Wood as fuel is relatively cheap and it is no surprise that more and more people are choosing a fireplace as heating for the cold months. The crackling of the fire, the smell of the burning wood and the dancing flames - a fireplace simply has something magical in it and always ensures a comfortable and extremely cozy atmosphere in your own four walls. But so that it can heat the entire house and extend its lifespan, we should also know how to clean and care for the fireplace. In addition to the glass pane, the exhaust pipes, as well as the body and the interior, also need to be cleaned regularly. But how do you do that correctly? How often should you clean the fireplace and what should you pay attention to? To ensure that your fireplace stays clean, we have looked around for you and found the best tipsCleaning and carecompiled.
Before you start with theCleaning the fireplace stoveTo get started, there are some safety tips that you should definitely keep in mind. This is the only way you can avoid possible injuries and save a lot of time and stress.
- First you need to let the stove cool down completely.
- To avoid burning yourself, always wear gloves when scooping out the ashes. Remember that embers buried in the ashes will remain hot long after the fire goes out.
- Always put the ashes in a metal container and take it outside immediately after cleaning.
- Develop a regular cleaning pattern and remember that you should clean the stove more often in winter than in spring and summer.
- Try to only burn dry wood and avoid the temptation to put paper or wrappings in the fireplace.
How often should I clean the fireplace?
How often should I clean the fireplace? All fireplace owners have probably asked themselves this question at least once. Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer and the timing of cleaning depends primarily on how much you use the fireplace. If you use it as your primary heating source, you will obviously need to clean the stove more often. And here is a brief overview of what and when should be cleaned.
- Combustion chamber and ash panMust be cleaned and emptied every 3-5 days in winter if used regularly.
- Forthe insulationUsually once a week is enough.
- The smoke pipemust be thoroughly cleaned at least once a year.
- The external claddingCleaned once a week a week as needed.
Clean the stove window
If you want to watch and enjoy the fire in peace and quiet, you should go firstClean the window on the stove. After all, we constantly keep an eye on it and don't want it to be totally dirty and dirty. In addition, deposited soot is difficult to completely remove and in some cases even needs to be replaced. To avoid this and save money in the long run, it is recommended to clean the stove window regularly. For heavy dirt, it is best to use a special fireplace glass cleaner and let it work for a few minutes. Then wipe with a clean, dry cloth and the window will be crystal clear again.
Also read:Clean the inside of your fireplace in just 4 easy steps!
Clean the fireplace body
When we clean the stove, we also need to keep the body intact and clean. Since it is usually coated with a special heat-resistant varnish, you should avoid using alcohol-based cleaning agents. As a rule, the fireplace body can be cleaned easily and simply with soapy water and a damp cloth. Household sponges with a rough side, on the other hand, are sufficient to remove stubborn stains. However, the sponge should not be too wet, otherwise rust can occur.
Clean soapstone fireplace
Are you wondering how to clean your soapstone fireplace? Althoughthe soft natural materialAlthough it is fairly easy to care for, there are still a few things to consider. The easiest way to remove dust and soot is with a hand brush. Before you start cleaning, you should make sure that the soapstone has cooled down. Then wipe the stone with a gentle microfiber cloth and a little soapy water and finally dry it with a clean cotton cloth. To avoid possible color differences, make sure you clean the entire stone. You should always remove heavy soot or dirt stains as quickly as possible. To do this, rub the entire surface with the rough side of a sponge and then wipe the soapstone with a damp cloth.
Clean the firebox in the fireplace
Logically, we also have to clean the fire cream in the fireplace, because after all, that's where the most soot is produced. In fact, it builds up more and more after each use and can hardly be removed if care is not taken regularly. The easiest and most effective way to scrape off the smell is with a shoe hook. Before you remove the ashes from the stove, you should make sure that it has cooled down completely. Empty the ash compartment into a metal bucket, wearing gloves to be on the safe side. If your fireplace does not have an ash compartment, you can vacuum up the soot particles with a special ash vacuum.
Clean the stovepipe
If you want to clean the fireplace, you should definitely not neglect the stove pipe. Regular maintenance of the stove pipe ensures that the smoke escapes optimally. If this is blocked for some reason, the fire cannot receive enough oxygen and will suffocate. Fortunately, the stovepipe on most stoves can be easily removed and then cleaned with a suitable brush. If you are doing this for the first time, it would be helpful to get someone with experience to help you. This means you can clean the tube one by one and then reassemble it. In order to reduce soot formation in the future, make sure that the parts are sealed as airtight as possible when growing.
