Learn what to do with campfire ashes in this detailed guide! From garden use to pest control, understand 10 practical ways to repurpose fire pit ashes well. Campfire ashes, left over from a cozy evening by the fire, can be surprisingly useful. Instead of tossing out the ash, you can put it to work in ways that are good for your garden, home, and even personal care. Here are ten practical ideas to help you make the most of your leftover campfire ashes.
10 Practical Uses For Fire Pit Ashes
After enjoying a cozy fire, you can wonder what to do with the leftover ashes. Fire pit ashes have many practical uses that can help around your home and garden. From fertilizing plants to keeping pests away, here are ten simple ways to make use of fire pit ashes effectively.
1. Garden Fertilizer
One of the top uses for fire pit ashes is as a garden fertilizer. Wood ash contains minerals like potassium and calcium, which help plants grow. Sprinkle a small amount in your garden soil to give plants a nutrient boost. Keep in mind that ashes can raise the pH level of soil, so avoid using them for acid-loving plants like blueberries and potatoes.
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2. Ice Melt For Winter
Wood ash can be an excellent alternative to salt for melting ice on sidewalks and driveways. The minerals in ash help break down ice, providing traction without harming pets or plants. Just sprinkle ash on icy areas to create a safer walkway.
3. Pest Control For Slugs And Snails
When slugs and snails are damaging your plants, try using wood ash as a barrier. Sprinkle a ring of ash around your plants to keep these pests away. Ash is mildly abrasive, which deters slugs and snails naturally. However, the ash layer will need to be refreshed after rain.
4. Compost Enrichment
Adding wood ash to your compost pile can improve its nutrient balance. Ashes add valuable minerals to compost, making it more effective as a soil enhancer. Add small amounts to the compost to avoid making it too alkaline, as too much can affect the compost’s balance.
5. Cleaning Solution
Fireplace ashes are great for cleaning, especially on glass and metal. Mix ash with water to create a paste, then apply it to remove stains or residue on glass stovetops, fireplace glass, or metal grills. The mildly abrasive texture helps scrub away tough grime.
6. Absorb Odors
Ash can act as a natural deodorizer. Place a small bowl of ashes in areas where odors linger, like garbage cans or refrigerators. The ash will help absorb unwanted smells, keeping spaces fresher. Be careful not to knock the bowl over, as ash can be messy.
7. Increase Plant Calcium
Wood ash contains calcium, which is essential for plants like tomatoes and roses. Sprinkle a small amount around the base of these plants to help them grow stronger and resist diseases. Be sure to water the area to allow the nutrients to sink into the soil.
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8. Emergency Toothpaste
In a pinch, wood ash can serve as a natural toothpaste substitute. Its slightly abrasive texture helps remove plaque. Dip a damp toothbrush in completely cooled, clean ash and brush gently. Don’t use hot ashes. This must only be used occasionally, as the ash can be too abrasive if used frequently.
9. Deodorize Pet Areas
Wood ash can help absorb odors in pet areas. Place a small amount in areas where your pets sleep or around litter boxes. Just make sure your pets don’t eat the ash, as it could be harmful if ingested in large amounts.
10. Algae Control For Ponds
When you have a small pond, adding fire pit wood ash can help control algae. Potassium in the ash promotes aquatic plant growth, which competes with algae and keeps it under control. Add only one tablespoon of ash per 1,000 gallons of water to avoid upsetting the pond’s balance.
Additional Uses For Fire Pit Ashes
Beyond the ten primary uses, here are eleven more ways to use leftover fire pit ashes:
11. De-Skunk Your Pet
When your pet has been sprayed by a skunk, sprinkle wood ash on their fur to help absorb the odor. This can save you from strong chemical deodorizers.
12. Dehumidifier For Damp Areas
Wood ash can help reduce moisture in damp spaces. Place a bowl of ash in areas like basements or closets to absorb excess humidity and prevent mold growth.
13. Remove Hair Dye Stains
When hair dye stains your skin, a bit of ash can help. Gently rub a small amount on the stain to help lift the dye from your skin.
14. Homemade Lye For Soap
Wood ash can be used to make lye, a key ingredient in soap. Mix ash with water and allow it to sit until lye forms at the top. Be careful, as lye is very strong and can cause burns if not handled properly.
15. Repel Mice
When you have a mice problem, sprinkle wood ash in areas where you notice them. Mice dislike ash and will usually avoid areas treated with it.
16. Scrub Dirty Dishes
For outdoor cooking, wood ash can help clean greasy dishes if you don’t have dish soap. Rub some ash on dirty pots and pans to scrub away leftover food.
17. Natural Deodorizer For Fridge
Use wood ash as a substitute for baking soda in your refrigerator. Place a small amount in a bowl to help keep your fridge odor-free.
18. Polish Silverware
Make a paste with ash and water to polish tarnished silverware or metal items. The abrasive quality of ash can help restore shine to your silverware.
19. Keep Chickens Healthy
Chickens use dust baths to clean themselves and get rid of pests. Add wood ash to their dust baths to help repel parasites and keep chickens healthy.
20. Prevent Frost On Plants
When an early frost is expected, sprinkle ash over plants to give them extra protection. The ash acts as a thin layer of insulation, helping plants survive light frost.
21. Add To Lawn For Greener Grass
Sprinkling a light dusting of wood ash on your lawn and watering it can provide minerals that make the grass greener and healthier. Just avoid over-applying, as too much ash could harm the grass.
Frequently Asked Questions
What To Do With Campfire Ashes?
Campfire ashes can be useful for enriching garden soil, repelling pests like slugs and snails, and even melting ice in winter. Make sure the ashes are completely cooled, then use them sparingly to avoid over-alkalizing the soil or affecting plant growth.
What To Do With Campfire Ashes Outside?
Campfire ashes can be used as a natural garden fertilizer, pest repellent, or even to melt ice in winter. Sprinkle cooled ash around plants to enrich soil or use it to create barriers that keep slugs and snails away.
What Are Ashes From A Fire Pit Good For?
Ashes from a fire pit can improve garden soil, repel pests like slugs, and even melt ice on paths. Sprinkle cooled ashes around plants for nutrients or use them to prevent slippery surfaces in winter without harming the environment.
What To Do With Ash After A Fire?
After a fire, cooled ashes can be reused to enrich garden soil, repel pests, or even clean tough stains. Spread a small amount in soil for added nutrients or use it to deter slugs around plants, making ashes surprisingly useful.
Now you know that campfire ashes can be useful for more than just cleaning up after a fire. Instead of tossing them away, fire pit ashes can help you in many ways around your home and garden. These ashes are rich in minerals that can improve soil, keep pests like slugs away, and even add traction to icy paths in winter. They can be used to clean, freshen up smells, and even make your garden healthier.
Just remember to let the ashes cool completely before using them and only apply a small amount at a time, especially around plants. By using these simple ideas, you can turn leftover ash into a helpful, natural resource that benefits your space and the environment.