The Top Five Uses For Wood Ash

Jess Hill 22nd February 2019 No Comments Blog, Fire Expert

What are the best uses for wood ash?

Before using wood ash for anything there is something to bear in mind. Only use ashes from wood that is free of chemicals, no pressure treated wood, painted or stained wood, charcoal briquettes, or commercial products like slow burning wood logs. why no checkout our blog on what wood you should use on your wood stove.

wood ash However, if you are using Firemizer this makes the ash finer and there are less unburnt log chunks leftover as the fire burns hotter for longer. Accompanied by Firebuilder a firelighter and kindling in one, this has no chemicals or odours as it’s made from 100% recycled cardboard.

If you’re using these then the wood ash is perfectly safe to use once your fire is out!

Make sure the ash is completely cool before touching it, buried embers can remain hot for days. To store ash safely place them into a metal container with a lid and place on a non-combustible surface such as dirt or concrete.

Never combine wood ash with nitrogen fertilisers it will produce ammonia gas.

Compost

Wood ash added to the compost will help boost potassium levels, a key nutrient for flowering and fruiting. Only add wood ash to compost in moderation, since the ash is alkaline too much can raise the pH that may damage your plants.

Melt ice

Wood ash is an environmentally safe way to melt ice and snow. Since the ash contains potassium carbonate, a type of salt that is more eco-friendly it can help break up ice and melt snow when scatted on roads.

Make soap

When ash from hardwoods, for instance, oak and maple, are boiled in soft water it creates lye and when this is mixed with animal fats or vegetable oils it creates a soft soap. A little salt added creates a firmer bar of soap.

Block garden pests

A sprinkle of wood ash around plants or along the perimeter of the plot will be a major turn off for the slimy creepy crawlies, for instance, slugs and snails.

Shine silver and polish glass

Wood ash can be used to polish tarnished silverware, dull metals and cloud glass since it is mildly abrasive. All you need is to take a cup of ashes and a small amount of water to make a thick paste. Then off you go, you’ll have the silverware shining in no time!

Firemizers Valentine’s Love Facts

Jess Hill 14th February 2019 No Comments Blog

Happy valentine’s day folks!

Roses are red violets are blue I want to sit by the fire with you!

If you’re missing or remising over old flames or celebrating with new flames or even if you’re a fire that can’t be tamed. I hope you’re enjoying this valentine’s day however you are celebrating, even if at all.

To get you in the mood, here are some interesting facts to relight your fire about love!

hedgehog

We aren’t the only species that finds someone for life! Many animals like wolves, swans and even termites have one partner for life.

It only takes 4 minutes to decide whether you like someone or not. Your body language, tone and speed of your voice are the deciding factors to a good first impression

Falling in love has similar brain effects to those of cocaine. Both trigger a similar sense of euphoria and studies have shown that falling in love produces several chemicals that stimulate 12 areas of the brain at the same time. Love can be addictive.

Cuddling releases natural painkillers. Oxytocin is produced during an embrace, a dose of oxytocin decreases headaches significantly for some and can make the pain go away completely.

Broken heart syndrome is caused by an intense and traumatizing event such as a break-up, the loss of a loved one, physical separation or betrayal. These can cause real physical pain in the heart. Emotional stress triggers the brain to distribute certain chemicals that weaken the heart leading to strong chest pains and shortness of breath.

Butterflies in your stomach are real, its caused by adrenaline which floods your body during a fight or flight response situations.

A 75-year long study, conducted by a group of Harvard researchers, showed that love is all you need. The participants’ life experiences revealed that happiness and life fulfilment revolved around love or simply searching for love.

To see more love facts click here!

This might sound cheesy, but being by the fire with you would be grate. With Firemizer, you can enjoy the fire and cuddle for longer! ( Psst! it’s only £14.99 for valentines day!)

Roses are red violets are blue I hope that you come back soon!

Firemizer’s 2018 Round Up

Jess Hill 8th February 2019 No Comments Uncategorised

Firemizer had a great year in 2018 and since we still can’t quite believe it’s 2019 let’s hold on to 2018 a bit longer and look back at some quite big and crazy events for the year.

