Instead of discarding fireplace ashes, consider using them in one of these clever ways around your home and backyard. Not only is it a great way to save money, but it’s also a sustainable recycling method that has many surprising benefits.
Let the wood ashes cool completely, then scoop them up and repurpose them to deodorize musty spaces, remove excessive moisture from the air, clean a variety of materials, and more. Before you throw out a big pile of ashes, consider these 12 uses for fireplace ashes that are suitable for your home and garden.
Change Soil pH
Since wood ashes are alkaline, they can be used to alter soil pH. If you want to plant certain flowers or shrubs and you have tested your soil’s pH only to find that it’s not conducive to the plants’ healthy growth, you can balance out the acidic pH with a sprinkling of ashes.
Mix ashes in with the soil, then test the pH again to monitor whether you have sprinkled enough in to make a difference.
Eliminate a Foul Odor
A small bowl of ashes on a shelf in the fridge has the same effect as baking soda. It naturally deodorizes the refrigerator’s interior, absorbing the extra moisture that’s in the air and eliminating foul odors.
Polish Silver
For a natural way to polish silver and other metals, mix ashes with water to create a paste with a thick but spreadable consistency. Dip a non-abrasive rag in the paste and gently rub it into the silver, then rinse and wipe it clean.
Add It to Compost
Every time you add scraps to your compost pile or indoor bucket, sprinkle a layer of wood ashes with it. This will add extra nutrients to the compost and boost plant growth.
Remove Driveway Oil Stains
If you have noticed oil stains on your driveway or sidewalk, sprinkle wood ashes directly on the stain and let them sit for several hours; the ashes will absorb the oil to lift the stain. Once you see the chemical reaction has taken place, grab an outdoor broom to remove the ashes.
Repel Pests From Flower Beds
Sprinkle flower and vegetable beds with a thin layer of ashes to keep pests such as snails and slugs away.
Ash is a natural drying agent that repels these slimy creatures that have a high water content.
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Clean Glass
Clean glass containers or a glass fireplace door with a sprinkling of ashes and a damp rag or non-abrasive sponge.
Gently rub the ashes into the glass, forming a thin paste when the damp material hits the ashes and restoring shine and sparkle to the glass.
Fertilize Grass
Fertilize your lawn for free with wood ashes instead of purchasing pricey fertilizers. The alkaline nature of the ashes balances out an acidic soil pH and increases the grass’ growth and fertility.
Make sure to use it in moderation and water the grass after sprinkling the cold ashes.
Get Rid of a Musty Smell
Because wood ashes are high in alkaline and similarly to baking soda they absorb moisture well, they are effective in getting rid of musty smells in spaces with little ventilation.
Place a small bowl or tray of ashes in a closet, utility room, bathroom, or basement to remove unwanted odors without spending money on expensive deodorizers.
Absorb Humidity
Place a bowl of wood ashes in a small space that’s excessively humid, such as a small bathroom or a basement and it will draw out the moisture from the air and absorb the humidity.
Make Your Own Soap
Try your hand at making your own soap and incorporate ashes to create lye when you add water. This is a key ingredient in making soap, and instead of adding a chemical, wood ashes generate it naturally.
Melt Snow and Ice
You can melt a thin layer of snow and ice by sprinkling ashes on it. This will create traction and minimize the risk of slipping on a slick driveway or path in the backyard.
Source: the spruce.com
