ManyUses.org

Dehumidifier and Air Purifier

Damp rooms such as basements, bathrooms and utility rooms can benefit from the addition of a dehumidifier to absorb excess moisture and a do it yourself version using charcoal could not be easier to make. Take any suitable, large container and pierce holes into it. Place a few charcoal briquettes inside and place your home-made dehumidifier in the relevant space. Replace the briquettes every few months for optimum performance.

Your charcoal dehumidifier can also benefit people with breathing conditions, if placed in their rooms, as charcoal purifies the air by attracting air-borne pollutants.

Air Freshener and Deodoriser

Apart from its role as a dehumidifier, charcoal is a natural and inexpensive deodoriser. It can be placed in gym bags, lockers, wardrobes or closets so that its porous structure can absorb moisture and odours. Make small pouches containing charcoal lumps to place inside trainers or boots to keep them fresh-smelling. This is an inexpensive, eco-friendly and long-lasting solution to smelly footwear and sports equipment.

Toolbox, Gardening Equipment, or Fishing Tackle

Place a few lumps of charcoal in the toolbox or garden shed to prevent tools, equipment, fishing tackle etc from corrosion or rust damage. Just place two or three charcoal briquettes inside a cotton bag and drop this into your toolbox etc to keep free from moisture.

De-icer

If you keep supplies of sand or salt for winter de-icing, adding some charcoal briquettes to this will soak up moisture and keep it free-flowing and prevent clumping. It is a small bonus, but it will save time on those depressing, icy mornings in mid-winter.

Book Shelves

It’s a good idea to conceal some lumps of charcoal amongst your books to absorb the damp in the air and prevent them from yellowing. Charcoal absorbs those musty odours associated with damp books and keeps them fresh-smelling.

Stain Remover

The Japanese, who have used charcoal for centuries, believe it can remove stains from solvents. They would place three or pieces in the washing machine with heavily soiled work clothing, and without detergent, to remove these heavy duty stains.

Cut Flowers

When we buy cut flowers we are used to finding a little packet of ‘cut flower food’ attached to the bouquet. These yellow crystals are combination of biocides, to kill the bacteria, an acidifier, to help the stem take up the water and sugars, to act as food. Instead of this compound, charcoal will keep cut flowers fresh by removing contaminants to keep the water pure and allowing the stems to last longer. Placing a small piece of charcoal in the bottom of the vase will keep the water clean and pure by absorbing impurities and releasing beneficial minerals.

Aquariums

Using activated charcoal in an aquarium is commonplace. It helps to filter the water by adsorbing excess unwanted materials such as dissolved organic matter, heavy metals etc which can be harmful to fish. A sprinkling of charcoal granules in aquariums and goldfish bowls will purify the water and create a cleaner environment for the fish. However the filtering or adsorption properties do decrease over time so the charcoal should be replaced regularly.

Animal Feed

Charcoal is often added to animal foods as a digestive aid and to help adsorb toxins and organisms from animal foodstuffs. It also helps to reduce waste odours. Captive birds in particular respond well to having granulated charcoal sprinkled into their feed or powdered charcoal mixed in with their drinking water to counteract the toxins inherent in commercially prepared feeds. Used in animal sheds and pens, activated charcoal not only acts as a sanitiser, but reduces infestation from micro-organisms and their accompanying potential risks.

Insect Repellent

Spreading charcoal on or under the floor is believed to keep termites, ants and cockroaches at bay. In houses that have been chemically treated for infestations, charcoal can help to diffuse the smell. Spreading powdered charcoal around entry points will prevent ants from trespassing into the property.

Insomnia

Some people believe that charcoal pillows can relieve insomnia as well as stiff shoulders and lumbago. Special pillows are filled with charcoal which helps promote relaxing sleep by purifying the sleeping environment and emitting beneficial infrared rays which aid the circulation of the blood in face, brain and neck area. The negative ions not only promote refreshing sleep but reduce the amount of sleep needed.

As a Bath Aid

Some claim that adding a few lumps of charcoal to the bath water will help to relax and de-stress the body. This acts as a detoxifier and is said to be beneficial to smokers, alcoholics or for anyone suffering from skin ailments such as eczema, dermatitis etc for whom its cleansing, purifying and antibacterial properties are particularly beneficial. A charcoal bath is also said to relieve fatigue and help to refresh and recharge the batteries.

Electromagnetic Radiation

The possibility of electromagnetic radiation is a very real concern for some people. Placing a few lumps of charcoal by electrical appliances such as televisions, computers and microwaves is believed to counteract the damage from electromagnetic radiation.