How to Use Woodburning Fireplace Ash

The remnants of a warm fire in a wood burning stove or fireplace can seem like a messy burden, but, there are a number of great uses for wood ash. Silver, roses, wood furniture and icy walkways can all benefit in some way from the sooty residue. Here are some steps for using wood ash.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Wood ash from fireplace or wood burning stove

1. To use as a de-icer; sprinkle generous quantities of cooled wood ash on walkways and driveways. This will add traction and also help melt the ice.

2. To use for garden pest control: spread cooled wood ash around the perimeters of garden areas. This will help repel slugs, snails, cutworms and similar pests.

3. To use as a garden fertilizer for alkaline loving plants: spread cooled wood ash around the plant's base during growing season. Rose, as well as, many other flowering plants and vegetables thrive on the calcium and potassium rich mixture.

4. To use as a silver polish: mix cooled wood ash with water to make a paste. Rub on silver with a color safe cotton cloth. Rinse with cool water and buff with a clean dry color safe cotton cloth

5. To use as a water-ring stain remover on wood furniture: mix cooled wood ash with water to make a paste. Gently rub into stained area with a soft color safe cotton cloth. Wipe clean, then use furniture polish to finish cleaning the area.

6. To use as a glass cleaner: mix cooled wood ash with water and make a paste. Rub onto glass with a sponge or soft color safe cotton cloth. This is particularly useful for cleaning sooty fireplace or wood burning stove window glass. Rinse clean with cool water and dry with cloth or paper towel.

Tips & Warnings

• Store cooled wood ash in a small, covered metal garbage can. This helps prevent messes and it is also easy to scoop the ash out of the can.
• Use rubber gloves when working with the ash to help keep hands and nails free of soot.
• Always make sure the fire is completely out and the ash has cooled before removing from fireplace or wood stove.
• Do not fertilize acid loving plants with wood ash.
• Make sure fireplace glass has cooled completely before attempting to clean.

[karileighk]

on 6/24/2009 Thanks for the tips. *5