Beyond the Kitchen: 24 Clever Uses for Cinnamon

Cinnamon is more than just a spice for toast or apple pie. This everyday item in your kitchen has many hidden uses outside of cooking. Prepare to see cinnamon in a fresh way!

This warm, sweet-smelling spice is great for handling daily tasks around the house. You’ll soon use cinnamon to fix many common problems.

In this article, we’ll share 24 unexpected ways to use cinnamon that go beyond the kitchen. These smart tips will help you clean, remove bad smells, and freshen up your home naturally. You’ll also discover how cinnamon can improve your health and beauty routine.

Let’s get started and find new, exciting ways to use this handy spice!

Carpet Deodorizer

Make your carpets smell nice and get rid of bad smells with an easy cinnamon trick. Mix the same amount of ground cinnamon and baking soda to make a strong powder that removes odors.

Spread this mix all over your carpets and leave it there for 30 minutes or leave it overnight for really strong smells. After that, vacuum it up well to take away the powder and the bad smells. Your carpets will feel fresh and clean without any strong chemicals.

Natural Air Freshener

Say goodbye to artificial air fresheners and hello to the warm, inviting scent of cinnamon. Creating a natural air freshener with cinnamon is easy and effective. Simply sprinkle some ground cinnamon on a baking sheet and place it in a warm oven for a few minutes. 

The heat will release the cinnamon’s aromatic oils, filling your home with a cozy, welcoming fragrance. This method is perfect for creating a pleasant atmosphere before guests arrive or for making your space feel more inviting after a long day.

Shoe Deodorizer

Smelly shoes are no match for cinnamon’s natural odor-fighting abilities. To combat foot odor, sprinkle a small amount of ground cinnamon inside your shoes when you’re not wearing them. 

The cinnamon will absorb moisture and neutralize odor-causing bacteria, leaving your footwear smelling fresh. For an extra boost, you can mix the cinnamon with baking soda before applying it to your shoes. 

This natural solution is especially helpful for athletic shoes or work boots that tend to develop strong odors.

Mouth Freshener

Freshen your breath naturally with the power of cinnamon. Create a simple mouthwash swirling a quarter teaspoon of ground cinnamon in warm water. Gargle with this mixture for about 30 seconds before spitting it out. 

Cinnamon’s antibacterial properties help fight the bacteria that cause bad breath, while its natural oils leave your mouth feeling clean and refreshed. This homemade mouthwash is a great alternative to store-bought versions that often contain alcohol and artificial flavors.

Insect Repellent

Keeping bugs away doesn’t need strong chemicals. Cinnamon has a strong smell that naturally keeps many pests out of your home.

Sprinkle cinnamon powder near doors, windows, and other spots where bugs might enter. This creates a barrier that ants, mosquitoes, and other bugs avoid.

You can also mix cinnamon oil with water in a spray bottle for an easy bug spray. This natural method keeps your home free of pests and leaves it smelling nice.

Furniture Polish

Give your wooden furniture a natural shine with a cinnamon-based polish. Mix a teaspoon of ground cinnamon with a quarter cup of olive oil to create a nourishing furniture polish. Apply this mixture to your wooden surfaces using a soft cloth, rubbing it in gently with circular motions. 

The olive oil will condition the wood, while the cinnamon adds a subtle, pleasant fragrance. Wipe off any excess with a clean cloth, and enjoy your newly polished, great-smelling furniture.

Homemade Potpourri

Create your own long-lasting, fragrant potpourri using cinnamon as the star ingredient. Combine whole cinnamon sticks, cloves, dried orange peel, and any other aromatic herbs or spices you enjoy. Place this mixture in a decorative bowl or sachet to naturally scent your home. 

You can refresh the fragrance periodically by adding a few drops of cinnamon essential oil. This homemade potpourri is a cost-effective and natural alternative to store-bought air fresheners, and you can customize the scent to your liking.

