Should I Rinse Charcoal Before Using It?

[realoldbeachbum]

I just received a bag of horticultural charcoal. It seems to have dust on it. Should I rinse it before using?

[Ray]

Yep - but just a quick rinse to remove the dust.

[estación seca]

If you don't it will just come out of the drain holes anyway.

[DirtyCoconuts]

You don’t have to because, as ES mentioned, it will just wash out with the first good soak.

I typically separate mine by size and then crush up some for terrarium use and for making riparian layers

Once I have the biggest and smallest pieces separated the rest goes into a bucket and I will give it a good rinse in the bucket to clean it and get it all moist for my use. That way when I open it there isn’t a cloud of coal dust in my face.

I got through a five gallon bucket about every six months (I use it in all my mixes, even for landscape plants) and so I don’t ever see any issue with the moisture in that time.


Also, don’t spend big money on special gardening charcoal. Just use lump hardwood charcoal from the big box stores. It is the exact same product. Never buy brickets

[realoldbeachbum]

Thanks DC (& you other guys that provided advice).

[DirtyCoconuts]

That’s why we’re here!