How to Apply Fireplace Ashes to Furniture to Restore Wood

Put fireplace ash to good use. Use a small amount as fertilizer to boost the soil calcium and potassium for tomatoes. “This Old House” magazine also suggests sprinkling it on wet paint splatters and then scuffing to prevent stained cement. Mixed with water, fine fireplace ash makes an excellent nontoxic metal polish. Another housekeeping use for ashes -- including cigar or cigarette ash -- is as a mild abrasive in homemade furniture cleaning paste to remove surface moisture rings or marks on wood.

Mayonnaise (not salad dressing)
Fine fireplace ash
Soft cotton rags or cloths
Hair dryer
Furniture polish

Instructions

- 1
  Wipe the furniture surface dry as soon as you notice water or alcohol stains. Spills and condensation on protective finishes can leave permanent, milky white spots or rings. Restore the surface immediately because fresh moisture rings or stains are easiest to remove.
- 2
  Mix 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise with 1 tablespoon of fine fireplace ash for the classic “Hints from Heloise” recipe. The mayonnaise supplies oil to help penetrate the protective surface, and the fireplace ash is a mild abrasive.
- 3
  Apply the paste to the stain or ring with a damp rag. Rub it in gently with a rag or cloth, working in the same direction as the natural wood grain. Leave the mixture in place overnight.
- 4
  Wipe the surface clean with a damp cloth and then a dry cloth the following day.
- 5
  Repeat the process if stains aren’t gone. First heat the stained areas of the furniture surface with a hair dryer, moving the hair dryer continually to avoid applying too much heat to any spot.
- 6
  Re-apply the fireplace ash and mayonnaise mixture to the stain and gently work it in again -- going with the grain -- and apply heat with the hair dryer as you work.
- 7
  Wipe the fireplace ashes and mayonnaise with a dry cloth once stains are gone.
- 8
  Use a damp cloth to wipe the entire surface and then dry it with a clean cloth once all stains are gone.
- 9
  Apply furniture polish to feed and replenish the wood. Allow it to dry and then polish the surface until it shines.

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