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Fridge Deodorizer

Get rid of bad smells in your fridge with a simple cinnamon trick. Put ground cinnamon in a small container and keep it at the back of your fridge. The cinnamon will take away the smells and make your fridge smell nice.

Another way is to add a few drops of cinnamon oil to a cotton ball and place it in a small dish inside your fridge. Replace the cinnamon or cotton ball every month to keep it working well.

Skin Exfoliator

Pamper your skin with a gentle, all-natural exfoliating scrub made with cinnamon. Mix a tablespoon of ground cinnamon with two tablespoons of honey or olive oil to create a nourishing scrub. 

Gently massage this mixture onto damp skin using circular motions, focusing on rough areas like elbows and knees. Rinse off with warm water to reveal softer, smoother skin. 

The cinnamon acts as a mild exfoliant, while the honey or oil moisturizes, leaving your skin glowing and smelling delightful.

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Facial Mask

Harness cinnamon’s antibacterial properties to create an effective acne-fighting facial mask. Mix a teaspoon of ground cinnamon with two tablespoons of raw honey to form a paste. Apply this mixture to clean skin, avoiding the eye area, and leave it on for 10-15 minutes. 

Rinse off with warm water and pat your face dry. The cinnamon helps combat acne-causing bacteria, while the honey soothes and moisturizes your skin. Use this mask once a week as part of your skincare routine for clearer, healthier-looking skin.

Candle Enhancer

Make your favorite candles smell stronger with an easy cinnamon tip. Tie a cinnamon stick around a plain candle using string or a rubber band.

When the candle burns, the heat will warm the cinnamon stick, letting out its nice smell and making the candle’s scent better. This works great with vanilla or apple candles, making your home feel warm and welcoming.

You can also put a few cinnamon sticks close to the candle for the same result.

Neutralizing Garbage Odors

Keep your trash can smelling fresh with the power of cinnamon. Sprinkle a tablespoon of ground cinnamon in the bottom of your garbage can before putting in a new bag. The cinnamon will help absorb and neutralize unpleasant odors, keeping your kitchen smelling clean and fresh. 

For an extra boost, you can mix the cinnamon with baking soda before sprinkling it in the trash can. Remember to replace the cinnamon mixture every time you change the garbage bag for continuous odor control.

Cinnamon-Infused Coffee

Make your morning coffee better with a bit of cinnamon. Mix a quarter teaspoon of ground cinnamon into your coffee grounds before you brew it. This easy step gives your coffee a warm, spicy taste and smell.

Cinnamon not only makes your coffee taste good but also adds healthy antioxidants. For a special touch, add a little whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.

Homemade Cleaner

Create an all-purpose cleaner with the cleaning power and pleasant scent of cinnamon. Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle, then add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a few drops of cinnamon essential oil. 

Shake well before each use. This natural cleaner is great for wiping down countertops, sinks, and other surfaces. The vinegar disinfects while the cinnamon adds a pleasant scent and boosts the cleaner’s antimicrobial properties.

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Wardrobe Freshener

Keep your clothes smelling fresh and protect them with cinnamon sachets. Fill small fabric pouches with a mixture of ground cinnamon, whole cloves, and dried lavender. Hang these sachets in your closet or place them in your dresser drawers. 

The cinnamon and other spices will give your clothes a subtle, pleasant scent while also deterring moths and other insects. Replace the sachets every few months to maintain their effectiveness.

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Pet-Friendly Deodorizer

Freshen up your pet’s living areas naturally with cinnamon. Sprinkle a small amount of ground cinnamon on your pet’s bedding or in areas where they spend a lot of time. The cinnamon will help neutralize odors without using harsh chemicals that might harm your furry friends. 

For cats, you can even sprinkle a bit of cinnamon in the litter box to control odors. Always use cinnamon sparingly around pets and consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns.

Soothe Sore Throats

Relieve a sore throat with a calming cinnamon tea. Put a cinnamon stick or a small amount of ground cinnamon into a cup of hot water. Wait 10 minutes, then remove the cinnamon if you like. 

