This spring, many homeowners are closing out their fireplaces for the season, and part of this includes cleaning it! If you’re like many homeowners, you probably use your fireplace regularly. It also likely produced bucket loads of fireplace ashes throughout the winter. Many people tend to discard the ashes, and they tossing them in a heap or in a barrel to empty periodically. However, that is because they do not know the many uses of fireplace ashes.
Ashes in the Garden & Compost
You can use your fireplace ashes in the garden this spring. Cultivating the ashes into the soil can help change the pH levels to the right level for things to grow. Sprinkling small amounts around your tomatoes in the spring is said to result in plumper and juicier fruits. You can also sprinkle a single line of ashes in between rows and around the perimeter of the garden or flower beds to deter snails, slugs, and certain insects.
Your compost heap can also benefit from ashes. It is not a good idea to pour all of your season’s ashes into the compost pile at the same time. However, you should pour a couple of inches every few weeks so that it’s evenly distributed. The ashes will add valuable lime, potassium, and other elements into the compost, which enriches the compost.
Ashes for DIY Projects and Cleaning
You can use your ashes to make homemade soap just like the pioneers did. You may also choose to use your ashes as a household cleaner. By adding a small amount of water to ashes, you can shine metal fixtures, clean glass, over doors, tile, and more. Your ashes can also be kept on hand to clean up oil spills in the garage and driveway.
Ashes for the Pets
You can also use ashes to neutralize odors on pets. Furry pets such as cats and dogs can be dusted with a bit of fireplace ash to neutralize even the foulest of odors, such as skunk musk. Sprinkling some ashes into the dust in the chicken yard can help cut down odors and repel mites. No matter what you do with your fireplace ashes, it’s important to remove it properly. Use gloves and long-handled tools to prevent burns, and wear a mask to prevent any accidental inhalation.
Once you remove the ashes from your house, it should be stored several feet away from the home in a metal container where it can safely cool down. A metal trash bin with a lid is ideal. If you haven’t had your fireplace cleaned of ashes, soot, and creosote to close it out for the season, now is a great time. Schedule a chimney sweep with Brickliners today by calling 802-872-0123.
