Are you thinking about what to do with coal ashes from fireplace? If yes, then this article is for you.
Many people have asked me what to do with the coal ashes left behind after burning coal. Those who know me know that I use the coal ashes fantastically from household and gardening chores full utilization happens.
If you are throwing the coal ashes you are discarding multiple benefits that come with making use of coal ashes left behind.
Keep reading to know what to do with coal ashes from fireplace.
So, What can you do with ashes from fireplace?
- The rough texture of coal ashes makes them perfect for scrubbing away tough stains on surfaces like grills, pots, or ovens.
- It is also helpful for removing rust from rusty metal by scrubbing a paste on it made from paste using water and coal ashes.
- It has exceptional properties of absorbing odor. so it can used to remove any nasty odor.
- Coal ashes can be used as an alternative to deicers because coal ashes are natural and cost-effective also it has properties like deicers.
- Protect your plants from pests by making a barrier with coal ashes to keep them safe.
- Coal ashes can be used as a natural fertilizer for plants it has an exceptional amount of nutrients in them.
- Coal ashes are a great way to enhance your compost pile.
From now on, you get the idea of the numerous uses of this byproduct called coal ashes. Further in this article, you get the detailed version of these uses with the safety precautions.
What To Do with Coal Ashes from Fireplace?
There are 7 exceptional uses of coal ashes which are mentioned below:
1. Use as a Cleaning Agent
In tribal villages of Africa and India, it is used as a cleaning agent because it has exceptional cleaning properties and is helpful for cleaning.
The rough texture of coal ashes makes them perfect for scrubbing away tough stains on surfaces like grills, pots, or ovens.
Add a small amount of coal ashes into an adequate amount of water and use it to remove any grease and oil from your utensils.
2. Use as a Rust Remover
Do you have something of metal that are victim of rusting? Don’t worry so much because the use of coal ashes as a rust remover can solve your problem of rusting metal.
Coal ashes has some properties that I am not gonna explain because there are many of information on the internet already.
But because of the properties coal ashes have, if it is used to remove rust from metal it results in coming of a shiny and restored metal surface.
3. Use as an Odor Neutralizer
It has exceptional properties of absorbing odor. so it can used to remove any nasty odor.
Take a bowl full of coal ashes and place it in an area where the nasty odors are coming from such as pet area, refrigerator, and barbeque grills.
After some time you will find the nasty odor is gone now because of the absorbing properties of coal.
So, using coal as an odor neutralizer instead of using room fresheners is a master idea, if you want to save your money and fully utilize a byproduct like coal ashes.
4. Use as an Ice and Snow Remover
During winters, It can be used as an alternative to deicers because coal ashes are natural and cost-effective plus it has the properties of deicers.
Sprinkling a thin layer of ashes from your fireplace on a snowy surface such as walk paths and highways provides a fraction that reduces the slippery feeling on the road which is very helpful instead of buying costly chemicals like deicers.
5. Use as a Pest Deterrent
Graden in your guest like slugs and snails can be a headache for you because it can destroy your garden by eating them. But here comes coal ashes which can be used as an alternative to commercial pest deterrents.
By creating a protective circle around vulnerable plants using coal ashes will work as a barrier against unwanted pests. It will keep them away from your plants.
6. Use as a Natural Fertilizer
Nutrients present in coal ashes are silica, alumina, iron oxide, and calcium oxide which are very important nutrients for plants to grow at their potential.
These nutrients if given in adequate amounts can promote growth that you have never imagined and build their immunity to fight diseases which helps to regain the nutrient properties of the land.
Just one caution is everything would benefit if used under the limit, so don’t use too much coal ashes. Too much ashes may affect the plant.
7. Use as a Composting Helper
Coal ashes in compost piles can add valuable nutrients which can be helpful. Especially if your soil tends to be acidic the alkaline nature of coal ashes will balance the PH level of the soil.
Note: Too much of anything is bad same as too much of coal ashes can harm your plants. Put in adequate amount.
Safety Precautions Of Using Coal Ashes from Fireplace
Using coal ashes as a fertilizer is a very good idea, but if done in a limited manner use of more than usual coal ashes as a ferticlizers can damage the plants as well as soil. Use in a adequate amount.
Take precautions during using coal ashes as a cleaing agent because of the rough texture of ashes, it might damage the surface of the utensils.
Usaully, coal ashes are very light in weight can have the chances to be inhaled by your nose, while using coal ashes use a mask so, the small particle of ashes dosent goes into your nose.
FAQs
Are ashes good fertilizer?
Yes, they are great fertilizers becasue they have like silica, alumina, iron oxide, and calcium oxide but they should not use as a alternative to actual fertilizers. They have many nutrients but not all nutrients. Many of the nutrients are find in others ingredients.
Is fireplace ash good for the garden?
It is depnd on the plants you have in your garden coal ashes are very beneficial for certian plants but for some plants it not beneficial. If you want to use coal ashes in your garden then use in a limited amount.
Do ashes improve soil?
Yes, it does but it is depend on the soil you mix the coal, always give a proper mix to the soil after adding coal ashes.