10 Smart Ways to Use Wood Ash at Home and in the Garden

Do you have leftover wood ash from your fireplace or wood stove? Instead of throwing it away, discover 10 practical ways to use it!

1- Keep Ants Away:

– Sprinkle a thin layer of ash where ants appear.

– The fine texture disrupts their movement, encouraging them to avoid the area.

2- Improve Tire Grip on Snow:

– Spread wood ash under car tires for better traction on icy roads.

– Unlike salt, it won’t damage plants or pollute waterways.

3- Neutralize Odors:

– Place a bowl of wood ash in a room to absorb moisture and odors.

4- Strengthen Plants and Lawn:

– Wood ash is rich in calcium and potassium, making it a great natural fertilizer.

– Use with caution: Avoid applying it to acid-loving plants (hydrangeas, azaleas, blueberries).

5- Clean Fireplace Glass:

– Mix wood ash with a little water to form a mild abrasive paste.

– Rub the paste on glass with a cloth, then wipe clean.

6- Make DIY Soap:

– Soak wood ash in water to extract potash, a key ingredient in traditional soap-making.

– Caution: Potash is highly alkaline—handle with gloves.

7- Repel Slugs and Snails:

– Sprinkle a small barrier of dry ash around plants to deter pests.

8- Control Algae in Ponds:

– A teaspoon of wood ash per 1,000 liters of water reduces algae growth without harming fish.

9- Remove Oil Stains:

– Sprinkle dry wood ash over fresh oil stains and let it absorb the grease before sweeping it away.

10- Reduce Acidic Soil:

– Wood ash raises soil pH, making it useful for neutralizing overly acidic soil.

Important Tips:

– Use in moderation: Excessive ash can harm plants by increasing soil alkalinity.

– Test soil pH before applying to ensure balance.

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Original Article on Pour Mieux Apprendre