‘In looking back, I see nothing to regret and little to correct.’

John C. Calhoun

Meghan Markle married Prince Harry and became the U.K.’s first black princess
Serena Williams made an epic return at the French Open in a fierce black catsuit.
Ireland ended its abortion ban, thanks to the thousands of people who flew home to vote on the referendum.
Doctors Grew a New Ear in a Soldier’s Arm
13-Year-Old Wakes Up After Being Declared Brain Dead

It’s time to turn back time and see what 2018 bought Firemizer

The new website

Jumping straight into January the new website was launched! All shiny and new, perfect and easy for you to use and get all the info you need on all things Firemizer.

Dragons Den

Filming for the TV show went underway in May, a nerve-wracking experience. Maybe you saw us on tv? We’ve had lots of lovely enquires from you and Thanks to everyone that’s bought a Firemizer so far!

Burn baby burn!

You may be surprised that Firemizer did well this summer, the scorching heat didn’t burn us out! Apparently didn’t stop you from buying Firemizer. Hopefully, you all enjoyed a good BBQ, fingers crossed this summer is perfect BBQ weather.

New hire

Towards the end of June, we hired a new intern. Ever wondered who writes these posts? It’s me! I help design marketing materials and run all the socials, so don’t be a stranger!

Countryfile live

Last year we trekked down to BBC’s Countryfile live! Stood in a black gazebo for 4 days in the burning heat, not the best of ideas. However, it was lovely to speak to people, walk the event, see all the dogs and eat some yummy food! Here’s the blog about our experience of the event!

winter is coming!

As they say a hot summer therefore this means a cold winter! So, we launched our winter pack and hosted a lovely Christmas competition to celebrate.

Not bad roundup for 2018 and who knows what the rest of 2019 will bring! Don’t waste the year away as we’ll be saying Merry Christmas and a happy new year soon enough!

How fire safe are you?

Jess Hill 1st February 2019 No Comments Uncategorised

What are the different types of fire?

Fires can be separated into 5 different categories depending on the type of fuel. Consequently, for your safety, it is advised to keep a fire extinguisher in your home. Better to be safe than sorry!

As a result, to make sure you have the correct extinguisher look at the 5 fire categories below and decide which rooms you may need an extinguisher.

Getting started with fire extinguishers

Keep at least one extinguisher on each level of your house. Fire extinguishers should be kept in areas where fires are more likely to start, for example in the kitchen and garage.

The five classes of fire extinguishers are – A, B, C, D and F – and each class can put out a different type of fire.

Class A/ water-based or foam

extinguishers will put out fires from ordinary combustibles such as wood and paper

Class B/ foam

these are for use on flammable liquids like grease, gasoline and oil

Class C/ dry powder

extinguishers are suitable for use only on electrically energized fires

Class D/ specific dry powder

these are designed for use on flammable metals

Class F

extinguishers are designed for cooking oil fires

How to use your fire extinguisher

Most Fire extinguishers use the P.A.S.S. technique, therefore making them easy to use.

- - - - P. Pull the pin on the fire extinguisher in order to break the tamper seal.
        A. Aim the fire extinguisher low, with the nozzle pointed at the base of the fire.
        S. Squeeze the handle of the fire extinguisher to release the extinguishing agent.
        S. Sweep the nozzle from side to side while pointed at the base of the fire until it is extinguished.
        If the fire re-ignites, repeat the last 3 steps.

How to treat a minor burn

There are three types of burns: first, second and third-degree. Each is based on the severity of damage to the skin. First-degree is the most minor and third-degree is the most severe.

Do not apply ice to burn or use cotton wool as small fibres can stick.

Treatments for a first-degree burn include:

- - - - soak the wound in cool water for five minutes or longer
        take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain relief
        apply lidocaine (anaesthetic) with Aloe Vera gel or cream to soothe the skin
        use an antibiotic ointment and loose gauze to protect the affected area

While fire can be fun and relaxing it is also best to take caution when doing anything that involves fire.

In addition, Firemizer reduces creosote by 57% which is a highly flammable resin that sticks to your flue which will reduce the risk of flue fires.

