Unexpected Uses for Cinnamon: Beyond a Simple Spice - Home & Texture
Kitchen Cinnamon

7 Unexpectedly Brilliant Household Uses for Cinnamon

Learn how to use cinnamon for more than just baking to make your home a happier, healthier place!

August 14, 2024 at 2:19 PM PST
Kitchen Cinnamon

7 Unexpectedly Brilliant Household Uses for Cinnamon

Learn how to use cinnamon for more than just baking to make your home a happier, healthier place!

August 14, 2024 at 2:19 PM PST

Cinnamon is a treasured spice, gracing our favorite desserts and drinks with its warm, sweet aroma. But did you know this kitchen staple has many household uses beyond the kitchen? Prepare to be amazed at what this seemingly simple spice can do. Sprinkle some cinnamon magic into your home and enjoy these unexpected uses!

cinnamon
Photo credit: Anna Bogush

1. Make Your Home Smell Like a Cozy Bakery

Who doesn’t love the inviting scent of freshly baked goodies? With cinnamon, you can make your home smell like a bakery without lifting a finger to bake.

Mix a few tablespoons of ground cinnamon with a handful of cloves and some dried orange peel. Place this mixture in a small fabric bag or a bowl, and voilà! You have a natural air freshener that will make your home smell heavenly.

For an instant olfactory delight, simmer a few cinnamon sticks in a pot of water on your stove or, if you have one, a crock pot. Add some apple slices and a dash of vanilla extract for an extra cozy feel. This simple trick will fill your home with an irresistible aroma.

2. Ward Off Pesky Insects

Cinnamon isn’t just for adding flavor to your favorite recipes; it’s also a natural insect repellent. Keep those uninvited six-legged guests at bay with these clever cinnamon tricks.

Ants, for instance, hate cinnamon as much as we love it. Simply sprinkle ground cinnamon around entry points where ants tend to invade your home, and they’ll think twice before crossing that spicy barrier.

Moths can wreak havoc on your clothes and linens, but cinnamon can help here, too. Place a few cinnamon sticks in your closets or drawers to keep these fabric-munching pests away. As a bonus, your clothes will smell fantastic!

3. Refresh Your Carpets

If your carpets are looking (and smelling) a bit worse for wear, cinnamon can help. It’s a natural deodorizer that can give your carpets a fresh lease on life.

Combine one cup of baking soda with a few teaspoons of ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture onto your carpets, let it sit for about 30 minutes, then vacuum it up. Your carpets will smell delightful, and the baking soda will help lift any lingering odors.

cinnamon
Photo credit: Les Da More

4. Banish Bad Odors

Cinnamon isn’t just great for freshening up carpets; it’s also a powerhouse against unpleasant odors throughout your home.

Try sprinkling ground cinnamon at the bottom of your trash can before adding a new liner. This simple trick will help neutralize any nasty smells that might otherwise linger.

You can also mix a teaspoon of ground cinnamon with some baking soda and place it in an open container in your fridge. This combination will absorb and neutralize unwanted odors, leaving your fridge smelling fresh.

5. Enhance Your Cleaning Routine

Cleaning doesn’t have to be a chore, especially when you add cinnamon to the mix. Here’s how to make your cleaning routine more enjoyable and effective.

Start by creating your own all-purpose cleaner. Simply combine a cup of vinegar, a cup of water, and a teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle, shake well, and use it to clean countertops, sinks, and other surfaces. The cinnamon will leave a pleasant scent behind, turning your cleaning tasks into a more delightful experience.

For a quick and easy way to clean and deodorize your microwave, mix a tablespoon of ground cinnamon with a cup of water in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high until the mixture boils and steams. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe down the interior with a clean cloth. Your microwave will be spotless and smell fresh!

6. Spice Up Your Garden

Cinnamon isn’t just useful indoors; it can also work wonders in your garden. Here’s how to use cinnamon to boost your green thumb.

Seedlings are often prone to fungal diseases that can stunt their growth. To protect them, sprinkle some ground cinnamon on the soil surface around your seedlings. The antifungal properties of cinnamon will help keep pesky fungi at bay.

Just like indoors, cinnamon can help repel unwanted pests in your garden. Simply sprinkle ground cinnamon around the base of your plants to create a barrier that many insects won’t cross.

cinnamon tea
Photo credit: Liudmila Chernetska

7. Boost Your Health and Wellness

Cinnamon isn’t just handy around the house; it can also benefit your health and well-being. Here’s how to make the most of this versatile spice.

For a soothing massage, combine a few drops of cinnamon essential oil with a carrier oil like coconut or almond oil. This mixture can help relieve muscle tension and improve circulation, while the warm scent of cinnamon enhances the relaxation experience.

You can also enjoy cinnamon’s health benefits by making a calming tea. Simply steep a cinnamon stick in hot water for a few minutes, then add a bit of honey and a slice of lemon for extra flavor. This tea is perfect for unwinding after a long day.




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