18 Ways To Use Fireplace Ash

Improve Garden Soil

Ashes contain nutrients like potassium, magnesium and calcium that improve garden soil naturally. “I use a lot of ashes in my garden,” says Wilczek, as it can eliminate the need for chemical fertilizers. But test the soil’s pH levels before adding. “Wood ash is very alkaline with a pH level around 10 to 12 and can easily neutralize acidic soil,” Corbett says. “If added to soil with a pH level 6.5 or above, this can harm the plants.”

Compost Piles

In the same way ash can improve garden soil, it can benefit your compost pile as well. Ashes layered into your compost pile increases the potassium, calcium and magnesium in your mulch and can help balance pH levels. However, it should be used in moderation to avoid making the compost too alkaline.

“Although wood ash can be used in the compost—with careful moderation—it is a caustic alkaline material that contains potassium hydroxide, a chemical that essentially dissolves living tissues, including that of worms,” Corbett says.

Around Young Tomato Plants

Ashes can benefit young tomato plants by keeping away pests. “If you put a ring of fireplace ash around young tomato plants, it keeps cutworms away,” says Wilczek. “I learned this from my grandmother, and she planted 75 tomato plants every year!”

An additional benefit of adding ash is to provide crucial nutrients. “Wood ash will help fruits and vegetables be healthier, sweeter, tastier and pest resistant,” Corbett says. “It helps plants absorb water and is a key player in the photosynthesis process.

Prevent Blossom End Rot

Blossom end rot occurs when the tissue on the end of the fruit opposite the stem breaks down. It’s a common garden problem caused by a calcium imbalance within the plant. It can occur in pepper, squash, cucumber, melon and tomato plants.

“Wood ash, which is 25 to 50% calcium, aides in deterring blossom end rot,” Corbett says. Spread around a small amount of ash and scratch it into the soil. Do not over-apply because that can make the soil pH too high.

As a Slug and Bug Repellant

Slugs and snails can wreak havoc on garden plants. According to Corbett, wood ash contains lime and salt which can deter or eliminate these garden pests. “I use ash to keep slugs away from my hostas,” says Wilczek. “These critters don’t like crossing the ash.”

Ants will also avoid wood ash, so apply it to compost piles or in a ring around plants as a deterrent.

To Clean Glass

Ashes mixed with water to form a paste can be an effective glass cleaner. “Use only the fine ash and rub the paste on the glass. It makes for a mild abrasive,” Wilczek says. “I’ve used ashes for cleaning fireplace doors.” The alkaline properties of wood ash can also help remove grease and stains as well.

To Polish Metal and Silver

Wood ash is useful for polishing metal. It contains fine particles that act as mild abrasives, helping to remove tarnish, rust and dirt without damaging the metal surface. Its alkaline nature can also help break down oxidation, restoring the metal’s shine. “You can use this paste on tarnished metal or on jars that have a sticky residue from a label. But make sure you wear gloves when you work with this paste,” Wilczek says.

To Control Pond Algae

Algae thrive in acidic environments. Use fireplace ash to increase your pond’s alkalinity and discourage algae growth. However, it should be used cautiously, as too much ash can make the water overly alkaline, which can potentially harm any fish, frogs and other aquatic life in the pond. The potassium in wood ash also can fortify rooted aquatic plants, making them compete with and slow algae growth in a pond.

To Absorb Odors

Wood ash is extremely absorbent, so it can be very effective at removing moisture and odors from the air. It works by trapping odor particles in its very fine particles. Put a small bowl of it in your refrigerator or a musty room. Place a small amount in a cloth bag and use it to deodorize shoes or sprinkle some at the bottom of your trash can to keep food odors down.

To Remove Driveway Oil Stains

A great way to use fireplace ash is to remove oil spills in your driveway. Spread ash on the oil, then let it absorb the oil for several hours before sweeping away the ash-oil mix. Due to the oil content, dispose of used ashes in a trash receptacle and do not re-use. For stubborn stains you may need to repeat this process.

