Have you ever heard of tawas or alum? This natural material has long been used in everyday life for various purposes. Alum is often considered an environmentally friendly and multifunctional solution. Let’s discuss what alum is, its types, and its benefits.

What is Alum?

Alum is a crystalline chemical compound known by its scientific name, aluminum sulfate. Usually alum is in the form of clear crystals or odorless powder. This substance is easily soluble in water and is known for its antiseptic properties and ability to bind small particles. Alum is often used for various household and beauty purposes because it is natural and safe for everyone.

3 Types of Alum Commonly Found on the Market 

There are several types that are well known for their specific uses, depending on the composition and preparation method. Here are some of the most common types of alum:

• Potassium Alum: This type of alum is most often found and used for daily purposes. Potassium alum is commonly used as a natural deodorant and water purifier.
• Ammonium Alum: This type of alum is widely used in the textile industry and also as the main ingredient in several cosmetic products.
• Sodium Alum: This is a type of alum that is usually used in the paper industry and also as a food preservative in certain products.

Each type of alum has unique properties and benefits, but all are safe to use if applied correctly.

Benefits of Alum for Everyday Use

Famous for having many uses in everyday life, here are some of the benefits of alum that you might be able to apply at home:

• Natural Deodorant: Alum is renowned as an effective natural deodorant. The antibacterial properties of alum help prevent body odor by killing odor-causing bacteria. Just dampen a little alum and apply it to your underarms to get all-day protection without harmful chemicals.
• Water Purifier: One of the greatest benefits of alum is its ability to purify water. In this process, alum works by binding dirt particles in water so that the dirt clumps together and can be settled or filtered.
• Treatment of Minor Wounds: Alum has natural antiseptic properties that can be used to treat minor cuts and scrapes. Simply apply alum to the wound to help stop light bleeding and speed up the healing process.
• Foot Odor Remover: Apart from underarms, alum can also be used to eliminate foot odor. The method is to dissolve alum in warm water and soak your feet for 10-15 minutes for cleaner and fresher feet.
• Natural Skin Exfoliation: With its astringent properties, alum can be used as a natural exfoliator to clean pores and remove dead skin cells. This helps the skin stay clean and free of blackheads.

Environmentally Friendly Multi-Purpose Cleaner Alternative

Alum is an environmentally friendly alternative for cleaning because it is natural and easily decomposed. Its widespread use as an alternative to harsher and more dangerous chemicals makes alum a viable choice for those of you who care about the environment. In terms of water purification, alum works without leaving dangerous residues, making it safer for the ecosystem.

That was an introduction to alum, a natural ingredient that has many benefits. Starting from maintaining body hygiene to helping with household care. It's easy and safe use makes it the right choice for anyone who wants to maintain a healthy and environmentally friendly lifestyle. Interested in trying alum for your daily life?