Having a fireplace in your home is an excellent way to heat your home at a lower cost. And if you use it frequently during the winter, you probably end up with a lot of wood ash. Like many people, you don’t pay attention to them and tend to throw them away. But did you know that these are far from useless and that their properties allow you to maintain your interior and your garden?
Don’t throw away the wood ashes from your fireplace anymore, discover these economical tips that allow you to make good use of them inside and outside your home, especially in your garden.
5 uses of wood ashes from the fireplace for the home and garden
Very few people know the unsuspected powers of wood ashes, and know how to use them wisely, which is why most get rid of them as quickly as possible . If you just see a pile of dust, other people are recycling them in more ways than one. Here are different ways to recycle the ashes from your fireplace.
Burning wood in a fireplace. source: spm
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Burning wood in a fireplace. Source: spm
Scrub and degrease dishes with wood ashes
Are your dishes encrusted with grease or burnt food stains? Don’t worry, because as long as you have a fireplace at home, your problem will be solved! In fact, the collected wood ashes can degrease and clean your hob, pans, pots, plates, etc. Simply create a paste by mixing a few handfuls of ashes with a little water, spread the paste on your dirty dishes and scrub with a sponge until all debris is removed. Then all you have to do is rinse thoroughly. You will certainly be surprised by the result obtained.
Making silver jewelry shine with wood ashes
Nothing beats the beauty of silver jewelry. Unfortunately, due to frequent use, it eventually becomes dull over time. If you have old silver family jewelry, you’ve probably tried cleaning products that claim to provide the perfect solution. However, you have undoubtedly realized that they are expensive, but above all ineffective. Believe it or not, fireplace ashes can bring your jewelry back to life. Simply lightly dampen a clean cloth with ash, then rub your jewelry or silver utensils and that’s it.
Wood ashes. source: spm
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Wood ashes. Source: spm
Using wood ashes to absorb and neutralize bad odors in the house
Did you know that wood ashes are an excellent solution for absorbing bad odors in the house? To do this, simply fill a cup or bowl with it and place it at the bottom of your refrigerator, next to your cat’s litter box or in a small, smelly room. Just like baking soda or coffee grounds, ashes neutralize unpleasant odors and your home will regain its freshness.
Remove Dirt Stains from Windows with Wood Ash
No need to spend your money on window cleaners that are full of chemicals. It may be hard to believe, but wood ashes from your fireplace can quickly and effectively remove dirt stains, as well as gummy residue left by stickers and labels. All you need is a damp cloth or newspaper. Simply dip it in the ashes and scrub the windows, using a circular motion until all the tough stains are gone. Then use a dry, soft cloth to completely clean the glass surface.
Wash the windows. source: spm
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Clean the windows. Source: spm
Using wood ashes to activate the composting process
Since wood ashes are a plant-based substance, they are full of essential nutrients that the soil needs for optimal plant growth. In fact, chimney ashes are composed of approximately 10 to 25% calcium, 1 to 4% magnesium, 3 to 9% potassium, 14% silica and 1 to 2% phosphorus, everything depends on the type of burned wood. To do this, simply add a handful of ashes to your outdoor compost pile and stir a little for better distribution. Also note that you must use ashes from untreated wood; those of mineral coal are very toxic.
Now that you know some uses of wood ashes for the home and garden, all you have to do is collect them from the hearth of your fireplace and store them for later use as needed. It’s natural, ecological and above all it allows you to save money.