12/07/2024
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
Sprinkling some ash in dark areas of your home or beneath appliances can deter cockroaches. Their tough exoskeletons don’t fare well against wood ash, making it an effective barrier.
ODOR ABSORBER
Much like baking soda, wood ash can help eliminate unpleasant smells in your home. Placing a small jar in the fridge can work wonders, especially if there are bits of charcoal mixed in with the ashes.
HUMIDITY ABSORBER
Wood ash is useful for soaking up moisture and can help stop mold from forming in damp areas. Just put a cup of wood ashes in a musty cupboard or basement, and the leftover charcoal pieces will enhance its effectiveness.
GARDEN FERTILIZER
Rich in trace minerals from the wood, wood ash is beneficial for plant health. While it lacks carbon and nitrogen, those nutrients can easily be sourced from compost.
According to the University of Vermont, about 5 gallons of wood ash is recommended for every 1,000 square feet of garden space. However, be cautious, as it raises soil pH and isn’t suitable for acid-loving plants like blueberries or potatoes.
ENHANCE COMPOST
Adding a small amount of wood ash can give your compost pile a helpful boost. While birds may enjoy the compost, in rural areas, it can attract bears. Sprinkling some wood ash on top can deter these large animals from rummaging through your scraps.
Many have found that since they began incorporating wood ash into their compost, they’ve noticed a significant improvement in its health. Digging into the center reveals a handful of active worms diligently breaking everything down.
MANAGING POND ALGAE
Wood ash is rich in micronutrients essential for plant growth, which can also enhance the health of aquatic plants. The potassium found in wood ash can help rooted aquatic plants in a pond thrive, allowing them to better compete with algae. This competition can effectively slow down algae growth in the pond. Just be cautious not to overdo it.
AVOIDING FROST DAMAGE TO PLANTS
Sprinkling wood ash on plants before a light frost can help shield them from frost damage. This is because the mineral salts in wood ash can lower the freezing point of water without harming the plant tissues, unlike some other salts.
COMBATING CALCIUM DEFICIENCY IN TOMATOES
Those unsightly black spots on tomatoes are often due to a lack of calcium. While eggshells and bone meal are commonly added to tomato planting holes for calcium, wood ash can serve the same purpose. Simply mix about 1/4 cup of wood ash into each tomato planting hole before placing the transplants.
REPELLING SLUGS AND SNAILS
Creating a ring of wood ash around your crops can deter slugs and snails from entering your plant beds. We use this method around our homegrown shiitake mushrooms, which are particularly vulnerable to these pests. It’s also effective for leafy vegetables like lettuce. Keep in mind that the wood ash barrier will only last until it rains or gets wet, so you’ll need to reapply it regularly. The upside is that it washes off easily when it’s time to harvest.
SAFE ANT REPELLENT FOR KIDS AND PETS
By placing a mound of wood ash on top of an anthill, you can encourage ants to relocate their nest. This method won’t destroy the nest, but it will prompt the ants to move, making it a great way to keep their nests away from areas where kids play.
MINERAL SUPPLEMENT FOR CHICKENS
Wood ash is packed with minerals, making it a beneficial supplement for chickens when used in moderation. According to Community Chickens, “Wood ash provides calcium and potassium.” Adding wood ash to your chicken feed can be a great way to enhance their diet.
