Crystal deodorant : Alum was used in the past as a natural underarm deodorant in Europe, Mexico, Thailand, the Far East and in the Philippines where it is called Tawas. It is now commercially sold for this purpose in many countries, often in a plastic case that protects the crystal and makes it resemble other non-liquid deodorants. Typically potassium alum is used.
Alum powder, found amongst spices at most grocery stores, is used in pickling recipes as a preservative, to maintain crispness, and as an ingredient in some play dough recipes. It is also commonly cited as a home remedy or pain relief for canker sores.
Water treatment : Alum (aluminium sulfate) is used in water treatment. The addition of alum to raw water causes small particles and colloids to stick together and form heavier particles (floc) which will settle in water. This process is called coagulation or flocculation.
Fire retardant : By soaking and then drying cloth and paper materials they can be made fireproof.
Wax : Alum is used in the Middle East as a component in wax, compounded with other ingredients to create a hair-removal substance.
Foamite : Alum is used to make foamite which is used in many fire extinguishers for chemical and oil fires.
Adjuvant : Alum is used regularly as an adjuvant (enhances immune response to a given immunogen when given with it) in human immunizations. |