board with salt to kill or reduce bacteria.

Science