Do you hate cleaning your pellet stove? It's one of those necessary tasks that you hate doing as a pellet stove owner. However, to ensure that your oven works as efficiently and effectively as possible, it is important to keep it clean. The good news is that it is entirely possible to reduce the time required to 20-30 minutes per month if you have the right tools for the task. We'll show you how to clean your pellet stove below!
Cleaning a pellet stove: What needs to be taken into account?
Here we explain all the details that need to be taken into account when cleaning your pellet stove. We will inform you about all the necessary tools and give you somehelpful tips and tricksfor better results. You will find out how often you need to clean the pellet stove. Of course, step-by-step cleaning instructions also follow.
The right light is a must
While it may seem obvious, a flashlight that you can wear on your head or attach to the side of the oven is a must. Without the right light, it is impossible to see all the nooks and crannies where the ashes are hiding. The headlamp allows you to use your hands for other tasks.
Use a sturdy brush
Another essential tool is a good, stiff brush. You can use a nylon brush to sweep the ash from your heat exchanger and from the walls of the furnace itself. Don't try to use a cheap, flimsy brush. You need a sturdy brush that can withstand the rigors of regular cleaning.
Use a metal scraper
You should already own a good metal scraper. If you don't have one, you can buy it from several places online. Use the scraper to clean the burner pot and remove creosote deposits that are difficult to remove with the brush.
Don't forget the dust protection
Dust protection is also important. Wear gloves and a dust mask when cleaning your pellet stove. The ash has a very aggressive effect on the skin and is difficult to remove. Wearing gloves can save you the hassle of washing your hands. Since cleaning the pellet stove can create a huge cloud of dust, wear a mask to protect your lungs. Why would you risk breathing in all that dirty air?
Learn these effective tricks
You can use a great trick that will prevent dust from entering the house while cleaning. Some models have a setting that allows you to turn on the exhaust fan while cleaning the oven. This means that all dust is sucked out through the exhaust pipe and prevents the ash dust from spreading throughout the house. If your model overthis functionThis should always be the first step in the cleaning process.
Another great trick to minimize dust in the home is to use a vacuum cleaner with special high-efficiency dust bags. Regular vacuum bags and filters can't filter the tiny ash particles nearly as well as these high-efficiency bags designed to capture fine dust. So, don't make the mistake of using a regular bag only to find that you've kicked up dust all over the house while cleaning the pellet stove.
When it comes to the pellet stove, your best friend is stillthe pellet fuel. High-quality wood pellets contain so much less ash that you can save yourself many, many hours of cleaning work each season. Heating with pellets means a lot of work. By spending a little more money on a higher quality fuel, you can reduce the amount of time spent cleaning.
How often to clean the pellet stove
So that you can get yoursMake the most of your wood pellet stoveYou should carry out the cleaning work, preferably weekly if you use it frequently. The frequency of cleaning also depends on the type and quantity of pellets you use.
Cleaning steps
- When your pellet stove has cooled, open the front door of the stove. Using a vacuum cleaner - this can be a regular vacuum cleaner or better an “ash vacuum” - open the ash pan around the fire pit and the wide ledge and remove the ashes. Although the ovens have a self-cleaning glass panel, soot can accumulate over time. To clean the glass, simply wipe off the soot with a damp cloth to make the glass clear again.
- About the efficiencyyour pellet stoveTo maximize performance, the heat exchanger tubes should be cleaned regularly; in the winter months we recommend monthly cleaning.
- When the oven has cooled, open the door, remove the flame shield, and slide the tube brush in and out of the tubes. This step ensures that heat is transferred efficiently from the stove to the room and that no heat is lost through the chimney.
- Insert the vacuum into the fire pit as before to ensure the ashes are removed.
- Always make sure the pellet stove has cooled completely before cleaning it. With proper maintenance and care, the pellet stove will provide heat for your home for many years!
