Don't Throw Away Fireplace Ash - Use It To Keep Your Home Smelling Fresh

You may know some of the unexpected and brilliant uses for the wood ash from your fireplace or wood stove, but you may not be aware of the its ability to keep your home smelling fresh. It's certainly not an attractively packaged household product like a pretty sachet of potpourri, but science shows that wood ash controls odor. And the best part — it's free!

Wood ash works to neutralize odors in several different ways. Its high alkalinity enables it to counteract acidic odors and sour smells that are usually caused by food waste. The wood ash also acts like a carbon filter, which can trap odor molecules in porous carbon particles. This works effectively on scents like smoke or smells caused by volatile organic compounds. The final odor-fighting mechanism wood ash uses is desiccation. Ash attracts water. Therefore, it will soak up moisture to prevent those musty smells often associated with dampness.

Got odors in your home? To use this free home-freshening method, simply place bowls or cloth bags of wood ash in discreet, yet strategic, spots for odor control. Think of the areas where your pet hangs out or those musty spots like your basement, attic, or laundry room. You may want to fill the bowls outside to keep the ash dust from spreading inside your home. To keep strong odors at bay, sprinkle some ashes in the bottom of your kitchen garbage bin and in your bathroom trash cans. Yon can also use it to keep your closets smelling fresh or as a spot treatment for those bad smells that come out of nowhere.

Keep a jar of wood ash in the fridge as you would baking soda. Replacing it every few weeks or as needed. Of course, you'll want to be sure the ashes are completely cool before handling them and placing them around your home for odor control. Regular use of wood ash to control odor is one of those things that will make your home smell better than ever.