Taking reduce, reuse, and recycle to a whole other level.

Then, once the ashes have built up, you may discard them completely to keep your chimney safe.

Before you throw away your ashes completely, you should know about the many different uses for them.

lit fireplace with stacked wood

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Here are nine creative uses for leftover fireplace ashes inside your home and out.

Mostly, making sure your ashes are completely cooled, which can take up to several days.

This can create a sudden flare-up, increasing the risk of fire."

All you better do is add a little bit of water to the mix.

“Just mix water and ashes to create a thick paste and apply it on stubborn stains.

Then, you’ll want to scrub it around with a sponge or a toothbrush.”

Then it’s time to use your leftover ashes as a DIY pest control solution.

“It works especially well for plants like cabbage, where pests often hide on the undersides of leaves.

Odor Absorption

It should come as no surprise that ashes also make an excellent natural deodorizer.

The carbon in the ash neutralizes smells without any added chemicals.

Just replace the jar every few weeks to keep it fresh,” he says.

Wood ashes have a fantastic ability to create lye, an alkaline chemical compound that’s found in soap.

Ashes are excellent for raising the pH in garden beds after your sprinkle it on.

Plus, ashes are great for composting since it helps raise potassium levels.

But luckily, ashes can act as a tick repellent in your garden!

“Also, keep in mind that using dry ashes works best.

If theyre damp, they wont be as effective.

And remember to reapply after heavy snow or rain to maintain traction and safety.”

That’s because ashes smother the flames to prevent oxygen from getting in and causing an even bigger flame.

Any plant that prefers alkaline soil can benefit from fireplace ashes.

Yes, fireplace ashes can be used in composting!

By adding ashes into your compost, you’re giving the mixture extra potassium and balancing the acidity.

Wood ash isn’t a complete fertilizer like the products you’re able to buy from the store.

Commercial fertilizers have all the nutrients and agents your garden needs to produce strong and healthy plants.