by Tom
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by Tom
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Over the course of winter, the ashes in your fireplace or woodstove will need to be cleaned out. Because hot embers can remain in the ashes for several days, removing and storing the ashes safely is extremely important. Numerous house fires occur every year due to improperly handled fireplace ashes.
The best way to store your ashes is in a metal ash bucket with a lid. Simply shovel the ashes out of the fireplace or woodstove into the ash bucket. Store the bucket away from the house and flammable objects for a few days to allow any embers to cool.
Once they have had time to cool, are you wondering what to do with your fireplace ashes?
- Wood ashes can make a great natural fertilizer. Mix the ashes in with your compost to create a hearty spread for the following spring planting season.
- Spread ashes on icy sidewalks and driveways to provide traction and help melt ice. Unlike salt, ashes won’t damage concrete.
- Create a paste of ash and water for a polishing compound. You can remove tarnish from silver and copper and polish stainless steel with this easy and free polish.
The United States celebrates National Bioenergy Day each October. It recognizes and encourages the use of renewable and sustainable bioenergy sources. In 2021, National Bioenergy Day is October 20. When any organic material with few or no productive applications is used to generate energy, we call it “bioenergy.” The biomass can be any organic low […]
Traditionally, knowledge based on teachings and experiences about selecting and burning firewood was passed along verbally. Often such information was put into a rhyming format to make it easier to remember. Thus were born firewood poems and firewood songs to address the question, “Which Firewood Burns Best?” As with most things passed from generation to generation, […]
Mosquitos are the bane of everyone who wants to relax by a fire pit or fire bowl or campfire. A careful selection of specific eco-friendly firestarters, logs and other fire fuels can safely repel those flying pests. Here is a list of what to burn for mosquito free fire pit or other outdoor fires. What […]
We celebrate Arbor Day in the United States on the last Friday of April. The holiday celebrates the joys of trees. Trees provide both people and animals with services as well as goods. Planting trees on Arbor day is a traditional way to honor forest, ornamental and fruit trees. To those with wood-burning fireplaces or […]
[…] Fireplace ash is useful not only for cleaning soot off glass, but as fertilizer, de-icer, soap, and silver polish. You will be amazed at how useful this “waste” can actually be. Click here for more tips on using your fireplace ashes around the house. […]
[…] Making sure no hot coals remain, now remove the accumulated loose ashes with your fireplace shovel, placing them in an ash bucket, and sweep up the loose dust. A Cricket Ash Vac is ideal for this purpose. (Wondering what to do with those ashes?) […]
[…] Whether you use sweep or vacuum, first open the damper and crack a window in the room with the fireplace. Any airborne ash dust will then be drawn up the chimney as you clean instead of drifting into your room. Wondering what to do with those ashes now? […]
I just love all the information you provide. It is very enjoyable to read and learn from. I’m glad I came across your website.
Thank You,
Sandy