Oatmeal makes for a great breakfast to get you started in the morning, but you may be surprised to discover that there are many other alternative uses for oats outside the kitchen. Let's take a look at 8 fantastic alternative uses for oatmeal that you have probably never thought of.
Take Note: These tips are meant for oatmeal flakes, not the instant oatmeal that comes in a packet with added flavors and sugars.
1. Relieve minor burns
Oatmeal flakes have anti-inflammatory properties that help to alleviate pain. So, if you're in need of quick relief from a minor burn, mix 1/2 cup of oatmeal flakes with a 1/4 cup of water and let it sit for a minute or two. While you are waiting, run cold water over the burn. Apply the wet oatmeal paste to the affected area and let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. Get radiant skin
Oatmeal flakes are great for exfoliating your skin with. Just grind 1 tablespoon of oatmeal flakes and mix it with 2 teaspoons of honey and 3/4 teaspoon water. Apply the blend to your face and let it sit for 10 minutes. Then rinse with warm water and pat dry.
3. Absorb oil spills
Oatmeal flakes absorb oil spills quickly and efficiently. It can be used on cooking oils or even car oil. Just cover the spilled oil with oatmeal, let it sit for 30 minutes, and then sweep up the mess.
4. Neutralize odors
This may be a surprising fact to discover, especially since oatmeal flakes are just as effective as baking soda when it comes to neutralizing odors. Just place a bowl of oatmeal flakes in the fridge to absorb any nasty smells, or add some oats to the bottom of ashtrays to trap the smoke odor. Oatmeal flakes can also be added to smelly sneakers and litter boxes to help absorb odors there too.
5. Use oatmeal to make a dry shampoo
If your hair has a tendency to look dry or oily, washing it every day will only make matters worse. But this DIY shampoo will keep your hair oil-fee, fresh smelling and will give it some volume. Just grind 1 tablespoon of oatmeal flakes and massage the powder into your scalp. Let it sit for about 5 minutes then brush it out.
6. To make modeling clay for kids
To create play-dough like clay, combine 1 cup of instant rolled oatmeal flakes, 2/3 cups all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup water. The clay should stay moist for hours, but will harden overnight.
7. Cut the cost of meatloaf, burgers and meatballs
Meat can be pretty costly. To get the most from your meatloaf, burgers or meatballs add some oatmeal flakes to the mix. Adding about 1/8 to 1/4 cup of oatmeal flakes for every pound of ground beef will not only save you money, it will also reduce your calorie and saturated fat intake too.
8. Soothe dry, itchy skin with oatmeal
An oatmeal flake bath is an easy way to help alleviate dry skin and chicken pox. Grind some oatmeal flakes into a fine powder and pour it into a piece of cheesecloth (you may also cut one leg off an old pair of pantyhose instead of using a cheesecloth). Tie it around the spout of your tub and let the warm water run through the oatmeal flake mix, helping to soothe your skin and get rid of that annoying itch.
