Oats are an inexpensive kitchen essential typically linked to warm cereal, raisin cookies and crunchy granola bars.
But oats are far more adaptable than most people realize. This grain shines beyond breakfast and baking.
10 Creative Uses of Oats
Did you know oats can stand in for Play-Doh, help eliminate odors or calm irritated skin? Below are 10 unexpected uses for oats.
1. Calm Itchy Skin
An oatmeal soak can be very helpful when dealing with itchy skin. Oats possess anti-inflammatory qualities that can reduce irritation. They also help lock in moisture. Place a generous amount of oats in cheesecloth or an old pair of pantyhose to prevent clogging your drain and let the oats steep in the bathwater while you soak. You can even gently rub the wrapped oats on itchy spots.
2. Ease a Sunburn
The same anti-inflammatory benefits of oats can help soothe sunburn discomfort. Pulverize oats and combine with a bit of milk to make a paste. Spread the paste over the burned area for roughly 15 minutes, then gently rinse it off. Alternatively, an oatmeal bath can provide mild relief.
3. Create Your Own Dry Shampoo
If you need to refresh your hair between washes, a homemade dry shampoo can work well. Mix equal parts finely ground oats and baking soda, massage the blend into your roots and then brush out. The oats and baking soda will aid in absorbing excess oil.
4. Eliminate Unpleasant Odors
If your refrigerator has picked up an odd smell, oats can help neutralize it. Place an uncovered bowl or container filled with oats in the fridge, and it will help absorb and reduce lingering odors.
5. Make Homemade Modeling Clay
Rather than buying Play-Doh or modeling clay, combine equal parts oats and flour and add small amounts of water until you reach a doughy, clay-like texture. To tint the clay, stir in a few drops of food coloring.
6. Prepare Oat Milk at Home
While store-bought oat milk is convenient, it’s simple to make at home. Blend one cup of oats with three to four cups of water for about 30 seconds, then strain into a jug. For extra flavor, add a dash of vanilla extract, a little maple syrup and a pinch of salt before blending. Keep refrigerated in a sealed container.
7. Use as a Binder for Ground Beef
When making meatballs or meatloaf and you’ve run out of breadcrumbs, substitute oats. They work well as a binder in these dishes. Oats can also be used to stretch ground beef when preparing burgers.
8. Thicken Soups and Sauces
Use oats to thicken soups and stews to your desired consistency. Grind the oats first and stir in about one-quarter to one-half cup into the simmering pot. Oat flour can also thicken sauces or gravies. If you want to add body to a fruit smoothie, toss in some oats there too.
9. Whip Up a Facial Mask
Pamper yourself with a homemade facial mask using pantry items. Mix ground oats with water to form a paste. Optionally fold in additions like mashed avocado, mashed banana or plain yogurt. Apply to your face and leave on for around 15 minutes before rinsing off.
10. Make a Soothing Foot Soak
Give tired feet a restorative oatmeal soak at the end of the day. Add ground oats to a basin of warm water and let your feet soak for about 20 minutes. You can add a few drops of essential oil if you want to elevate the spa experience.
Nicole Dow is a senior writer at Savinly.
