Cat litter might never have been invented if a neighbour of agent Ed Lowe hadn't asked him for some sand for the litter tray one day in 1947. But cat litter can do more than just keep a cat's toilet clean. Here are some alternative and unusual uses for cat litter:

Cat litter as a detoxifying face mask

Cat litter contains clay, which cleanses and detoxifies the skin pores by absorbing dirt and oils from the pores. To make a cleansing face mask, mix two handfuls of fresh clay-based cat litter with just enough water to make a thick paste. Spread this paste over your face and leave it on for 20 minutes. Then rinse off thoroughly with lukewarm water.

Cat litter as an odour remover for smelly shoes

If your feet sweat a lot, an unpleasant odour can easily develop in your shoes. Sports shoes in particular quickly start to stink. Fill a pair of old socks with fresh cat litter and tie the ends together. Put these socks in your shoes overnight so that the cat litter absorbs the bad odour.

Flowers stay beautiful for longer with cat litter

Dry your fresh cut flowers by storing them in an airtight container with cat litter for 7 to 10 days. This will keep the flowers looking fresh for longer.

Cat litter against oil stains

Fresh, ugly oil stains in the garage and driveway can be removed by covering them with plenty of cat litter, which you can sweep away after about twelve hours. Older stains can first be removed with paint thinner and then covered with cat litter.

Refreshing old books

Old books often have a musty odour. Put the books in a bucket of cat litter overnight and cover the bucket. The cat litter neutralises the old smell.