When your fire has gone out and the logs have burned away, you may be wondering what to do with wood ash from your fireplace? For many people, this is just something to clean up and throw in the bin. But did you know that fireplace ash can be beneficial?
Wood ash contains natural minerals like calcium and potassium. There are plenty of uses for ash that can help your garden, clean your home and even stop slips in winter. Instead of throwing it away, you can reuse it in lots of clever and practical ways.
At Homefire, we want to help you get the most out of your fire. Whether you use kiln dried logs or smokeless fuel, there are many good reasons to save your ash. Here are some of the best and safest ways to reuse it at home and in the garden.
Help Your Garden Grow
One of the best-known uses for ash is in the garden. Log ash adds nutrients to the soil and helps improve its structure, especially in vegetable beds or flower borders that need a little boost. It can also help balance pH levels if your soil is too acidic.
Tip: Don’t use it near acid-loving plants like rhododendrons or blueberries, and always make sure the ash is cold before spreading.
Feed Your Lawn
A light sprinkling of wood ash on your lawn can encourage greener, healthier grass – especially if your soil is slightly acidic. It’s best to test your soil first to see if it could benefit from the extra minerals. Once applied, water it in well.
Keep Pests Away
Ash can help stop pests like slugs, snails and ants. These insects do not like to cross over it. You can use it to make a circle around your plants. Wood ash is a natural way to protect your garden without using chemicals. Just remember to reapply it after rain.
Clean Up Spills
Ash is very good at soaking up oil and grease. If you spill something in your garage or on the driveway, try covering it with dry ash. Leave it for a few hours, then sweep it up. It will help clean up the mess quickly.
Use It as Winter Grit
Ash can also stop you from slipping on icy paths or driveways. In cold weather, you can sprinkle ash on outdoor steps, pavements or car parking spots. It helps provide grip and makes walking safer. Avoid using too much near plants or drains.
Clean Metal and Glass
You can mix ash with a little water to make a natural cleaner. This paste works well on glass doors, metal tools and outdoor furniture. It is slightly rough, so it helps to scrub away dirt. Always test it on a small area first and rinse well.
Reduce Bad Smells
Ash can help remove smells in bins, pet areas and even compost bins. Sprinkle a little ash in the bottom to absorb odours. Make sure pets cannot reach or breathe in the ash. Vacuum or sweep it away after a short time.
Make Soap the Traditional Way
People used to make soap using wood ash and water. This forms a type of lye which can mix with fats to make basic soap. It is not something to try without proper research, but it is a good example of how useful ash can be.
Put Out Small Fires
You can use ash to help put out small fires like fire pits or barbecues. Throwing cold wood ash over the flames can help smother them and stop them from spreading. Keep some nearby when using an outdoor fire for extra safety.
Use the Right Type of Ash
Only use ash from natural wood or approved solid fuels like those from Homefire. Ash from painted or treated wood, or some types of coal, may contain harmful chemicals. Always let ash cool completely and store it in a metal container with a lid.
Fireplace ash might seem like rubbish, but it has many smart uses. You can use it to feed plants, clean your home and stay safe in winter. It is a great way to recycle waste and make the most of your fire.
By choosing high-quality fuels from Homefire, you get more heat and less waste. That means you get more value from every fire and even the ash left behind can be put to good use.
