Maintaining the condition of your fireplace or wood-burning stove isn’t the most desirable chore, but it is necessary to ensure both safe and effective operation, as well as its visual appeal.
Our guide outlines what can be done by yourself and when you should seek the help of a professional.
Getting Started
Taking the time to ensure that the area is completely cooled off after a fire is the first essential step in the cleanup process. This is due to the fact that some components may remain hot long after the fire has been extinguished. To protect the floor from dirt and debris, consider placing dust sheets, as no matter how careful you are, some ash may be stirred up that can cause discolouration on the carpet.
Cleaning a Fireplace
Removable metal components, like the grate and fret, of a fireplace can be easily cleaned with some soapy water in the kitchen. To prevent moisture from getting inside the firebox, it is advised to start cleaning while the firebox is dry. Use a handheld scraper of a fireplace shovel to scrape and remove the ashes from the firebox compartment and flue. Once the ashes and debris have been swept up, the metal parts can be returned to the fireplace.
Cleaning a Wood Burner
The main firebox of a wood burner generally includes a fixed girl as its base, which collects the ash into a removable tray. It is imperative to carefully extract this tray, particularly if it is packed full, and take caution if it’s still warm.
Pouring the ash into a plastic rubbish bin may lead to a fire, and for the most ecological and secure approach, the ashes should be moved to an outdoor compost heap. A metal bucket is the next best option, and when the ashes have cooled, can be disposed of in the green waste container. Before the empty tray is put back, make sure to utilise a dustpan and brush or vacuum to sweep out the main compartment of the burner and surrounding area.
Cleaning Wood Burner Glass
Nothing makes a wood burner look worse than the black stains on the glass door. This tar build-up is often the result of burning low-quality logs with high moisture and sap content. If neglected, the discolouration of the glass worsens, eventually hindering your view of the logs burning away to embers.
If the staining isn’t too bad, a simple remedy of crumpled wet newspaper dipped in some ash residue and rubbed on the glass in a circular motion should do the trick. This mixture of ash and paper serves as a mild abrasive, surprising you with its effectiveness.
For tougher spots, you may want to try a commercial oven cleaner. Bear in mind, these products usually contain powerful chemicals, so it is best to strictly adhere to the instructions on the package. Spray the product onto the glass, wait a few minutes, then wipe with a sponge. Avoid using anything abrasive, like a metal scourer or a razor blade, as it will leave behind scratches that collect dirt.
Use Kiln Dried Quality Logs
The most effective way to reduce the need for cleaning is to burn hardwood logs that have been kiln dried. This way you will be left with a fine powdery ash that is much simpler to discard than the gummy soot and tar created by burning damp or poor quality wood.
Contact us to get the best quality hardwood and softwood logs today.
