14 Surprising Uses for Wood Ash That You Probably Didn’t Know About

Do you have wood ashes at home and don’t know what to do with them? Whether you’re heating your home with a fireplace or stove, those ashes don’t need to go to waste. In fact, wood ashes are incredibly versatile and packed with practical uses. After discovering these clever tricks, I’ll never throw ashes away again — and you won’t either!

Here are 14 ways to make the most of your wood ashes:

1. Dust Bath for Birds

Place wood ashes in a designated area for birds. They love dust baths as it helps eliminate parasites. This trick works for chickens too!

2. Protect Rose Bushes from Slugs

Sprinkle ashes in a wide circle around your rose bushes. This will deter slugs and snails from feasting on your plants.

3. Fertilize Compost

Mix wood ashes in small amounts into your compost pile. They enrich the compost with nutrients, but avoid overdoing it to prevent making the compost too acidic.

4. Fertilizer for Your Lawn

Wood ashes are rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus — nutrients that your lawn loves! Sprinkle a small amount over your grass to boost its health.

5. Multi-Purpose Cleaner

Mix ashes with water to form a paste. Use this paste to scrub dirty dishes, clean surfaces, or remove grease. It also works wonders on glass and even to polish silver! Just remember, this paste is abrasive, so use gloves to protect your skin.

6. Fertilizer for Tomatoes

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6. Fertilizer for Tomatoes

Tomato plants thrive on wood ash! Sprinkle a small amount around the base of the plants to promote strong growth. It’s also good for other plants like black nightshade.

7. Dealing with Ice

If you have icy patches around your house, sprinkle a little wood ash on them. It works to reduce slipping, making it easier to walk on icy steps or walkways.

8. Melt Snow Faster

Wood ash is naturally alkaline, which helps melt snow quickly. Plus, the dark color absorbs sunlight and speeds up the process. I tested this tip during winter, and it worked perfectly!

9. Prevent Algae Growth

Wood ash can prevent algae from growing in water, such as in ponds or other garden water features. Just one tablespoon for every 3800 liters of water will do the trick!

10. Eliminate Odors

Place a bundle of wood ash inside a cloth or an old T-shirt and leave it in your shoe closet to absorb unpleasant smells. You can also use it to freshen up your dog by sprinkling the ash on their coat and brushing it out.

11. Old-Fashioned Laundry Soap

In the past, people used wood ashes to make their own laundry soap. While it’s a bit more labor-intensive, it’s still possible today with the right know-how. If you’re interested, there are guides on how to do it!

12. Care for Fruit Trees

Fruit trees, especially stone fruits like apricots, peaches, and cherries, benefit from the nutrients in wood ash. It’s also great for apple trees suffering from bitter spots.

13. Repel Aphids

To get rid of aphids, wet your plants and sprinkle them with sifted wood ash. Leave it on overnight, and rinse off in the morning. It works wonders on plants like willows and tomatoes.

14. Keep Fleas and Ticks at Bay

Wood ash is effective in repelling fleas and ticks. Sprinkle ash around areas where pets frequent, like on wooden furniture or around the yard. It helps prevent infestations and bites.

Bonus Tip from a Reader

A big thanks to Jocelyne, who shared this clever tip for using wood ashes. She uses them to remove stubborn hair dye stains from her skin!

“When I dye my hair and get traces of dye on my skin, I rub them off with ash. I wet a cloth, dip it in ash, and gently scrub the stained areas. It works like magic, and the stains come right off!”

Conclusion:

Wood ashes are more than just a byproduct of burning wood — they’re a multi-functional tool for gardening, cleaning, and even personal care. From keeping your garden healthy to providing a natural way to eliminate odors, wood ash is a resource you’ll want to hold onto. The next time you have a pile of wood ash, remember these clever uses and make the most out of this household byproduct!