Can You Use Charcoal For Cleaning?

Cleaning is an essential part of home maintenance and organisation, and while many people tend to use traditional cleaning products like detergents, chemicals and scrubbing agents, people are now starting to look for more natural and environment-friendly alternatives. One such unconventional cleaning agent is charcoal. Known for its ability to absorb toxins and impurities, charcoal has been used for more than a millennium in medicine, air purification and water filtration. However, its potential as a household cleaner is only now gaining traction.

This article will explore whether charcoal can be used for cleaning around the house for tasks involving maintenance, odour removal, stain removal, and the like. It will also discuss how it compares to traditional cleaning methods and whether it is viable for tasks such as End of lease Cleaning Brisbane, that residents often require when moving out of a rented property.

How Does Charcoal Work as a Cleaning Agent?

Charcoal, especially activated charcoal, is a highly porous substance and this property allows it to absorb dirt, toxins and odours from its surrounding environment. It functions through a process called “adsorption”, where instead of the elements being absorbed into the charcoal, they get attracted by it and then adhere to its surfaces. This makes it highly effective in trapping impurities like toxins, pollutants and unwanted bacteria from various surfaces. Due to its natural cleaning abilities, it is often toted as an eco-friendly alternative to the commercially available cleaning products which contain a lot of harsh chemicals.

1. Using Charcoal for Odour Removal

One of the most common uses of charcoal during the cleaning process is odour removal. Charcoal is amazing at absorbing and neutralising foul smells from areas like refrigerators, wardrobes, shoes, and even cars. Unlike synthetic air fresheners, which only mask the smell with a different fragrance, activated charcoal helps trap those offending odour particles from the air, leaving it smelling fresh and clean.

To use it, place a bowl of activated charcoal in areas with lingering smells and let it sit there till the smell disappears. Employing this method when preparing to carry out a comprehensive bond cleaning in Brisbane can help you give a finishing touch to your overall cleaning efforts.

2. Charcoal use for Mould and Moisture Control

Mould growth is a common problem in humid environments. It can cause health hazards and unpleasant smells. An excess of moisture in the air can create the ideal breeding ground for mould and mildew growth, which can spread quickly if left untreated. Here, charcoal, with its moisture-absorbing capabilities, can prove useful. Place the charcoal in damp areas such as under the sinks, in basements, or inside of wardrobes to help reduce the excess moisture in them and inhibit mould formation.

While chemical-based mould removers are effective in tackling the issues posed, they often contain harsh ingredients that may cause respiratory irritations or damage to the surfaces. Charcoal, on the flip side, offers a more natural and non-toxic alternative for effective moisture reduction and mould prevention.

3. Charcoal as a Surface Cleaner

Apart from its fantastic odour-removal capabilities, it can also be used to clean surfaces. Charcoal that has been ground to a powder or even charcoal-infused cleaning products can help remove stains from countertops, tiles and even carpets. Its mild abrasive nature allows it to scrub away the dirt and grime without causing the surfaces to scratch. A mixture of finely ground activated charcoal mixed with water can create a gentle but effective paste that can be used to remove grease, food residue and stubborn stains from various surfaces (apply using a sponge or cloth).

For more exhaustive tasks like conducting thorough Bond Cleaning Brisbane, using charcoal-based cleaners alongside more conventional cleaning products will ensure that all your surfaces meet the required cleanliness standards.

4. Charcoal for Refreshing clothing and linen

Using charcoal to clean and refresh your garments and linen is an effective natural alternative to the store bought stain remover and detergents. Not only will the charcoal absorb any musty smell from the cloths, it will also help absorb excess moisture from them if placed in a sachet and placed next to the clothes. Wool is notorious for storing a lot of moisture in it; hence, it’s prone to getting mould. Charcoal will help prevent this.

In addition to odour removal, charcoal will assist you in eliminating stains from your precious garments. For stubborn stains like sweat, grease or ink, making a paste of activated charcoal and water, and applying this directly onto the affected area will help lift away the discolouration. Let it sit for a while and then rinse it away as you normally would.

5. Charcoal for Garden and Plant care

Charcoal can also help you in maintaining your garden space. Horticultural charcoal is a type of untreated charcoal that is often used to improve soil quality and prevent root rot. It will help in aerating the soil, absorbing excess water and keeping the soil free from fungal growth.

• For potted plants, add a thin layer of charcoal at the bottom to help with drainage and prevent water from stagnating, reducing the risk of root rot.
• For composting, adding a little bit of charcoal into it will help absorb the foul smells and speed up the decomposition process by balancing moisture levels.
• For the rest of the outdoors, Sprinkle charcoal powder in the garden beds to neutralise any acidic soil and create a healthier growing environment for the plants.

Outdoor spaces, too, are a part of your property lease and need your care and attention. And if you use charcoal as part of your garden maintenance, it will impress your property inspector during the final inspection allowing you to bag the full bond amount.

Using Charcoal for Cleaning

Wrapping up

Charcoal is a versatile and natural cleaning agent that can up your cleaning game if you know exactly how to use it and where. But like all things, if you are unsure about how a particular surface will react to the charcoal, test it out on a small inconspicuous area to check for compatibility. Armed with this knowledge and the right techniques, you’ll be able to carry out flawless cleaning. So, good luck and Happy Cleaning!