You can't effectively "melt" hardened salt in the traditional sense like you would melt ice or chocolate. Salt's melting point is extremely high (801°C or 1474°F), making it impractical to melt at home. However, you can dissolve hardened salt back into a usable form. Here are a few methods:
Breaking Up the Hardened Salt
Before dissolving, consider breaking the salt apart:
- Mechanical Force:
- Hammer: Place the hardened salt (preferably still in its bag) on a solid surface and carefully use a hammer to break it into smaller pieces. Protect your eyes!
- Dropping: For smaller clumps, dropping the bag onto a concrete surface can sometimes break them apart.
Dissolving Hardened Salt
The most practical way to deal with hardened salt is to dissolve it:
- Warm Water: Place the clumps of hardened salt in warm water. The salt will dissolve, breaking down the hardened pieces. The amount of water needed will depend on the amount of salt. Start with a small amount of water and add more as needed.
Why Salt Hardens
Salt hardens due to moisture. Salt is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air. This absorbed moisture causes the salt crystals to stick together, forming clumps.
Preventing Hardening
To prevent salt from hardening in the first place:
- Store in an Airtight Container: Store salt in a cool, dry place in an airtight container.
- Add Rice: Adding a few grains of rice to the salt container can help absorb excess moisture.
- Desiccant Packets: Include desiccant packets (like those found in vitamin bottles or new shoes) in your salt container to absorb moisture.
