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Ash is effective for removal, and often killing of pathogens like cholera bacteria, from hands. It is widely and frequently used, by the poor in e.g. South Asia. Drying kin can also be a problem for some with many types of soap, particularly the cheap and local. Heavy metals is not the problem from kitchen ash. Ash hand washing is of both recommended and neglected by the same organisations.

https://www.humanitarianresponse.info/system/files/documents/files/120708%20What%20is%20AWD%20Cholera_ENG.pdf

https://www.unicef.org/wcaro/2009_2776.html

https://www.ajtmh.org/content/early/2014/04/24/ajtmh.13-0509.full.pdf

https://www.ircwash.org/resources/ash-neglected-low-cost-alternative-soap-hand-washing-and-disinfectant-relevant-ebola