Best Ways to Use Up Your Fire Pit Ashes

Fire pits are a great way to enjoy a warm evening with friends and family. But what do you do with the ashes once the fire is out?

Ashes aren’t just waste; they can be useful in many ways. You might not know this, but those ashes can improve your garden soil, control pests, and even clean stuff around the house. Yep, it’s not just about dumping them in the trash. But it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation; you have to know the right way to use them.

Quick Answer

Soil Enrichment
Pest Control
De-Ice Your Driveway
Clean Glass and Metal
Control Pond Algae
Pet Cleaning
Odor Removal
BBQ Cleaner

Soil Enrichment

Don’t just toss fire pit ashes. Your garden could use some help and ash has got what plants crave. We’re talking about potassium, a mineral that helps your plants grow strong. You put ash in the soil and you’re boosting its nutrition. And guess what? More nutrients in the soil means you get healthier, bigger plants. Simple as that.

Don’t go dumping a whole pile of ash directly on your plants. Too much of anything is bad, right? Ash is alkaline, meaning it can make your soil too basic if you go overboard. Use it in moderation and keep an eye on how your plants react. If they’re looking happier than ever, you’re on the right track.

How to Use Ashes for Soil Enrichment

Test your soil’s acidity. Ash raises pH, so know your starting point.
Wear gloves. Ash can irritate your skin.
Sprinkle the ash on the soil surface and mix it in about 4-6 inches deep.
Use about 5 lbs of ash per 100 square feet of soil.
Water your garden afterward to help the ash integrate with the soil.
Wait and observe. Give it a week or so and check how your plants are doing.
Adjust as needed. More ash for more alkaline, less for acidic.
Re-test the soil after a month to see the pH levels. Adjust accordingly.

Pest Control

Got pests in your garden? The same ash from your fire pit can help you deal with them. Some bugs can’t handle ash. It messes with their skin and they can’t crawl over it. A thin line of ash around your plants can act like a barrier. It won’t solve all your pest problems, but it can certainly make a dent. Snails, slugs, and some other creepy-crawlies will think twice about munching on your plants.

Ash won’t tell the good bugs from the bad bugs. Beneficial insects might also stay away if you overuse ash. Use it only where you’ve got a real problem and make sure to not impact the good insects that help your garden grow. They’re your little helpers; you don’t want to chase them away.

De-Ice Your Driveway

Winter’s coming and with it, icy driveways that can send your car spinning. But guess what? Ash can help you with that too. When spread on icy surfaces, ash can provide traction and melt some of that slippery ice. The dark color of ash absorbs sunlight, making the ice melt faster. It’s not as fast as salt, but it’s less harsh on your plants and pets.

Before you go spreading ash all over, know that it can get messy. Ash is fine and can be blown around by the wind or get tracked into your house. Use it in a pinch but don’t rely solely on it for the whole winter. It’s good to have options, and ash can be one of them when you’re in a tight spot.

Clean Glass and Metal

Make a paste with water and ash, then scrub the surface. The tiny, gritty particles in the ash work like a natural abrasive. You’ll see stains and grime disappear. It’s pretty useful for cleaning fireplace doors or tarnished silverware.

The ash is alkaline, so you don’t want any residue hanging around. It can mess up the surface if left for too long. After rinsing, you’ll see a clean and shiny surface that looks almost like new.

Control Pond Algae

Got a pond that’s more green than clear? Ash can help control that pesky algae. A small amount of wood ash changes the pH level of the water. Algae don’t like that and can’t grow as well. Sprinkle some ash over the pond and you’ll notice the water getting clearer over time.

Don’t dump a whole bucket in; start with a little and see how it goes. If the water clears up without harming your fish, you’ve hit the sweet spot. If you’ve got fish in that pond, keep a close eye on them to make sure they’re okay. Too much ash can be a problem, so less is more here.

Pet Cleaning

Yes, ash can even help get your pets clean. It sounds weird, but it works. Rub some ash into your pet’s fur, then brush it out. The ash absorbs oils and dirt. Your pet’s coat will look cleaner and feel softer. It’s a quick fix when you don’t have time for a full bath.

Not all pets like the feeling of ash. Also, avoid the eyes and mouth; ash is not for eating or looking at. After you’re done, give your pet a proper bath to wash off any leftover ash. You don’t want them licking it off later.

Odor Removal

Do you know that musty smell in old books or in rooms that haven’t been opened in a while? Ash can get rid of that. Fill a small container with ash and place it in the corner of the smelly area. The ash works by absorbing the moisture that often causes the odor. Over time, you’ll notice the musty smell is gone.

Keep the ash-filled container away from pets and kids. You don’t want them messing around with it. After a few days, throw out the old ash and replace it with new if the smell persists.

BBQ Cleaner

You’ve had a great BBQ but now the grill looks like a mess, right? Ash can make it shine again. Take some ash, mix it with a bit of water to form a paste, and scrub away at the grill grates. The ash acts as a natural abrasive, breaking down the stubborn grease and charred food bits without damaging the metal.

After you’re done scrubbing, make sure to rinse it thoroughly. You don’t want ash residue mixing with your next BBQ meal. You’ll be amazed at how effective and cheap this cleaning method is, especially compared to specialized cleaning products.

Final Words

Ash can be slippery, and you don’t want to scatter it around carelessly. Store it in a metal can away from flammable stuff and keep it dry.

If you’ve been paying attention, you know you’ve got options. Need to enrich your garden soil? Go ahead, and mix in some ash. The driveway turned into an ice rink? Ash can help melt that down. So next time you’re cleaning out the fire pit, think twice before throwing those ashes away. Your garden, pets, and even your BBQ will thank you. And if you’re looking for a quick tip on what to start with, go for soil enrichment, de-icing your driveway, or pest control. It’s your ash, make the most of it.