Don’t throw away the corn cob! 6 little-known uses of the corn cob
The corn cob has amazing benefits that you should keep to make use of.
Use the corn cob for the following purposes:
Smoke Absorption in the Kitchen
When cooking, smoke can linger and absorb odors into surrounding objects, especially if your kitchen lacks a range hood. Smoke can also cause kitchen walls to turn yellow quickly, making them look unattractive. In this case, you can use dried corn cobs as an effective odor absorber. After drying the corn cobs, place them in the kitchen overnight, and by the morning, the unpleasant cooking smells will be gone. You’ll notice that the corn cobs have also changed from white to dark brown due to their ability to absorb impurities and moisture very effectively.
Planting Flowers
Growing flowers using corn cobs helps plants grow better. The corn cob loosens the soil and allows better airflow, preventing soil compaction. The method is simple: dry the corn cobs and cut them into small pieces. Next, place a layer of corn cobs at the bottom of the flowerpot, then add soil for planting. The corn cobs help the soil in the pot dry quickly after watering, preventing water from accumulating, which could lead to root rot, while also inhibiting bacterial growth. As a result, your plants will grow greener and healthier.
Odor Removal
The bathroom is often considered the dirtiest place in the house because of the constant dampness, which creates a perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. Human waste contains ammonia, and if not treated, it can release foul smells into the air, making the bathroom unpleasant. Besides regular cleaning, you can use dried corn cobs to remove odors. Simply place the dried corn cobs in the bathroom or washroom to absorb the smells. You can also apply a little menthol oil to the corn cobs and place them in the bathroom; this not only helps repel mosquitoes but also leaves the space fresh and pleasant. Due to their odor-absorbing properties, you can also place dried corn cobs in the kitchen overnight. After absorbing smoke, the corn cobs will change color from white to dark brown, thanks to their ability to absorb impurities and moisture effectively.
Cleaning the Bathroom Drain Cover
Use a dried corn cob with a stick inserted for easy handling and scrub the bathroom drain cover. Any hair, dirt, or debris sticking to the drain cover will be lifted by the corn cob, and the drain will be cleaned effectively. After use, simply throw the corn cob into the trash.
Scrubbing the Bottom of Pots and Pans
The bottoms of pots and pans often get stained with black marks or grease, which can be difficult to remove with just a cloth or sponge. At this point, you should use a dry corn cob instead. The surface of the corn cob is rough, providing good friction. When scrubbing the bottom of pots, it can effectively remove all the dirt on the surface. Another benefit is that the corn cob won’t scratch the surface of your cookware like other cleaning tools might.
Absorbing Formaldehyde in a New House
Formaldehyde is a pungent gas at room temperature and can be found in forest fires, car exhaust, tobacco smoke, etc. This gas can also be present in newly painted houses. Even in low concentrations above 0.1mg/kg of air, inhaling formaldehyde can irritate the eyes, cause headaches, a sore throat, and difficulty breathing. Therefore, cleaning a newly built house to remove this gas is important before moving in. Corn cobs can help with this, as they are highly effective at absorbing gases like formaldehyde. You can place dried corn cobs in the new house for about two weeks to help eliminate odors and ensure a healthier environment before moving in.
