If you have a fireplace or stove, then you have ashes!
And of course, you don't know what to do with the ash that accumulates?
Do you know that there are many surprising uses for ashes, whether in the home or for the garden?
Each cubic meter of firewood you burn leaves you with around 9 kg of ash.
So what to do with this wood ash? Above all, do not throw it away!
Here are 5 new ways to easily use it at home and in the garden . Watch:
Wood ashes contain calcium, potassium and various trace elements important for plant health.
They work as a lime substitute to raise the pH of acidic soils.
But unlike limestone which can take 6 months to change soil pH, wood ash is water soluble and quickly changes soil pH.
On the other hand, do not put wood ashes on your lawn, in your garden or on your ornamental plants without first doing a soil test.
Once that's done and you find that your soil is acidic (use white vinegar to find out), scatter the ash around your garden.
If you are used to using lime (or crushed limestone), simply put twice as much ash as limestone.
But do not spread it near plants that like acid soils, such as blueberries, rhododendrons, azaleas, holly...
For soils that have a pH between 6 and 6.5, which is optimal for most lawns and plants in the garden...
You can put up to 7.5 kg of ashes.
This is the equivalent of a 20 liter bucket for approximately 90 m2.
This makes it possible not to modify the pH of the soil too much.
Remember to scatter the ashes evenly in dry, windless weather.
Then mix them into the soil before planting.
Finally, do not forget to remove with water the ashes that have settled on the growing plants to avoid burning the leaves.
To discover: Moss on the Lawn:The Trick to Get Rid of It Effortlessly.
Lightly dust the edges of the plants with ashes.
Wood ashes will irritate the moist body of slugs and repel them.
Note that the repellent effect disappears after rain or watering that dissolves the ashes.
For the ash to remain effective as a slug repellent, remember to repeat the operation afterwards.
To discover: 13 Natural Tricks Against Slugs That Really Work.
Scattered on the paths and driveways of the house, the wood ashes melt the ice and allow better grip.
And this is true both for the grip of the wheels of the car and when walking.
It's true that ashes are not as effective as salt.
Not to mention that they can be messy if you don't take the necessary measures not to bring them into the house.
But this method has big undeniable advantages . Which ones?
The ashes are free and they do not hurt the paws of animals or damage the paved surfaces.
Hard to believe!
But wood ashes are super effective at removing grease quickly.
They are used to clean dirt on glasses, silverware, grills, glass stove tops and to restore their shine.
They are also very effective in removing gum residue left by stickers and labels.
To do this, simply soak a damp cotton cloth in the ashes.
You can also make a thick paste by mixing the ash with water.
Then rub your surface lightly with the cotton cloth and rinse with clean water with another cloth.
Ouch, there's a grease stain on the floor?
Fortunately, there is a solution to eliminate or at least reduce these stains unsightly.
To do this, simply sprinkle ash on the oil or grease splatters on the floor made of stones or cement or on the asphalt.
Then scrub vigorously with a brush.
Repeat if traces of grease or oil persist.
You can also add baking soda to make it even more effective.
5000 years ago, our ancestors already knew how to do laundry from wood ash.
To do this, he poured water over wood ashes. They also added animal fat and water to make soap.
You too can make it easily by following this effective homemade recipe.
Our great-grandparents used the ashes to wash the wooden floors or the sheets.
They also used it to soak pigs that had just been slaughtered in order to remove their hair more easily.
And for centuries, potters and ceramists have used wood ashes to make beautiful glazes on their pieces.
These uses of ashes may have become obsolete.
Although... I tried doing laundry with ashes. It's easy to do and free. Here is my opinion on the subject.
When handling wood ash, wear eye protection, gloves and a dust mask.
As always when it comes to wood fires, be vigilant and common sense when handling ashes.
Store them in a metal or concrete container that closes with a lid.
Install this container away from any object or surface that could catch fire.
Even if the ashes appear cold, buried embers can remain active for days or even weeks.
