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8. Neutralize Garden Soil pH
Got overly acidic soil? Wood ash can help raise the pH, making it more neutral and suitable for a wider variety of plants. Use a soil test kit first to be sure this is what your soil needs.
9. Deter Ants and Other Insects
Ashes can help disrupt ant trails or prevent them from entering your home. Sprinkle around the perimeter of your house, garden beds, or near anthills.
10. Absorb Oil Spills
Have an oil or grease spill in your garage or driveway? Dump wood ash on top and let it soak up the mess. Then just sweep it away—good as new.
11. Polish Silver
Make a gentle ash paste and use it to buff and shine your silverware or jewelry. It’s an old-fashioned trick that really works!
12. Hide Outdoor Stains
For outdoor patio stains, especially greasy BBQ drips or oil spots, ash can be sprinkled over them to dry out the stain and help fade its appearance over time.
13. Keep Chickens Clean
Backyard chicken keepers love using wood ash in dust baths. Chickens naturally roll in the ash to clean their feathers and remove mites or lice.
14. Emergency Toothpaste or Deodorant
In extreme situations, wood ash has been used as a primitive toothpaste or even underarm deodorant due to its ability to absorb odors and balance pH. Not ideal for everyday use, but good to know in a pinch!
Safety Note:
Only use ashes from untreated, natural hardwoods. Avoid ashes from painted, pressure-treated, or chemically treated wood, as they can be toxic. And always use moderation—too much ash in soil or compost can throw off pH levels.
Final Thoughts
Wood ash is one of those overlooked resources hiding in plain sight. From fertilizing your garden to cleaning your home, it has a surprising number of practical uses. So next time you’re scooping ashes out of your fire pit or stove, don’t just throw them away—put them to work!
Simple, sustainable, and surprisingly powerful—wood ashes are nature’s secret tool you never knew you needed.
