14 Surprising Uses for Wood Ash That You Probably Didn’t Know About

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### 🐜 **12. Ant Deterrent**

Ants don’t love ash. Sprinkle it in cracks or entry points where they seem to come in, and reapply after rain.

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### 🌱 **13. Boost Compost Breakdown**

Ash can speed up composting by helping break down organic materials faster — just don’t overdo it, as too much can make compost too alkaline.

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### 🔥 **14. Control Algae in Ponds**

A small amount of ash can limit algae growth in garden ponds by adding potassium — but use sparingly, and only if you’re sure your fish will be safe.

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### ⚠️ A Few Tips Before You Start:

– Always **use clean, untreated hardwood ash** — no painted, stained, or pressure-treated wood.
– Store ash in a **metal container with a lid** to prevent accidental fires.
– Use sparingly, especially around acid-loving plants and areas with pets or children.

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### Final Thoughts

Who knew that humble pile of fireplace ash had so many hidden talents? With a little care and creativity, wood ash can save you money, reduce waste, and help your home and garden thrive naturally.

So next time you clean out the stove, don’t toss the ash — **put it to work**.

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Would you like a printable cheat sheet or infographic version of these 14 uses?