But what to do with the collected ashes? This unexpected ingredient can be used in so many different ways, resulting in creative projects or practical solutions that you can no longer do without.

Here are 5 eco-friendly DIY ideas for reusing ash collected from the fireplace or pellet stove for an increasingly green and low-impact lifestyle.

1. Use ash as fertilizer for your garden

If you use natural, untreated wood with your fireplace, keep in mind that you are generating a large amount of natural fertilizer that is very useful for the care of your green areas. In this case, in fact, ash collected from the fireplace is rich in minerals such as potassium, calcium and magnesium, making it an excellent nutrient for plants and soils.

The use of extracted ash makes it possible to:

• enrich the soil with useful properties for the growth of healthy and lush vegetation;
• counteract soil acidity in wetter areas;
• prevent the development of fungi and mold;
• release nutrients slowly, thus avoiding burning the plants.

How to use extracted ash in your garden? Continuously add a little at a time - this will keep the mineral balance of the soil stable, benefiting from the properties of this substance. Use ash to prepare your garden for spring and fully enjoy plants and flowers.

2. Natural degreaser for grills and barbecues

After every good barbecue, there comes the most difficult challenge: removing the ashes and thoroughly cleaning the grills before another evening outdoors.

With the ash extractor, grill maintenance also becomes simple and convenient. Once your bbq has cooled down, you can:

• extract all the ash;
• use the high pressure cleaner or steam to remove encrusted dirt;
• use a scouring pad and some manual effort to scour the grills.

Again, ash can prove to be a great ally for green cleaning! Mix it with some warm water and generate a mixture that will be slightly soapy, due to the presence of natural carbonates.

Once ready, apply this 100% natural cleaner to the grill. Use a soft brush to scrape where needed and remove with a little water - this will make your grill shiny, without using chemicals.

3. Polish copper or metal pots and dishes

Did you know that ash has the amazing ability to polish metals? Combined with a little water, this substance creates a special natural, environmentally friendly and odorless abrasive cream perfect for deep cleaning:

• copper;
• brass,
• light steel,
• dishes with tough stains.

In this way, you can get clean, shiny cookware and cutlery and avoid contaminating food with chemicals and detergents. 

4. Keep insects and pests away naturally

The ash produced in winter can become the green protection you are looking for to take care of your garden in summer.

By releasing some ash on the grass, in fact, you will greatly reduce the presence of ants and slugs, protecting fauna and flora: unlike pesticides and other chemicals, ash does not harm the insects but prevents their passage. This way, you can enjoy your green space without unwanted guests and in total harmony with nature.

In addition, distributing ash around your garden will both nourish the soil and protect it from pests, without contaminating the fruits of your labor.

5. Clean fireplace glass, using your grandmothers’ method

If you are looking for eco-friendly solutions for cleaning your home, ash will surprise you! Despite its color and dustiness, this substance has always been used for cleaning one of the most challenging surfaces: windows.

Here’s how to clean windows with ash:

1. use a slightly dampened sheet of paper or sponge;
2. dip it in the ashes;
3. rub the glass with gentle movements.

Ash is a natural abrasive powder and brings your glass back to sparkle - try it to believe (or ask grandma!).

How to get clean ash for reuse

Ash is a very useful secret ingredient for household cleaning, especially if you prefer to opt for eco-friendly, do-it-yourself solutions. To get the best out of this substance, it is important to use it clean and free of contamination from other types of dirt or coarse debris, such as wood splinters or pine needles.

To separate it from the rest of the residue from fireplaces and stoves and get a fine ash that can be reused, the solution is to use an ash extractor.

The Lavor ash extractors are specially designed for:

• collecting fine ash and micro-particles without dispersion;
• filtering thoroughly (even with HEPA filter in some models);
• preventing overheating;
• avoiding hazards to the ash extractor itself and home safety. In fact, inside standard vacuum cleaners, which are not equipped with the necessary and fundamental filtering systems, ash could disperse internally, affecting the various components irreversibly.

Using the Lavor ash extractor you will be able to clean thoroughly:

• fireplace;
• pellet stove;
• barbecue;
• wood-fired oven;
• garden brazier.

With Lavor ash extractors you can combine innovation and tradition, discovering a new way to take care of your home, in tune with the environment and with a dash of creativity... starting with the ash!