Charcoal might be the last thing you’d consider as a cleaning tool. After all, one would assume something so black and powdery could make an even bigger mess. Surprisingly, activated charcoal is one of the most powerful and natural cleaning agents available. “Activated charcoal is one of the most underrated cleaning tools,” says Evie Graham, professional cleaner and founder of Waste Direct. “After twenty years of handling tough cleaning jobs, it became my go-to solution for impossible problems.”
Activated charcoal differs from regular charcoal (the type you use on a grill) in that it has been processed to have numerous small holes and crevices, giving it a vast surface area. This makes it more porous and absorbent, allowing it to trap toxins, odors, oils, and moisture. These properties have made activated charcoal a popular cleaning agent, beauty product, and treatment for several health problems. Discover smart ways to use it around your home with these expert-approved ideas.
1. Freshen Up Smelly Spaces
Activated charcoal is great for eliminating odors—even on an industrial scale. “At our waste transfer stations, nasty diesel fumes gave me constant headaches,” recalls Graham. “Regular cleaners just masked the smell, but once we started mixing the charcoal powder into our floor cleaning routine, those deep odors vanished within days.” Thanks to its highly porous structure, activated charcoal absorbs toxins, pollutants, and unwanted smells from the air, making it a great addition to windowless bathrooms, closets, home gyms, or even the fridge.
“You can use activated charcoal in either a brick or powder form,” explains Carylanne Brown, senior Grove guide at Grove Collaborative. Brown recommends placing it in a bowl or a sachet and leaving it in areas that need odor control and where ventilation is poor. Replace the activated charcoal every three to six months for optimal odor absorption.
2. Remove Grease from Kitchen Surfaces
Grease buildup can be stubborn, but activated charcoal makes removing it a breeze. “Activated charcoal is used in cleaning and personal care products as an absorbent,” says Brown. “It is often used in oil and pesticide spills as it can absorb 100 to 200 times its weight in oil and toxins.” At home, it’s perfect for tackling greasy stovetops, range hoods, and countertops.
Brown suggests creating a paste with equal parts activated charcoal powder and water before spreading it over the greasy surface. Work the paste into the surface using a soft sponge or cloth, then rinse it away. “Avoid using it on metals, acids, alcohols, and alkalis (like lye)—it won’t be effective against those,” notes Brown. Think of activated charcoal as a microscopic sponge that can help absorb unwanted oil, odor, and other contaminants.
3. Purify Drinking Water
Activated charcoal isn’t just for air purification; it works similarly on water, too. It absorbs contaminants and chemicals present in tap water, including pesticides, chlorine, byproducts, nitrate, microplastics, and other VOCs, improving its taste and safety.
“Water filtration systems typically use charcoal in their filters for this purpose,” says Brown. However, you can use activated charcoal to make a filter at home. “Place some activated charcoal powder in something porous, such as a coffee filter or cloth. Then, slowly pour the water over the activated charcoal into a water pitcher to allow the charcoal to filter away impurities.” You can also use activated charcoal sticks in reusable water bottles for continuous filtration on the go.
4. Reduce Moisture in Damp Spaces
If you struggle with humidity and mold in your home, activated charcoal can pull excess moisture from the air due to its porous nature. This DIY humidifier is best tested in small spaces, such as a bathroom, laundry room, or under the sink. Simply place sachets of activated charcoal in the damp spots you want to target and let them work, replacing them every few months. While it’s not a permanent fix for humidity problems, it’s an excellent temporary solution while you work on a long-term strategy.
5. Deep-Clean Your Bathroom
From deodorizing to tackling limescale, activated charcoal is a great cleaning agent to use in the bathroom. “I discovered its real power at a luxury hotel contract,” says Graham. “Their shower doors looked ruined, clouded with years of limescale. When I mixed the fine charcoal powder with a tiny bit of water, the glass ended up spotless.” Activated charcoal can also be implemented into your beauty routine—think shower filters, face masks, or even toothpaste.
Sources:
- All photos used in this blogpost are sourced from the internet, and the rights belong to their respective owners
- Flaxman, S. (2025, March 8). Yes, You Can Clean with Charcoal: 5 Surprising Ways to Use It. Better Homes & Gardens. https://www.bhg.com/ways-to-clean-with-charcoal-8788744