Have you been enjoying a hearty fire in your home but are now left wondering how to dispose of fireplace ashes? You aren’t alone, and if you’re concerned about a literal dumpster fire, you’ve come to the right place. We care about the comfort and safety of your home and would hate for something bad to happen because you disposed of fireplace ashes the wrong way.
Often, there can still be coals and hot ash in your fireplace even days after the fire stopped. Even if they have been sitting for days, it’s best to treat these remains as if they were hot.
To properly dispose of fireplace ashes, you’ll need:
- Metal shovel or fireplace tool to scoop out the ashes and coals
- A metal container or Ash Bucket to put it into it
- Hose or other water sources
- Fireplace Gloves to handle the equipment, ash will get everywhere.
Once you have assembled the necessary equipment, you can follow these steps to safely dispose of fireplace ashes.
1. Let it All Chill Out
Even if a pile of ash and coals look like they are out and are no longer heat-producing, that’s not always the case. It can be days until it’s considered safe, depending on what was burned and how much unburned fuel remains.
Luckily, your fireplace is designed to safely house these remains until they have cooled enough to a point where they can be safely removed. Allow the ash and coals several days to properly extinguish before removing them.
2. Transfer the Ash and Coals to a Metal Container
After you’ve allowed the fireplace ash and coals to cool for a couple of days, it’s time to transfer them into a fireproof container. Do not use a paper bag or plastic container as if there are coals still alive; it can be hot enough to start another fire.
Use metal tools to transfer into a metal container; this ensures that anything still hot won’t burn you or an item. Ash gets everywhere, so wearing gloves can help prevent your hands from becoming dirty.
3. Take It Outside and Hose it Down
Take your metal container outside and turn on the hose. Wet down the ash and coals completely to put out anything that may still be lit. If you don’t have a hose, it may require a couple of trips inside to get some water. Properly wetting down the ash ensures that it is entirely out before you continue the disposal process.
4. Keep it Outside Until its Removed
Even after you have adequately hosed down the fireplace ash, it’s best to leave the container containing the ash and coals outside until they can be safely removed from your home. When trash day comes, put the cool and dry ashes in their own bag and safely dispose of them.
FAQ
Where can I throw away my fireplace ash?
After you’ve allowed the ash and coals to cool for a couple of days and have watered them down, they are now safe to bag up and throw away with the rest of your garbage.
Can ash be used in compost?
Yes! After giving the ash time to cool, you can add it into your garden, where it’s a great source of potassium and lime.
Does ash help plants grow?
You can apply safely disposed of ash to your garden and your lawn. The ash contains essential nutrients like potassium and lime that help grass and plants grow.
Are there other uses for ash besides plants and soil?
Yes! Ash can be applied to slick patches of icy road or your driveway so that your car can get better traction. The potassium can also help to melt the snow and ice faster.
Conclusion
After enjoying your fireplace the next day, you’re probably wondering how to dispose of fireplace ashes and coals. Knowing how to do so safely and properly ensures that your home and belongings are safe and that you’re better prepared so you can keep using your fireplace again and again.
Have you tried applying ashes to your garden or ice patches? Let us know what you think about our tips on fireplace ash disposal and inventive ways to use fireplace ash in the comments below. Have a friend with a fireplace? Be sure to share this article with them, so they know what to do when it comes time to clean up!
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