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When you burn firewood, wood ash is produced. Don’t throw away the ashes from the fireplace! They can be reused in unexpected ways, saving you money and helping the environment. How to use wood ash in the household?
However, not all wood ash is suitable for reuse: wood ash from painted, chemically treated or colored wood should not be used at home or in the garden as it may contain dangerous compounds. Wood that has not been processed or chemically treated is the safest ash for reuse. Read on to find out more about what you can do with wood ash at home!
Wood Ash in the Compost
Wood ash is a type of household waste that can be added to a compost heap or compost bin. Even a tiny amount mixed into each layer of compost will enrich the final soil or compost tea. Wood ash tea, made by soaking the ash in water for four to five days, can then be applied to the plant soil as needed.
Homemade, Natural Soap
The main ingredient in soap, lye, was once made at farms by mixing water and wood ash. As the ash from burnt hardwoods contains enough potassium to produce lye, it is used for this purpose.
Wood Ash – Your Best Friend in Winter
Using wood ash to melt ice over the course of a winter is one of its most useful applications. The natural minerals in wood ash are helpful because they can melt ice on roads and paths. Be careful when placing ash near the entrance of the house – wood ash that gets into the house is very difficult to clean up. You can use the ash to de-ice the sidewalk and sweep it away later when the weather warms up.
Wood ash is a good alternative to road salt as it does not cause any damage and can be easily swept away later.
How Can You Use Wood Ash in the Household – Spotless Metal and Glass
Wood ash is amazingly effective for removing sticky residue like chewing gum and label glue from glass, silver, ovenware and grills. Scrub gently with a cotton cloth dipped in water, then rinse with clean water after applying wood ash or an ash-water mixture. To avoid painful chemical burns, always wear gloves when scrubbing.
You can also polish your silver jewelry with wood ash. Rub and polish your jewels with a towel and the ash-water paste. Make sure your jewelry is cleaned and dried after polishing.
Clean the Glass Door of the Fireplace with Ash
The glass door of a fireplace or wood stove can become discolored and obscure the view of the dancing flames inside. To remove dirt and discoloration, sprinkle some powdered ash into a wet sponge or towel and clean the affected area. Wait until your wood stove or fireplace has cooled completely before washing the glass.
Eliminate Odors Quickly
Instead of baking soda, you can also use wood ash to neutralize unpleasant odors in your refrigerator or other appliances. The ash should be replaced every few days for optimal effect.
Remove Oil and Grease from Floors
You can use wood ash to clean oil stains in the garage, yard, or driveway. To remove an oil stain, simply sprinkle it on the area, wait for it to absorb the oil, and then sweep it up.
Remove Paint Drips with Wood Ash
Wood ash is also great for removing paint drips and splatters. Wood ash should be used immediately after a paint splash and allowed to absorb. Remove the ash with a broom and then clean the surface with soap and water.
How to Use Wood Ash in the Household – Cleaning the Toilet
Wood ash is perfect for cleaning toilets as it leaves the bowl shiny and does not damage the septic systems. It is also very suitable for cleaning tiles and other bathroom fittings. It helps waste decompose more efficiently, which is why it is used in outhouses and camping toilets to prevent odors.
Protection against Moths
Protect clothing and blankets from moth infestation by dusting them with fine wood ash before storing them for the season. When you take them back out of storage, simply brush off the ash and wash them as usual.
Also read: How to remove wood ash safely and without dust from a fireplace or stove
