Potassium alum powder is a natural mineral salt with a clean, astringent feel. Used well, it helps manage underarm odour, calms post shave nicks, and freshens tired feet without heavy fragrance. Below you’ll find simple, measured methods that keep things practical, safe, and budget friendly.

Video tutorial

We are preparing a short, step by step video guide showing how to use it

What alum powder is

Potassium alum is a double salt of potassium and aluminium sulphate commonly sold as clear crystals or a fine white powder. It is naturally astringent, meaning it tightens the feel of skin and helps curb odour causing bacteria. Unlike antiperspirants, alum does not block sweat; it simply helps sweat smell cleaner.

Before you start safety notes

• Avoid eyes, lips, broken skin, and mucous membranes.
• Do not inhale the powder. Work at arm’s length and close the jar promptly.
• Patch test inside the elbow for 24 hours if you have reactive skin.
• Not for ingestion. For external use only.

Make a clear deodorant spray

This simple formula gives a clean, fragrance free underarm spray that dries quickly and leaves no white marks.

You need

• 2 g potassium alum powder
• 100 ml warm distilled or boiled then cooled water
• 1 clean 100 to 120 ml spray bottle

Method

1. Add 2 g alum to the bottle.
2. Pour in 100 ml warm water, cap, and shake until fully dissolved.
3. Label and date. Use within 8 weeks. If you prefer a gentle scent, add 1 teaspoon 5 ml rose water and shake again.

How to use: Spray 2 to 3 times under each dry, clean underarm. Let dry before dressing.

Make a soft underarm powder

Great for humid days and gym bags. The starch helps with slip and feel.

You need

• 10 g potassium alum powder
• 30 g arrowroot or rice flour
• Small shaker jar

Method

1. Whisk the powders together in a bowl, then decant to a shaker.
2. Dust a tiny amount onto dry underarms. Avoid inhaling any dust.

Use as a post shave styptic

For occasional nicks after shaving, alum helps by briefly tightening the skin’s surface.

1. Rinse the area with cool water.
2. Wet a clean cotton bud, dip the tip lightly into the powder, and touch the nick for 5 to 10 seconds.
3. Rinse away residue and pat dry. Do not rub.

If bleeding persists, use a sterile dressing and seek medical advice.

Fresh feet soak

A quick reset after a long day standing.

1. Stir 1 teaspoon about 4 g alum powder into 1 litre of warm water in a basin.
2. Soak feet for 10 minutes, then rinse and dry well especially between toes.

Light laundry deodorising

For gym towels and sportswear.

1. Dissolve 1 teaspoon about 4 g alum in 500 ml warm water.
2. Pre soak items for 15 minutes, then launder as usual. Check colour fastness on a hidden seam first.

Storage and shelf life

• Keep tightly closed in a dry, labelled jar.
• Store away from humidity and direct sunlight.
• Powder keeps well for years if dry. Water based sprays are best remade every 6 to 8 weeks.

Where to buy

Choose food grade or cosmetic grade potassium alum from trusted retailers. Look for a fine, free flowing powder in a sealed, labelled pouch or jar. You can browse the natural care range at the SunnahCure store.

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