How to Recycle Ashes

Ashes have a high alkaline content, trace amounts of potassium and calcium, making them great for numerous projects around the house. When you collect ashes from the fireplace, ashtrays and grill, reserve the ashes and recycle. Cigar and cigarette ashes are handy too.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Feed ashes to plants to encourage blooms. Counteract acidic soil by sprinkling it with ashes for plants like clematis, lilac and roses that love alkaline soil.
2. Reduce the glare of the sun with a smear of ashes. Put a drop of baby oil on a finger, then dip it in wood ashes. Apply under the eyes just atop the cheekbones.
3. Clean ashes from the fireplace, leave an inch or two beneath the andiron to protect the fireplace floor and to reflect heat back onto the burning logs. Just make sure to remove enough ashes to allow for a good airflow.
4. Clean the hearth door with fireplace ashes. Mix a handful of ashes and a little water, then apply to the fireplace doors with a damp cloth or sponge. Rub the wet ashes over the surface. Rinse with wet paper towels and dry with a clean cloth.
5. Deter slugs, snails and cutworms with a border of ashes around the garden. Wear goggles and sprinkle ashes, which stick to the pests and pull the moisture from them.
6. Shine pewter with a piece of dampened cheesecloth dipped into cigarette ashes. Watch the pewter darken at first and then brighten after it is rinsed well.
7. Rub out white rings left on furniture from wet glasses. Make a paste with cigar or cigarette ashes and a few drops of water. Rub the paste into the white mark to remove it, then use furniture polish to finish.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid using the ashes of easy-to-light pre-formed logs from the grocery or home improvement stores. They may contain harmful chemicals.