Reference

http://www.eurofireprotection.com/blog/the-fire-classification-system-in-the-uk/

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/burns-and-scalds/

What is Your Carbon Footprint?

Jess Hill 25th January 2019 No Comments Blog

Carbon Footprint is the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of the activities of a particular individual, organization, or community.

‘We only have 12 years to save the planet!’

With headlines like this, it is time to start thinking about our own carbon footprint and what we can do to help! Since its big energy saving week, why not look at changing to a cleaner energy provider. The big clean switch runs clean energy switches where you can find the best deal. This might be cheaper for you so what’s to lose?

what is Clean energy?

Clean energy comes from the earth’s natural resources (sunlight, wind, waves and tides). There are two advantages for clean energy, it will never run out and it doesn’t pollute the environment or cause us harm, unlike oil, coal and gas. It’s versatile, abundant and perfect for the UK. We have the best access to the cleanest energy, wind and tidal resources meet our energy needs.

Clean energy meets around a quarter of electricity demands in the UK.

How to change your carbon footprint

Reduce Waste!

Did you know that wasted food in the UK represents 14 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions! Everything you can do to avoid sending unwanted waste to landfill will benefit the environment. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle!

Support Clean Energy!

Make sure water and energy ratings are as efficient as possible on products. The world can have renewable energy by 2050. Buy showing that you want clean you can help increase demand.

Travel Smart!

You don’t need to walk everywhere, maybe cycle or car share. if you do need a car look for low emissions or invest in a hybrid or electric car

Realistically the changes that need to be made won’t happen overnight. But more people that are aware the better chances we have of reducing our carbon footprint and the effect of climate change and air pollution.

We aim at Firemizer to do all we can help the environment. Our research team are currently in the process of calculating and publishing our carbon footprint and to improve it for the future.

We are proud to say that Firemizer can help reduce harmful emissions by 72%. There’s no downside to that!

To find out your carbon footprint use the calculator at WWF

Unusual ways to use your fireplace

Jess Hill 18th January 2019 No Comments Uncategorised

Fantastic, Funky, Fresh. Fireplaces!

You’re probably thinking fireplaces only have one job and that’s for warming and relaxing fires, well you are in for a surprise. There are numerous ways to use your fireplace and here are some of them.

Release your inner bookworm

This is the perfect way to show off your inner bookworm, book storage is always tricky, and this quirky storage option is great!

Hang art

Not into books? Well, art is a perfect fit to spruce up the fireplace. Pick a favourite art print or multiple and go to town!

Convert into a wine rack

This is a wine lovers dream! Show off your favourite wines and knowledge by displaying them proudly!

Light it up

Set the mood with some candles, big, small, scented or unscented, whatever your choice this is great for a cosy night in!

Add tiles

Want to add some colour to the room? then why not try tiles, they’re a great way to add bits of colour without going too overboard.

Green thumb?

Why not try adding plants to your fireplace. Real or fake plants would work perfectly and create a lovely effect in your home.

Oldies but goldies

Use your fireplace space to display antiques or quirky decorative items. The perfect way to revamp a room and show your unique personality

Stack logs

Great way to use as storage, you may have other appliances that need wood or it’s still perfect for decorative use.

Paint it white

Update the old brick with some nice paint and boom instant mood booster, perfect for a springtime vibe.

For the families

If you’ve got kids or plan to in the future these are some great way to change up a fireplace, so it is child-friendly

Get creative with chalk art or use the fireplace as new storage for all the cuddly toys or go to town and paint the whole fireplace pink!

Need any more fireplace inspiration? Check out our Pinterest page for more!

What can I do to help the environment?

Jess Hill 11th January 2019 No Comments News

Helping the environment is a big deal for us, you’d know if you’ve read our previous post on our 2019 resolutions!

You have most likely heard people talking about reducing their dairy and meat consumption. Maybe you’re sick of hearing about vegans. But stick around for a little longer and you might learn something new!

What is veganuary?

Veganuary is a stepping stone into veganism. In brief, you’ll pledge to be vegan for the whole of January. No meat, no dairy, no fish!

Why do it?

For the most part, people go vegan for the ethical impact meat consumption has on animals and the environment. Some want to feel better about themselves and others want a challenge.

