While frequently used wood-burning fireplaces require more maintenance, even gas-powered fireplaces should be cleaned regularly. Turn off the gas at the main valve and vacuum away dust and cobwebs from the firebox. Inspect the unit for any cracks or scorched areas and call a certified gas technician if you see problems. To thoroughly clean a wood-burning fireplace, follow the steps below. When you’re done, you’ll be ready to snuggle up around the fire.
How to Clean a Fireplace Firebox
After enjoying a fire during the season, the ashes will need to be removed to make room for the next session. Spring or summer is a good time for a thorough cleaning of the firebox so it is ready for the first chilly autumn evening. Method #1: Dishwashing Liquid, Salt, Vinegar, and Water
Fill a spray bottle with cool water and two buckets with one gallon of warm water each. To the first bucket, add two tablespoons of grease-cutting dishwashing liquid. To the second bucket, add one cup of distilled white vinegar.
Spray a small area of the firebox with water. Dip a stiff-bristled scrub brush in the soapy solution and sprinkle it with regular table salt. The abrasive salt will help loosen the soot.
Scrub the dampened area and use a sponge to wipe away the soot. Dip a second sponge in the vinegar solution and rinse the cleaned area. The vinegar helps cut through any remaining residue and reduces smoky odors.
Continue scrubbing, rinsing out the brush and sponges often, until the firebox is clean. If the fireplace is large, you may need to mix a second batch of fresh cleaning solutions.
Method #2: Dishwashing Liquid, Ammonia, Pumice, and Water If the dishwashing liquid and salt didn’t produce the desired results, ammonia is more effective in cutting through the soot. Ammonia fumes are very strong and can be dangerous, so make sure the room is well-ventilated and wear eye protection.
Fill a spray bottle with cool water and two buckets with one gallon of warm water each. To the first bucket, add two tablespoons grease-cutting dishwashing liquid and one-half cup of household ammonia. To the second bucket, add one cup of distilled white vinegar.
Spray a small area of the firebox with water. Dip a stiff-bristled scrub brush in the soapy solution and sprinkle it with finely-ground pumice, an abrasive, available at home improvement stores or online.
Follow the same scrubbing and rinsing steps listed above. Make sure the room is well-ventilated the entire time.
How to Clean Fireplace Doors
Glass fireplace doors can accumulate soot that should be removed regularly to prevent permanent discoloration. When you’re ready to clean the glass, also wipe down and inspect the door’s rubber gasket for cracking. The gasket can be replaced if needed.
When and How Often to Clean a Chimney
A clean chimney helps your fireplace burn more efficiently and helps prevent chimney fires caused by the accumulation of combustible creosote. The best time to clean a chimney is in the late spring or summer after the fire-burning season is over. If you wait until the first sign of cold weather, booking a chimney sweep is much more difficult. The National Fire Protection Association recommends a yearly inspection of the chimney and fireplace to check for “soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances.” The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends that the chimney be cleaned if there is 1/8-inch or more of creosote buildup lining the fireplace system. If you are a heavy fireplace user or see soot and creosote falling into the firebox, you may need to have the chimney inspected and cleaned more often. Burning artificial logs or green and unseasoned wood can also cause creosote to build up quickly.
