Don't Throw Out Fireplace Ash — Use It To Make Your Metal Accents Shine

Isn't it amazing how tiny brass knobs or a glimpse of copper framing around your mirrors can jazz up a room's décor? Metal accents do a great job of adding character to living spaces, but they also need to be well cared for. One way to do so is by cleaning them and maintaining their shine. This is where wood ash comes in. Yes, that's right — this is one of the unexpected yet brilliant uses for the wood ash from your fireplace, a fire pit, or even your outdoor grill. You can use it to buff silver-plated and stainless steel fixtures or eliminate the tarnish on copper and brass accents, and all without damaging the metals.

There are many common cleaning products with ingredients that do more harm than good, and wood ash serves as a reliable natural alternative. This burned wood residue can be used to make lye, a strong alkaline with cleaning properties that's used in soapmaking. It's no wonder ash can clean your metal accents so well, too. Cleaning your metal accents using wood ash also works because of the mild abrasive nature of the ash. That fine, gritty texture means you won't need too much elbow grease to get your doorknobs and faucets shining again. The fact that it's freely available — in both the physical and monetary sense — if you or someone you know has a fireplace gives it an added advantage over the store-bought products.

First, keep in mind that wood ash is a strong alkali. It can cause caustic burns and skin irritation, especially when it comes into contact with water. That's why you need to put on gloves and wear eye protection before handling ash. Always use wood ash that has completely cooled down and ensure there are no live embers — again, for safety's sake. Make sure the ash is chemical-free when making this DIY cleaning paste; don't use ash from painted, stained, or pressure-treated wood.

To get started with this simple cleaning hack to keep your home tidy, fill a small container with ash. About one cup of ash is a good amount. Pick out any large chunks of charcoal or debris as you do so. You don't want any large particles in there — they could potentially scratch your precious metal accents. Now, add a little water to make a smooth paste. That's it! Your cleaning paste is ready to use.

Use a cloth or sponge to take up some of the ash paste, and then rub it all over your metal fixture. You can leave the paste in place for a few minutes before rubbing the metal again to remove stubborn stains. Once you're happy with how the surface looks, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe off the residue or rinse the fixture with clean water. Finally, give the metal a final buff with a clean, dry cloth to increase shine. Step back and admire your beautiful metal accents.