The facts and figures

Becoming vegan or reducing your consumption a small amount can have a huge impact.

For example, you’ll save water[1]. The production and transport of food require lots of water. Products that don’t use livestock require less water.

A Loaf bread = 600 litres
An apple = 70 litres.

You’ll protect nature

Animal agriculture requires a large amount of land to rear animals and to produce food to feed them. 30% of the earth’s surface is used to graze and rear animals. A big issue is palm oil. It’s used to make a whole range of cosmetics, detergents and food products including margarine and ice cream. The demand for palm oil is high therefore has detrimental effects on wildlife and forests.[2]

Reduce your greenhouse gas emissions

Air pollutants are generated through clearing land and growing crops for animals and transport. Scientists at Cornell University found that to produce one calorie of food energy from beef requires 40 calories of fossil fuel energy. In comparison, one calorie of human-edible grain takes 2.2 calories of fossil fuel energy.

Your diet can greatly impact the emissions into the environment which then leads to an impact on our health.

You’ll reduce pollution

The biggest threat to water pollution is from agriculture. Many coastal dead zones populate the UK due to fertiliser, manure and sewage pollution. This causes algal blooms. These decompose and oxygen is sucked out of the water leaving fewer species able to survive.

Eating vegan and you don’t know it

Cutting down on your consumption of certain foods isn’t always bad. For instance, these are just some foods that are accidentally vegan that you’re probably already eating!

Doritos: Chilli Heatwave and Lightly Salted
Oreos: Original
Fox’s: Dark Chocolate Chunkie Cookies, Party Rings
Co-op Jam, and custard doughnuts
Bird’s Custard(when made with plant milk)
Walkers Crisps: Ready Salted, Salt and Vinegar, Pickled Onion, Prawn Cocktail, Worcester Sauce, Crinkles Simply Sea Salted, Chipsticks Salt ‘n’ Vinegar Flavour, Sensations Lime & Coriander Chutney Poppadoms, Sensations Balsamic Vinegar & Caramalised Onion, Sunbites Sweet Chilli, Sunbites Original, Sausage and Brown Sauce
Pringles: Original, Paprika, BBQ and Smokey Bacon
Mr Kipling: Treacle Tart, Jam Tarts, Apple and Blackcurrant Pies[3]

In a lifetime, each of us will eat more than 7,000 animals! It’s not about trying to change your whole lifestyle straight away. Small changes can make a big difference for you and the environment!

In short, realistically it would be hard to cut out everything and go cold turkey. However, why not try meat-free Mondays? Or switching up your milk in your coffee (coconut milk is my favourite).

Referances

[1] https://waterfootprint.org/media/downloads/Report49-WaterFootprintSoy.pdf

[2] https://veganuary.com/why/environment/youll-protect-nature/

[3] https://veganuary.com/starter-kit/accidentally-vegan-products-uk/

New’s Year Resolutions

Jess Hill 4th January 2019 No Comments Blog

Happy New Year!

Hopefully, the January blues haven’t gotten to you just yet and you’re almost fully recovered from the holidays!

2019 is the year of the pig and upon doing some research the pig represents;

sleeping and eating
no plan to harm others
can bring affluence to people
has been regarded as wealthy

If 2019 brings lots of sleeping and eating, this will be a very good year!

Historically (around 4000 years ago to be precise) resolutions were made as promises to the gods. While today majority make resolutions to focus on self-improvement. Sometimes they usually are unobtainable goals that make resolutions seem so hard to follow through on. Additionally, this may explain why many of us dislike making them.

However, the first blog of the year has to feature some mention of new year’s resolutions. You’re probably sick and tired of hearing ‘new year new me’ and the barrels of people who are going to start the gym. If you’re firmly against resolutions, generally speaking, they can be useful. The firemizer team would like to share some of ours. Maybe it’ll spark something in you to make a change!

Bring more attention and awareness to air pollution

Since the public have become more aware of plastic pollution and are making small changes to lessen plastic consumption. The next step is air pollution. The government released a clean air act initiative. We believe that firemizer can be the solution and this year we want to spread more awareness. If pollution carries on, in a few years’ time we could be all wearing designer gas masks!

