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Charcoal is a common thing you can find, if not in many homes but in the neighborhood at least. Since the beginning of time, it is used for various things, including art, medicine, and fuel.
If you use charcoal to grill or cook, you will likely have a few pieces at the bottom of your grill. It is wasteful to discard them. So what is next? can you reuse charcoal? Continue reading as we share everything you need to know!
Reusing unburned charcoal
Many new people getting into smoking and cooking BBQ have no idea that used coals can be reused. All you have to do is to take the used charcoal’s ashes out and store them in a dry, moisture-free container and use a lighting method like a Webber chimney to relight your coals.
By reusing charcoal, its an excellent way to cut costs and waste. It is the best technique to ensure you always have charcoal for grilling or cooking. Even without a charcoal grill, you can still repurpose charcoal to light a fire in a fireplace or wood-burning stove.
Alternative Ways to Reuse New or Old Charcoal
You can reuse charcoal in many ways. They are:
1. Natural Fertilizer: One way is to use charcoal as a natural fertilizer because it is rich in carbon. Carbon is an essential element for plant growth. In addition to supplying nutrients, you can apply charcoal to plants and flower beds to help drainage and aeration.
When using charcoal as fertilizer, pick a solution comprised entirely of natural components. Look for charcoal from eco-friendly materials that have undergone sustainable logging. Avoid using products that contain chemicals or other additives.
2. Natural Pesticide: Charcoal is a natural plant pesticide. It is an efficient and sustainable method of protecting your plants from pests. Since ancient times, charcoal has been used as a pesticide because it is a natural substance harmless to plants and animals. It prevents the insect from getting close to the plant. Through a physical barrier, the pest cannot access the plant to feed on it. Hence, charcoal can absorb any toxins the pest may be carrying. To deter pests, combine charcoal and water in equal amounts and spray the mixture on plants.
3. Reduce Odors: Charcoal is one solution to eliminate odors in your home. Yeah! Charcoal is so effective at absorbing smells. So put some small pieces inside a fine-mesh bag and place them around your home to keep everything smelling good.
You can also use it to eliminate refrigerator odors, moisture, and smelly shoes. Try it out, but remember to change the charcoal as needed to keep it working.
4. Reduce Rust: Charcoal prevents rust on metal surfaces. Apply it on the rusty surface and rub it to erase the rust.
5. Remedy For Upset Stomachs And Diarrhea: If you have an upset stomach or diarrhea, you can use charcoal to help relieve your symptoms. Pour one teaspoon of activated charcoal powder into a glass of water and drink it. Alternatively, if you want, you can take charcoal capsules.
Take it as often as necessary until your symptoms subside. And drink a lot of water while taking charcoal to achieve the best results. It will hasten the healing process and aid clear your system.
6. Use To Brush Teeth: Although that may be funny, it is true. Your teeth can become whiter and more stain-free by using activated charcoal. It can also aid in the absorption of toxins and germs in the mouth, enhancing dental health.
In other words, you can clean your teeth with charcoal powder. First, wet your toothbrush and dip it into the ground charcoal. Gently brush your teeth for two minutes, and cover all surfaces. Rinse your mouth and toothbrush well with water. You can do this once or twice weekly as part of your dental routine.
The Best Way To Store Charcoal For Reuse
If you have leftover charcoal from a cookout, don’t throw it away! Charcoal can be expensive, so it’s worth storing it properly for future use.
While you can sun-dry wet charcoal, a metal container with a tight-fitting lid is the ideal place to keep it. It will protect the charcoal from the elements and keep it dry. But if you don’t have a metal container, use a sturdy plastic bag and ensure you keep it tight.
Once you have your container, put charcoal inside and then store it somewhere cool and dry. Hence, follow these steps to avoid wastage.
The Benefits Of Reusing Charcoal
Since you can reuse your charcoal, there are many benefits to reusing charcoal. Below are a few:
It is a great way to save money: Charcoal is not cheap. So if you can reuse it, you can save a lot of money over time.
It helps keep the environment clean: Reusing charcoal can also help the environment. That is to say, it won’t pollute the environment; on the contrary, it will help keep it clean. So, always dry and store your leftover charcoal.
Conclusion
Wrapping up, you can reuse charcoal. As long as you take care of it, it can last longer, depending on your cooking. Store it in a dry, airtight container without moisture. When you’re ready to use it again, light it with a match or lighter and let it burn until it is covered in gray ash. However, follow the above instructions to save money and keep the environment clean.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is activated charcoal?
Activated charcoal is a natural substance made from the husk or black cumin seed outer shell. It serves as a filter to remove toxins from food, air, water, and other surfaces.
Is it worth it to reuse charcoal?
Yes, it is. Reusing old charcoal will save you lots of cash and make the environment conducive for everyone.
How do I know charcoal absorbs odors or smells in my room?
Charcoal absorbs odors in your room by adsorbing the smells and trapping them in charcoal.
