Just to remind those of you who have already got a stove, that Spring is now well established and if you are planning not to use your stove for a few weeks then please remember to empty the ash out.
At the end of the heating season, it is appropriate to remove the ashes from your stove because the ashes actually have the potential to draw moisture that can cause rusting of metal components. The acidic nature of the ash combined with moisture can be very destructive to the metal components.
9 Uses for wood ash:
- Febreze for pets. A handful rubbed into the coat neutralizes the lingering odour.
- Enrich compost. Before the organic compound gets applied to the soil, increase its nutrients by adding in a few ashes. (Too much, will ruin the mix.)
- Block garden pests. Spread evenly around garden beds and pots, slugs and snails don’t like it.
- Melt ice. Some people find it adds traction and de-ices without hurting soil or concrete underneath.
- Control pond algae. One tablespoon per 1,000 gallons adds enough potassium to strengthen other aquatic plants that compete with algae, slowing its growth so I’ve read!
- Feeds tomatoes. For the calcium-loving plants including Tomatoes add about 1/4 cup right in the hole when planting.
- Cleans stove glass. A damp sponge dipped in the dust then rubbed onto the glass cleans away the build-up. (More stubborn marks-contact us).
- Make soap. Lye is made when ashes are soaked with water, mix this with animal fat and then boiled, this produces soap. Add salt which hardens it as it cools.
- Shine polish. A paste of ash and water makes a nontoxic metal polisher.
Please note: Wear gloves when mixing ash with water.
Tips:
- If you've now cleaned out your stove and it's going to be left for a few months, leave your stove door ajar to allow air to circulate within the stove and the flue or at the very least leave all your air vents open to their fullest setting. This will allow any moisture to evaporate.
- If we have any heavy downpours check the inside of the stove for any water pooling and soak it up with a cloth to prevent corrosion.