Charcoal is commonly used for outdoor barbecues, and people don't normally use it for anything else. But, the black briquettes can be used for much more than outdoor cooking, according to the LiveWell Network and WonderHowTo.

To get rid of odors in your refrigerator, use charcoal the same way you use baking soda, LifeHacker notes. Charcoal absorbs odor just as well as baking soda when placed directly inside the refrigerator. Put the charcoal into a perforated bag or right into an empty bowl and place it inside the refrigerator. The charcoal can be kept in the refrigerator until the next time you clean it. 

With activated charcoal, you can help improve your skin. By making a mask out of water, a squirt of honey and three charcoal tablets, you will be able to remove toxins and impurities from your face. Just mix the ingredients in a bowl with warm water and stir it until it becomes a paste. Then apply the paste to your face, avoiding the nose, eyes and mouth. Xo Vain has more ways you can use it on your skin. 

Another advantage of activated charcoal is it can whiten your teeth for much less than teeth whiteners on the market. Open a capsule of activated charcoal, get your toothbrush wet and dip it into the capsule. Brush your teeth like normal and reap the advantages of cheap teeth whitening.

Dr. Jessica Emery tells XO Vain that it is important to only use activated charcoal, which has been and continues to be used in medicine. 

"[Activated charcoal] is shown to be attracted to a group of found compounds known as tannins," she said. "Tannins can be found in common stain inducing items like wine or coffee, for instance. In theory, this is why many people are turning to brushing with activated charcoal."  

There's more you can do with charcoal that has nothing to do with beauty. 

Tools can rust easily in humid garages and tool sheds. To prevent tools from rusting, simply place some charcoal in a sock and throw the sock right into your toolbox. The charcoal absorbs the moisture in the air and will prevent the tools from rusting, according to This Old House. 

Similar to keeping tools from rusting, old books can get ruined due to moisture. To keep mold and must from accumulating on your bookshelf, place one or two charcoal briquettes right on the bookshelf along with your books.

Do you have any other uses for charcoal? Leave us a comment below and let us know your tips.