Uses of wood ash

[edit] Introduction

Wood ash is the powder residue left after the combustion of wood. It can be used for both gardening and around the home. Used in various forms such as dust or paint, it is useful for many areas of the house.

Wood ash paint is one of the most environmentally friendly paints, formulated to provide a high performance with a high-quality depth of colour and finish.

[edit] Properties

Ash contains phosphorus, potassium, calcium, boron and other elements which contribute to the healthy and strong growing of plants. Its properties make it a highly useful material for cleaning within the interior of buildings, and for the healthy growth of soil in the garden and outside areas.

[edit] Benefits of wood ash

Wood ash brings numerous benefits for the user:

• Environmentally friendly and child safe.
• Moisture and stain resistant.
• Suitable for all areas of the house including kitchens and hallways.
• Quick drying.
• Can be used for both wood and metal materials.
• Very tough and durable.

[edit] Common uses

There are a wide variety of uses for wood ash:

• Fertilising: Wood ash is an organic fertilizer, enriching agricultural soil nutrition. Through adding potassium and calcium carbonate, it neutralises acidic soils.
• Deterring pests. Wood ash acts as a desiccant, drying up garden pests, so it can be used to keep pests at a distance from the stems and roots of plants.
• Polish silver: Wood ash is a natural polish, and when mixed with water, creates a paste which will both clean and buff silver to shine.
• Cleaning fireplaces: Wood ash is an abrasive and alkaline material which can be used to clean fireplaces effectively.

Wood ash is used for a variety of uses, and being a cost-effective method, it is a popular product for gardeners as it is a good source for potash.

--G&S Specialist Timber

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

• 11 things you didn't know about wood.
• Birch wood.
• Lime wood.
• Oak wood properties.
• Pine wood.
• Properties of Mahogany.
• Timber vs wood.
• Types of timber.
• Walnut.