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Wood ash, often just tossed aside after a cozy fire, actually has numerous beneficial uses around the home and garden. If you frequently enjoy a wood-burning fireplace, wood stove, or fire pit, knowing how to repurpose those ashes can be both environmentally friendly and practical. Here’s why you should consider saving your ashes instead of throwing them away.
In the Garden:
Enrich Soil: Wood ash is rich in calcium, potassium, and magnesium, which are essential nutrients for many plants. It can be used to raise the pH of soil, effectively acting as a lime substitute, making it ideal for sweetening acidic soils.
Pest Control: Sprinkling wood ash in the garden can help repel snails, slugs, and other pests without using harmful chemicals.
Compost Enhancer: Adding ash to your compost pile can enhance its nutrient quality, but remember to use it sparingly to avoid altering the pH too much.
Household Uses:
Natural Cleaning Agent: Mixed with water, wood ash forms lye, which can be used to clean silver, glass, and even unclog drains. Its abrasive texture makes it good for polishing and scrubbing tough stains.
Odor Treatment: Ash can absorb odors, making it useful for freshening up a musty room or a refrigerator. Place a small container of ash in the fridge or sprinkle it over carpets before vacuuming to neutralize bad smells.
Oil Spill Cleaner: Wood ash is highly absorbent and can be used to clean up oil spills on driveways or garage floors.
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