Dusty ashes/wood stove

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Need some experienced help here, guys. We are attempting to heat the majority of our home this winter with a wood fireplace insert with mixed results. We will need to add a stove to the basement because of our tri level house. We have experienced 1 MAJOR problem--keeping the ash/dust level down. As we empty the ash/coals as needed, we lose a lot to the air which comes down as a coating of dust everywhere. Needless to say, my cleanliness-minded wife sees this as NOT a good thing. Outside of making sure the blower is turned off and sweeping the sill after cleaning, are there any other tricks that will help us. Usually we are emptying hot coals, and not a dead ash pile. Thanks!

-- Jim (jedeweese@earthlink.net), January 10, 2002

Answers

nope,, whenever you take the ashes out of the firebox,,some will dissperse thru the air,, how about waiting till its completey cool, ,then vacuum it out?

-- Stan (sopal@net-port.com), January 10, 2002.

Wait till cool, then spray lightly with some water before shoveling it into a container with lid. Unless you're using a real good vacuum, you're still going to get it in the air vacuuming anyway.

-- GT (nospam@nospam.com), January 10, 2002.

It is important to be calm and not in a hurry when you empty ahes. Also, take small scoops put the scoop at the bottom before the ashes slide off. Then when you carry the bucket from the house, fold a newspaper over the top to stop any flying out as you walk. I think if you try this you will find a lot less mess. Of course if you shovel hot ashes the newspaper will need rethinking. :)

-- Sarrah (CA North In the Cascades) (olefashion@hotmail.com), January 10, 2002.

We always wet our ashes down, too. Above suggestions are all good.

-- Buddy (Buddybud@csranet.com), January 10, 2002.

Have her do it once and see how she keeps 'em down, then do that. She may also see it isn't so easy.

-- Laura (lauramleek@yahoo.com), January 10, 2002.


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