Alum in the form of potassium aluminum sulphate in a concentrated bath of hot water is regularly used by jewelers and machinists to dissolve hardened steel drill bits that have broken off in items made of aluminum, copper, brass, gold and silver (both sterling and fine)
Uses of alum :for treating canker sores: powdered alum can be used for treating canker sores. Simply, take a pinch of the powder and apply it on the affected area. It will bring down the pain and heal up the sores quite fast
As an aftershave: it is being used as an aftershave for centuries. Take some alum powder and rub it thoroughly all over the freshly shaved face when the skin is still wet. Its astringent qualities will control bleeding from small shaving cuts and thus, prevent infection
For purifying water: when a small amount of alum powder is added to water, then the small particles of pollutants present in water tend to stick together and form colloid particles. Since colloid particles are heavy, they easily get settled down at the bottom of the container and the purified water can thus be strained out. Many people living in rural areas use this method to obtain clean water
For reducing body odor: it controls body odor. It can be applied directly on the perspiring areas of the body. As it is soluble in water, it mixes up with the sweat and stop the growth of bacteria that causes body odor. Those who suffer from the problem of foot odor should apply it on their feet regularly before going to bed to get relief from it
