Ash Wash
One day when Elysa was hanging out with us, I wondered out loud if there was any use for all the ash from a fireplace. She suggested we Google it.
Turns out, yes, there is. Or more accurately, there are.
Two that I clearly remember: An additive to soil for growing tomatoes, and as a cleanser for washing smoky glass fireplace doors.
Smoky doors, we got. This solution is so plain and simple that I don’t understand why it isn’t more widely known. There is no reason to use some manufactured chemical when such a natural resource is so handy and works so amazingly well.
How about a demonstration? I don’t mind if I do.
All I need is water, some newspaper, and ashes to quickly clean the doors for a crystal clear view of the main attraction of our winter nights. I wish all projects were as easy and rewarding as this.
In case it isn’t inherently obvious, this chore should be done before you start a fire, when the ashes and doors are absent of any heat from a fire.
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Relative Something 
Well, I never! How counter-intuitive is that! That said your glass didn’t look half as dirty as ours, but I will try it when I get a chance – our wood stove is under constant use these days.
Ian Rowcliffe
February 21, 2016 at 11:02 am
With heavily coated glass, you may need to give it a bit more elbow grease, but I think you will be amazed how effective the ash is as a safe cleanser. I look forward to hearing word of your results!
johnwhays
February 21, 2016 at 3:24 pm