- Use as soil in your garden
- Odor absorption
- Make soap lye
- Pest control
- Clean silverware
- Put out fires
- Just dispose them
I am never quite sure what to do with my fireplace ash after it’s been cleaned up from my stone hearth, but I knew that there was something special about them. Fireplace ashes can serve as a source of fertilizer for plants.
In some countries, cremation ashes are usually spread out on the fields as a fertilizer. Animal manure is also a common fertilizer for plants, but it can be costly and difficult to come by. The ash from fireplace wood is an alternative that may not be as good as manure but can provide some benefits to the soil.
As a fireplace owner, you know that once a fire has been extinguished, there are ashes to deal with.
But what do you do with fireplace ashes, if not for farming? There are many creative ways to use these leftover ashes from the fireplace. From the traditional to the creative, here are some ideas.
Contents
Uses & Benefits of Fireplace Ashes
There are many benefits of the fireplace ashes such as:
Soil Amendment
By using the fireplace ashes, it’s possible to amend the soil in your garden as it helps in raising the pH level of the soil. It contains 70% calcium carbonate, so it would be beneficial especially if you have tomato plants in the garden.
If you want the plants and vegetables in your garden to thrive well, it’s time to amend the soil. You can do so by using the wood ashes from the fireplace. However, when you plan on adding it to the soil, it’s better to check the soil pH level so that you would know if you are using it correctly or not.
Get Rid of Odor
When you open the refrigerator, the odor from food makes it unpleasant. It’s time to clean your refrigerator and also get rid of the unwanted smell.
It’s possible to use the fireplace ashes to absorb odor. You can keep it in the refrigerator as it can absorb the bad smell! You can place the wood ashes in a small bowl. You can use it the same way you use baking soda for absorbing the unwanted smell!
Get Rid of Oil Stains
It’s possible that on your way home, you saw some oil stains on your concrete driveway. It’s time to get rid of the unwanted oil stains. How about using the wood ashes from the fireplace.
If there are oil stains on your driveway, you can use the fireplace ashes to clean. Just let it sit there for some time before cleaning your driveway. It’s important to make the most of such things! You never know what you plan on throwing away can come in handy to make your life easy.
Create Soap Lye
Do you know you can create your own homemade soap using wood ashes? All you need to do is mix the ashes with water and it will form a past that’s soap lye and it will be helpful in making the soap.
You can also use the soap lye as a bleaching agent. Try out and see if it helps. If you like the use of it then also share it with others. After all, sharing is caring!
Keep Snails And Slugs Away
Fireplace ashes are useful in keeping the snail and slugs away. So if you see snails and slugs crawling in your vegetable garden then probably it’s a good idea to sprinkle some fireplace ashes.
Next time when you see the snail or slug, you need not worry! After all, you are trying too hard to grow the vegetables and fruits in your garden.
Clean Silverware
Just add a little water to the wood ashes and you will be able to clean the silverware. In fact, it’s a good idea to polish your silver spoons and plates. After all, you would love it to shine and sparkle.
It means that if you are the type of person who likes to keep things neat and clean then you would enjoy the use of fireplace ashes! It’s time to make the most of it so that you know it works.
Use for Putting Out Fire
You can use the ashes to extinguish the fire. It’s better to keep the fireplace ashes near you when there is a danger of fire!
Nothing can replace an actual fire extinguisher, but it’s better to be safe. If you have lots of fireplace ashes, why not keep some aside as it may be useful when you are cooking food on fire!
Sprinkle On Snowy Driveways
There could be so much snow in the driveway. If the cold weather conditions are moderate, you can use the fireplace ashes to melt the ice. Just sprinkle it!
But it’s better if you use the store-provided products when the ice is too much! But the ashes can come in handy when nothing is available at the house. Life becomes a lot easier when you manage and recycle the waste in a beneficial way. after all, you care about the world and the environment you live in!
Control Ant Infestation
Let’s say you are having the ants problem at your house. You are tired of the ants coming to your house! The good news is that the wood ashes would be suitable for controlling the ant infestation.
Just sprinkle the ashes and you would force the ants to relocate their route! It’s a win-win. So try it out when there is an infestation in the house.
Final Words
The burning wood in your fireplace creates an amazing ambiance. It’s a great sight on a cozy night with hot chocolate in your hands. You definitely like the feeling, but have you ever wondered, “what to do with fireplace ashes?” if not then you are in the right place!
There could be tons of things on your mind especially if you want to keep things tidy! There are ways to take advantage of the wood ashes in your fireplace. However, it’s important for you to keep in mind that if your wood is treated or painted then it would be better to discard the ashes. You can just collect and throw it in the garbage bag.
Fireplace ashes may sound like an unwanted item, but you will be pleased to know that it has many uses! You can take advantage of the ashes in a variety of ways. It’s your choice so you can decide if you want to throw it away or make the most of it. You can use it for cleaning the silverware or maybe just add to the soil or compost. It’s also suitable for cleaning the oil stains on the driveway and may come in handy if you want to melt some ice. So, you can take advantage the way you like!
Hi, my name’s Eugene Duke and I love sitting by my fireplace reading a book and sipping on an adult beverage. Do you have a fireplace in your house? I’ll help you figure out the best type and style of fireplace for your home.