Ashes

You normally wouldn't think of using dirty wood ashes to clean glass fireplace doors, but it works. Mix some ashes with a bit of water, and apply them with a damp cloth, sponge, or paper towel, or simply dip a wet sponge into the ashes. Rub the mixture over the doors' surfaces. Rinse with a wet paper towel or sponge, then dry with a clean cloth. The results will amaze you, but remember -- wood ash was a key ingredient in old-fashioned lye soap.

Pro ball players often wear that black stuff under their eyes to cut down glare from the sun or bright stadium lights. If you're troubled by sun glare while driving or hiking, you may want to try it too. Just put a drop or two of baby oil on your finger, dip it in some wood ashes, and apply under your eyes.

Wood ashes have a high alkaline content and trace amounts of calcium and potassium, which encourage blooms. If your soil tends to be acidic, sprinkle the ashes in spring around alkaline-loving plants such as clematis, hydrangea, lilac, and roses (but avoid acid-lovers like rhododendrons, blueberries, and azaleas). Avoid using ashes from easy-to-ignite, pre-formed logs, which may contain chemicals harmful to plants. And be sparing when adding ashes to your compost pile; they can counteract the benefits of manure and other high-nitrogen materials.

Scatter a border of ashes around your garden to deter cutworms, slugs, and snails -- it sticks to their bodies and draws moisture out of them. Also sprinkle small amounts of ashes over garden plants to manage infestations of soft-bodied insects. Wear eye protection and gloves; getting ashes in your eyes can be quite painful.

Restore the shine to your pewter by cleaning it with cigarette ashes. Dip a dampened piece of cheesecloth into the ashes and rub it well over the item. It will turn darker at first, but the shine will come out after a good rinsing.

Use cigar and or cigarette ashes to remove those white rings left on your wooden furniture by wet glasses or hot cups. Mix the ashes with a few drops of water to make a paste, and rub lightly over the mark to remove it. Then shine it with your favorite furniture polish.