For more comfort and a sweet taste, mix in a teaspoon of honey. Drink this warm tea slowly to ease throat pain and swelling. Cinnamon’s natural ability to reduce swelling can help you recover quicker.

Homemade Lip Balm

Create a natural, plumping lip balm using cinnamon. Melt together equal parts beeswax and coconut oil, then add a few drops of cinnamon essential oil or a pinch of ground cinnamon. Pour the mixture into small containers and let it cool completely. 

Apply this cinnamon-infused balm to your lips for a subtle plumping effect and a hint of spicy flavor. The cinnamon stimulates blood flow to your lips, giving them a fuller appearance, while the coconut oil and beeswax provide moisturizing benefits.

Boost Plant Health

Protect your indoor plants mold and fungus with cinnamon. Sprinkle a thin layer of ground cinnamon on the soil surface of your potted plants. The cinnamon acts as a natural fungicide, helping to prevent the growth of mold and other harmful fungi. 

This trick is especially useful for plants that prefer moist soil, as these conditions can often lead to fungal growth. Remember to reapply the cinnamon every few weeks or after watering for continued protection.

Laundry Freshener

Give your laundry a natural, fresh scent with cinnamon. Add a few drops of cinnamon essential oil to a damp washcloth or wool dryer ball, then toss it in the dryer with your clothes. The heat will release the cinnamon scent, leaving your laundry smelling fresh and cozy. 

This method is a great alternative to chemical-laden dryer sheets and fabric softeners. For a stronger scent, you can make your own scented sachets with cinnamon sticks to toss in the dryer.

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Natural Detox Drink

Create a simple detox drink using cinnamon to support your body’s natural cleansing processes. Add a cinnamon stick or a quarter teaspoon of ground cinnamon to a cup of warm water. Let it steep for 5-10 minutes, then remove the cinnamon stick if used. 

Drink this cinnamon-infused water first thing in the morning or throughout the day. The cinnamon can help stabilize blood sugar levels and improve digestion. For added benefits, you can squeeze in some fresh lemon juice.

Relieve Joint Pain

Ease minor joint pain with a cinnamon-based massage oil. Mix a teaspoon of ground cinnamon with two tablespoons of warm coconut oil to form a paste. Gently massage this mixture onto sore joints using circular motions. 

The warming properties of cinnamon can help increase blood flow to the area, potentially reducing pain and inflammation. Always do a patch test first to ensure you don’t have any skin sensitivities to cinnamon.

Anti-Mold Agent

To stop mold in wet parts of your home, you can use cinnamon because it fights fungus naturally. Add a few drops of cinnamon oil to water in a spray bottle. Spray this mix on places where mold often grows, like bathroom corners, windowsills, or basements.

Leave it on without wiping it off. The cinnamon oil will keep mold away and make the area smell nice. Also, make sure to fix any moisture problems to stop mold from coming back.

Natural Foot Soak

Treat your feet to a relaxing and refreshing cinnamon foot soak. Add a tablespoon of ground cinnamon to a basin of warm water. Soak your feet in this mixture for 15-20 minutes. 

The cinnamon will help deodorize your feet, soften rough skin, and may even help with fungal issues due to its antifungal properties. After soaking, gently scrub your feet with a pumice stone to remove any dead skin, then pat dry and moisturize. 

Your feet will feel refreshed and smell great.

Add Some Fun to Your Day with Cinnamon

Cinnamon can do more than just go on your breakfast! We found easy ways this everyday spice can help your home, your health, and your daily tasks. These natural ideas are safe and don’t use harsh chemicals.

The sweet, cozy smell of cinnamon can also make your home feel warm and welcoming. Try a simple idea, like making a natural air freshener or freshening up your carpet.

You already have everything you need in your spice rack to make these changes. So, why not add a little cinnamon to your life today?

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AI was used for light editing, formatting, and readability. But a human (me!) wrote and edited this.