The cozy fireplace is one of the highlights of winter! But it can be very frustrating when a black pane blocks the view of the flames and glowing logs. Luckily, you can use a few home remedies to clean the black fireplace window and easily remove the soot.
Sure, it's important to keep your fireplace in safe, working condition during the winter, but it's just as important to keep it looking clean, too. Fire keeps us warm at home, but you can't fully enjoy it when the glass door is covered in soot and debris. However, cleaning the fireplace screen is much easier than you think and here's how to get the job done right.
Cleaning a black fireplace window: Simple methods and effective home remedies
A fireplace in the living room can increase the elegance of the house and its overall value. However, in order to create a welcoming atmosphere, it is important that it is cared for properly. Just like an oven, it is necessary to clean the chimney regularly so that thorough cleaning later does not require too much effort. However, stubborn, black soot stains that have burned into the glass are very difficult to remove. Luckily, there are some effective methods that can make cleaning seem like a breeze.
Clean a sooty fireplace screen with vinegar
An important note when cleaning fireplace glass is that you should first make sure that the glass has cooled completely. If you have recently used the fireplace, it is best to wait 6 to 8 hours before starting.
A simple and inexpensive home remedy that is suitable for effectively cleaning burnt-in fireplace glass is vinegar.
To test its effectiveness, mix 1 part white vinegar and 3 parts warm water and dip a cloth into the vinegar solution. Use it to scrub the fireplace glass until all residue is removed. If you need to remove a thicker layer of dirt, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the solution for better results.
Then wipe the glass with a clean, wet microfiber cloth and then dry it with a paper towel.
Remove soot with vinegar and baking soda
If you want to increase the effectiveness of vinegar, you can add a small amount of baking soda to it. Make a paste that will loosen and remove stubborn soot stains.
Then apply the paste to the glass door and scrub with a piece of old newspaper in a circular motion until the soot stain is completely removed.
Once most of the dirt is removed, repeat the process using only vinegar and old newspaper. Finally, dry the glass with a microfiber cloth or paper towel.
Also read:Clean the inside of your fireplace in just 4 easy steps!
Clean black fireplace window with newspaper and ashes
For the next method you will needsome ashes from your fireplace, newspaper and water.
Crumple the newspaper, moisten it slightly and dip it in the ashes. Then rub the inside of the glass in a circular motion to work the ash into the glass and remove the stains. Remember that this requires a little more force than cleaning windows or an oven door. If the newspaper is already black and dirty, throw it away, take a new piece and repeat the process until the layer of soot is completely removed.
Burn out the fireplace disc
Another method for cleaning fireplace glass is to burn it free.
If the chimney is used correctly, the burning process works by itself. This means that when temperatures of 300 °C or more are reached, the pane is burned free by itself and the soot layer is removed. However, if black spots appear on the glass, the fireplace can be burned out. To do this, you should really heat up the fireplace by ensuring a good supply of oxygen. You will soon notice that the black spots have disappeared.
What preventive measures can be taken?
To avoid soot deposits on the window, follow these tips.
- Make sure there are no obstructions to the air flow in your fireplace. Check the vents and air caps and regularly remove ash to keep the air inlets clear.
- Check your chimney or flue to ensure they are clear and clean.
- Do not use wood that has high residual moisture to avoid smoke and soot.
- Avoid softwood and spruce wood, which contain a lot of resin and can leave soot on the window.
- Never burnCoal, treated wood, trash or large amounts of paper in your fireplace.
- Make sure that the fuel does not touch the window. Therefore, do not overload the fireplace and ensure that the fuel is at a safe distance from the glass pane.
- Ensure there is adequate ventilation in the room.