Continue to be 100% recyclable

As a business, is it highly important for us to continue to be 100% recyclable and to highlight areas we need to work the coming year. Currently, firemizer is 100% recyclable, the packaging, the product and now the postal envelopes.

Be a mindful, transparent and an environmental business as possible

In anything we do we aim to do our best, be honest and be as human as possible. Any questions or queries we will answer in the best honest way we can, without using complicated jargon.

Always keeping the environment in mind when developing new things.

when creating new products or ideas we aim to think of the best way that will benefit the environment rather than harm. So you can trust you’re shopping ethically.

That’s our resolutions, what are yours? You’ve got the whole year save for that holiday, run a 5k, be more environmental or just make your bed every day!

We keep making resolutions every year so why stop now!

Fun and Festive Family Activities

firemizer_admin 21st December 2018 No Comments Uncategorised

Family

Christmas is getting ever nearer, and things might be feeling chaotic. However it’s never a bad time to pause and enjoy the people around you. Christmas is a time for celebrating time with family and friends after all. When you get a break from working, shopping or catching up on sleep, try some of these fun family activities!

Festive Baking

Baking is a great way to get everyone involved. It might create a bit of a mess, but it will also create some lovely sweet treats. Gingerbread men, Christmas pudding, trifles, fudge, and chocolate cake – the list goes on. The Food Network has got 101 great recipe ideas for you and the family to get stuck into here.

Christmas Films

Something more relaxing (and requires a lot less tidying up) would be to gather the family and watch a movie! Everyone could choose their favourite festive film, and pitch why theirs should be watched. Or, take turns and watch one every few days or each week leading up to the big day. Everybody has his or her own opinion when it comes to the best Christmas film ever. To make it easier, here’s Rotten Tomatoes list of the 25 best Christmas films ever.

Get Festive with Firemizer and Firebuilder

To add that extra bit of festivity, cosy up by the fire with a Firemizer. It helps your solid fuel last over a third longer without emitting any harmful air pollutants or creosote. If you need to get your fire started, there’s nothing better than a Firebuilder. Simply break one of the corrugated-cardboard bricks in half, light the corners and watch your fire go. No need for kindling or lighter fluid!

Decorating the House

If you read our post last week’s about DIY decorations, you might find time this week to put them up! Like baking, this is a simple activity that everyone can get involved with – get all hands on deck. Hang the tinsel, frost the windows, get the lights plugged in and fancy up the tree. Christmas is rapidly approaching, so before the big rush begins, get everyone helping and have the house party-ready!

DIY Christmas Presents and Decorations!

firemizer_admin 18th December 2018 No Comments Uncategorised

December

It’s the last month of the year, but though we should be winding down, December is the busiest of all! If you’re organised, you might already have the Christmas decorations up and the presents already bought. If, like most people, you simply haven’t had time, fear not – we’re here to give you some simple DIY tips.

Decorations

Dust off the decoration box and get the tinsel and baubles at the ready; it’s time to get festive! We all have decorations acquired over the years, some we’ve become attached to, but you can always find new additions. Instead of spending valuable present money, why not try your hand at making your own? These can range from frosty window décor, to hand-painted baubles, to a lovely wreath for the front door. Or, what could be better than personalised stockings to hang above the fire? Check out these great DIY decorations here. And, if you’re struggling to get the fire beneath roaring, why not try a Firebuilder? One box can start you 10 perfect fires, without the need for kindling or any chemicals!

Presents

If you’re stuck for presents to buy for the person who has everything, why not make something yourself? It’s an easy way to guarantee no doubles on Christmas day, and it’s something they can cherish forever. Family picture key chains, hand-painted coffee mugs, wood-carved wine and beer carriers – the list is endless. Dodoburd have you covered with 65 amazing ideas here.

Once the big day arrives, you’ll want to get the fire going to keep the home nice and cosy all day. This means no running to grab extra wood from the store, so throw a Firemizer underneath your solid fuel to keep it burning 38% longer. Air pollutants are reduced by 72%, and creosote in the chimney is reduced by 52%. This means an easier journey for Santa down the chimney too!

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