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THE MANY USES FOR WOOD ASH
If you heat your home with wood, you probably have a good supply of wood ash. It consists mainly of the minerals left behind after burning wood and contains calcium along with other beneficial elements that can be useful around the house when applied correctly.
NATURAL ICE MELT
One of the most effective uses for wood ash during winter is as a natural ice melt. The minerals in wood ash function similarly to salt, helping to melt ice on driveways and walkways. Just be cautious when using it near your front door, as it can create a mess if tracked inside.
NATURAL TOILET CLEANER
Wood ash is an excellent toilet cleaner because it not only cleans and polishes the bowl but is also safe for septic systems.
CLEANING CLOUDY HEADLIGHTS
A reader once shared that they create a rubbing paste from wood ash to clear up cloudy headlights on their vehicle. This makes sense, as the grime and exhaust residue on headlights are quite similar to the dirt on stove glass.
SILVER POLISH
Just like it cleans glass, wood ash can also be used to polish silver. Simply dampen a cloth, add a bit of wood ash, and gently rub tarnished silver to restore its shine. In rural areas and while camping, wood ash is often used to scrub dishes as well.
SKUNK ODOR REMOVER
Wood ash can help neutralize skunk odor on pets. If your pet gets sprayed, dust them with wood ash and leave them outside for a few hours before giving them a thorough bath. While this method can be somewhat effective and may have been more common in the past, there are now better alternatives available. If your pet has been sprayed by a skunk, using wood ash is fine in a pinch, but I highly recommend having skunk-off spray and specialized pet shampoo on hand.
CONCEALING STAINS ON PAVING
Wood ash, with its natural grey hue, is effective for masking stains on sidewalks and paving. Just sprinkle a little on the affected area and rub it in with your shoe.
REMOVING OIL SPILLS
Just like it can hide stains, wood ash is also great for soaking up oil spills, helping to prevent them from becoming a problem in the first place.
ROACH REPELLENT
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