8 Interesting Uses Of Wood Ash
Wood ash can be obtained through sieving or selecting the remains of untreated wood burning. This depends on the combustion temperature, as higher temperatures leave less residue.
This ash is a source of important minerals such as potassium, calcium or magnesium carbonate or oxide. These natural nutrients have been used in agriculture to neutralize acids in the soil and protect crops.
However, it also has some chemical properties that can be used to facilitate other household tasks. Are you interested in knowing them? Below we discuss the most outstanding ones.
Uses of wood ash in the home
According to a publication in The Washington Post , wood ash does not contain nitrogen, but it does have traces of phosphorus, potassium, calcium, boron and other elements that are generally used in gardening. .
In particular, it usually takes advantage of to raise the pH of the soil when it is acidic. In addition, it seems that it also contributes to making other tasks around the home easier.
1. Repel insects
Combining wood ash with water is useful to repel insects that adhere to wooden surfaces inside the home.
- For best results, the mixture should be allowed to sit for a week to concentrate.
- Afterwards, it is applied with a brush and allowed to dry.
- Another good option is to combine wood ash with plant oils, such as hot pepper or thyme.
2. Neutralize odors in pets
Over the days, pets tend to acquire a characteristic smell that can easily permeate inside the home. To neutralize it, just rub a small amount of ash on its fur and sprinkle a small amount in its litter box.
3. Enrich the compost
Due to its nutritional content, wood ash is a good product to enrich the organic compounds that are applied to the soil. Of course, in moderate quantities, since the excess could remove the nitrogen from the fertilizer and prevent it from fulfilling its function.
4. Avoid garden pests
This ash also serves to keep out slugs, snails and insects that invade the garden. For this, wood ash is spread on the surrounding grass and soil.
5. Clean the glass doors of the fireplace
Rubbing some wet ash on the glass fireplace doors can remove soot residue. These are a black, thin and greasy substance that forms the smoke through the hole through which it comes out.
6. Make a homemade liquid detergent
Wood ash detergent is very easy to make from burned wood that has not been chemically treated. It is even easier when the ash comes from stoves or fireplaces where various sources of wood are used. Although this substance is not usually aggressive with the skin, it is best to handle it with gloves and glasses.
Process
- Pass the ash through a sieve to separate the pieces of charcoal. The whiter and more calcined it is, the better the detergent will be.
- Put it in a bucket of hot water and cover it with a cloth or a lid. Wait 24 to 48 hours.
- Filter the liquid with the help of a sieve. This should be left with a slippery effect, indicating that it is ready.
- Use it when washing clothes and other utensils.
7. Shine the silver
Rubbing silver with a paste of ash and water helps to restore its original brightness. Apply a generous amount and use a polishing cloth.
8. Natural soap
The natural detergent obtained from soaking the ashes in water can be combined with grease to obtain a homemade soap that works on any surface.
Ingredients
- 3 kg of ash
- ½ liter of recycled vegetable oil
- The juice of 1 lemon
- 1 raw potato
- 1 liter of water
Process
- Place the ash in a bucket of water.
- After two days, add a raw potato and check if the solution is ready. If the potato floats, add more ash, and wait two more days.
- Filter the mixture through a cloth and combine one liter of the liquid with half a liter of recycled oils.
- Heat the product over low heat and let it boil until it thickens.
- Add the lemon juice and remove it from the heat when it acquires a soapy texture.
- Add it to molds and use it for household cleaning tasks.
Recycle wood ash
With these simple methods it is possible to recycle wood ash. All you need to do is take a little time to give it other alternative uses before you throw it away.