As an Ice Melt

The potassium and calcium in fireplace ash actually lower the freezing point of water, so it can be used to melt ice in mild winter temperatures. It’s a more environmentally friendly de-icer than rock salt, which can harm grass and plants.

Ashes can provide traction on icy roads or walkways, especially when mixed with sand. “You just want to be careful not to track any of that ash from your shoes or boots into your house,” Wilczek says.

To Make Soap

“You can make homemade soap with ash,” Wilczek says. “This soap is really good for washing clothes and making them white.”

Start by filtering the ash to remove charcoal, then mix 1 part wood ash with 3 parts water and let sit overnight. Strain to make lye water. Combine the lye water with 3 parts warmed lard or vegetable oil, stirring continuously. Pour into molds, let harden for a day, then cut into bars and cure for four to six weeks.

• Safety tip: Always wear gloves, goggles, and long sleeves when working with lye.

To Remove Skunk Stink

If your pet encounters a skunk, fireplace ash can help dissipate the smell. Make sure to use cooled ash and filter to remove any bits of charred wood. Locate the spot on your pet that has the strongest odor and rub ashes into its fur. Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water. To finish, follow up with a mild shampoo.

As an Alternative to Bleach

Wood ash contains potassium hydroxide, or lye, a caustic substance that works like bleach to remove stains. Like the steps to make soap, mix a 1:3 cup ratio of strained wood ash and water. Let sit overnight and strain again. You’ll want to dilute the resulting lye water even further by combining 1 part with 3 parts water. This can then be used as a mild bleach alternative.

To Put Out Fires

Wood ashes can help put out a fire when a fire extinguisher, soil or sand is unavailable. It works by smothering the fire, removing its oxygen source. This method is most effective for small fires that are in a contained area, like a campfire or fireplace fire. Sprinkle ashes on the fire’s edges, then work your way to the center.

As a Natural Toilet Cleaner

If your home’s plumbing goes to a septic tank, using bleach-based toilet cleaners will kill beneficial bacteria in the tank. Instead of commercial bleach, use wood ash, which not only effectively cleans toilets and bathroom fixtures but also promotes the breakdown of waste in the septic tank. Another good use is sprinkling wood ash in outhouses and camp toilets to decrease odors.

As a Natural Degreaser

The potassium-hydroxide content in wood ash works well on oily, greasy cleanups in the home. Combine a small amount of ash with water to form a paste the consistency of peanut butter. Apply the paste to greasy kitchen spaces like stove tops and hood ranges, then scrub with a sponge. Wipe clean with a damp cloth to remove the cleaner and any removed residue.

Polish Wood Furniture

You’ll want to use fine wood ash particles to polish wood furniture, so strain first to remove any charcoal or debris which could leave scratches. Mix the strained ash with water to form a smooth paste, then apply with a soft cloth. Rub in small, circular motions to polish and clean furniture surfaces. Once finished, buff with a clean cloth to restore the furniture’s glow.

• Tip: Test on an inconspicuous area to ensure this polish does not damage or discolor furniture surfaces.

FAQ

Is fireplace ash safe?

It is safe, but you must let it cool for at least 24 hours to ensure it does not contain any smoldering embers. Never use ash from pressure treated wood or from manufactured logs or charcoal. Corbett also advises not to spread ashes outdoors on a windy day, and to use a dust mask, eye protection and gloves. “The alkaline can irritate the skin and the dust is easily inhaled,” she says.

Is fireplace ash flammable?

Ash is not flammable, but it can contain hot embers that can ignite. Dispose of fireplace ash in a metal container with a lid for at least 24 hours before re-using.

About the Experts

• Sharon Wilczek is the owner of Paul’s Fireplace Wood, Inc., a premium firewood supplier in Little Falls, Minnesota. Sharon has headed this family-run business for over thirty years.
• Joyce Corbett is the owner of Classic Courtyards in West Springfield, Massachusetts. She has over forty years of landscaping design and installation experience.