Use Wood Ash as a Winter De-Icer
Posted by World Marketing of America on Jan 24th 2025
Keep Your Winter Walkways Safe with Wood Ash from Your Comfort Glow Stove
Winter is here, and with it comes icy sidewalks and driveways that can turn even the shortest walk into a treacherous journey. But did you know that the wood ash from your Comfort Glow Wood or Pellet Stove can be your secret eco-friendly solution for winter ice? That's right—that gray, powdery residue is more than just a byproduct of cozy nights by the fire. Here's how you can put it to good use as a natural, eco-friendly de-icer this season.
Why Use Wood Ash?
Wood ash contains tiny particles that provide traction on slippery surfaces, helping to prevent slips and falls. It’s also rich in potassium salts, which can help melt ice at moderate temperatures. Plus, using wood ash is a sustainable way to repurpose waste from your stove, making it a win-win for your safety and the environment.
How to Use Wood Ash as a De-Icer
- Collect the Ash: Wait until your stove has completely cooled before removing the ash. Use a metal ash bucket container with a tight-fitting lid to store it safely. Make sure no embers are still burning to avoid fire hazards.
- Apply Sparingly: Sprinkle a thin layer of ash on icy walkways, driveways, or stairs. A little goes a long way, so don’t overdo it unless you want to sweep up a mess later!
- Avoid Overuse: While wood ash is great for traction, it can create a bit of a dusty mess indoors if tracked in. Consider placing mats at entrances to minimize the spread.
Bonus Tips
- Keep It Dry: Store your wood ash in a dry place to prevent clumping, which makes it harder to spread.
- Mind the Plants: While wood ash is great for gardens in small amounts, too much can harm plants. Be mindful of where you spread it.
- Non-Toxic Alternative: Unlike chemical de-icers, wood ash won’t harm pets’ paws or damage concrete surfaces.
- Use Gloves, Eye Protection, & Dusk Mask: Wood ashes are alkaline, so be safe when handling them and be sure to use gloves, eye protection, & a dusk mask to protect yourself as you spread these fine ashes.
Explore Our Wood and Pellet Stoves
Looking to stay warm this winter while enjoying all the benefits of a high-quality stove? Comfort Glow offers a wide range of Wood Stoves and Pellet Stoves to meet your heating needs. You can find our products on Amazon, eBay, Wayfair, and our own Comfort Home Products website. Choose the perfect stove to keep your home cozy and create the wood ash you can repurpose as an eco-friendly de-icer!
A Cozy Solution for a Slippery Problem
Your Comfort Glow Wood or Pellet Stove is already a trusted companion for keeping your home warm, but now it can help keep your outdoor spaces safe too. So next time you clean out your stove, don’t toss that wood ash—turn it into your winter de-icing solution. Stay warm, stay safe, and let wood ash work its winter magic!