When you burn firewood, wood ash is produced. Don't throw away the ashes from the fireplace! The ashes can be reused in unexpected ways, saving you money and helping the environment. What is the useful use for 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 makes the safest ash for reuse. Read on to learn more about what you can do with wood ash at home!
Wood ash on compost
Wood ash is a form 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 on farms by mixing water and wood ash. Because the ash from burned hardwoods contains enough potassium to create 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 uses. 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 to the house - wood ash that gets into the house is very difficult to clean up. You can the ashesfor de-icing stairsand sidewalks and sweep them away later when the weather warms up.
Wood ash is a good alternative to road salt because floors can be damaged by road salt, while wood ash can be easily swept away later. You should also note the following: Road salt is for private individualsbanned in many communities in Germany! Wood ash is a safer alternative to road salt, which can be harmful to children and animals.
Uses for Wood Ash in the Household - Pristine Metal and Glass
Wood ash is amazingly effective at removingsticky residue like chewing gumand label adhesive for 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.
Getting the glass door of a fireplace clean again with ashes
The glass doors of a fireplace or wood stove can become discolored, obscuring the view of the dancing flames within. UmRemove 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.
Also read:Fridge stinks: How you can neutralize the unpleasant smell in a flash!
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 drops with wood ash
Wood ash is also great for removing paint drips and splatters. Wood ash should be used immediately after a paint spray and allowed to absorb. Pick up the ash with a broom and then clean the surface with soap and water.
Uses for wood ash in the household – cleaning toilet
Wood ash is perfect for cleaning toilets because it...Makes the bowl shineand the sewage treatment systems are not damaged. 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: “USING WOOD ASH IN THE GARDEN: WHEN IS THE WASTE MATERIAL BENEFICIAL AND WHAT MISTAKES TO AVOID?“
