Ways To Use Activated Charcoal in the Home

While you may have a collection of household cleaning products that you reach for on cleaning day, there’s one natural ingredient that you might not think about using. Activated charcoal, which is also called activated carbon, has exceptional properties that make it ideal for cleaning and deodorizing.

It also has health benefits and numerous other advantages. What are the top ways to use activated charcoal at home?

Is Activated Charcoal Safe to Use Around Kids and Pets?

Generally, activated charcoal is safe for adults to handle. However, kids and pets may accidentally ingest the charcoal. This could lead to stomach upset and other gastrointestinal symptoms. It can also interfere with how well antibiotics work.

In addition, inhaling charcoal can lead to lung inflammation. Because of these concerns, it’s always best to place and store the activated charcoal far out of reach of your little ones and pets.

Creative And Practical Ways to Use Activated Charcoal at Home

Activated charcoal has two exceptional traits that make it a go-to for a cleaner, better-smelling home. These traits are detoxification and filtration. What are some of the best ways to use activated charcoal in your home?

Keep Your Air Fresh and Odor-Free

Activated charcoal is porous. These pores absorb and trap the molecules that cause bad smells around the house. Unlike air freshening products that mask bad odors for a short period of time, activated charcoal removes the odors for long-lasting results.

Because activated charcoal is a natural substance, it is often preferred over chemical-based odor eliminators. Simply make small satchels containing the charcoal, and place them in the smelly areas of your home.

Purify Your Drinking Water

While impure water can have small, visible debris floating in it, it can also contain impurities that you can’t see. These can impact the taste of your water and also how healthy it is to drink.

The easiest way to purify your home’s drinking water and improve the taste with activated charcoal is to invest in a water filtration system. A more affordable option is to use a filtration pitcher with activated charcoal strips.

Brighten Your Smile Naturally

There are a seemingly endless number of teeth whitening strips and toothpastes on the market today, but some of these cause oral irritation. Activated charcoal works naturally to eliminate yellowing and stains without causing painful irritation.

You can easily switch to a toothpaste containing activated charcoal, or you could dip your toothbrush in activated charcoal powder before brushing your teeth.

Soothe Minor Skin Irritations

Activated charcoal is effective at neutralizing enzymes from mosquito bites and bee strings. It can also ease inflammation from other minor skin irritations to provide quick relief.

In a small bowl, mix enough activated charcoal and coconut oil to make a thick paste. Apply the paste directly to the problem area.

Freshen Up Your Pet Areas

Pet areas are notoriously stinky. The smell may come from kitty litter boxes, your pets’ favorite blankets and toys or even from your pets themselves. Bathing your pets and cleaning litter boxes, blankets and toys regularly are essential for keeping smells at bay.

In between cleaning sessions, you can freshen up these odorous areas by placing a small bowl of activated charcoal nearby in an elevated position.

Save Your Home from Moisture and Mold

Excess moisture often contributes to moisture and mold growth around the house. It is most problematic in bathrooms, the laundry room and crawlspaces.

Activated charcoal absorbs moisture, so it directly minimizes the risk of mildew and mold growth around the house. For the best results, place a bowl of activated charcoal in each of these areas of your home.

Revive Your Old or Musty Books

Old books are true treasures, but they can also emit a musty, unpleasant smell. Simply airing out the books is often not enough to vanquish the smells, but activated charcoal will do the trick.

Place your old books and a satchel of activated charcoal in a sealed box. Many people prefer to use a plastic storage bin for this purpose. After a few days, the musty smell will be gone.

Use in DIY Cleaning Solutions

Activated charcoal is a mild abrasive, and it absorbs odors, grease and toxins. It can be used along with lemon juice and warm water for cleaning appliances, tiles, sinks and other surfaces. You can also add baking soda to the paste for added cleaning and deodorizing power.Activated charcoal can address some of your many tough challenges with messes and odors around the house, and this is only one of many special products that you might not yet be using for a cleaner home.

Staying on top of cleaning tricks and strategies isn’t easy, but you don’t have to stress about it. With professional deep cleaning services Boston, you can take full advantage of a spotless home without the effort. Learn about Cleanzen’s deep cleaning services today.