How to Care for Your Fireplace
More than just tidying up the soot & coals, by properly caring for your fireplace, you can ensure its safety and efficiency. You can also use the opportunity to check for wear or damage to the chimney's structure and stop potential problems before they cause any trouble.
Inspecting the chimney during the process can help determine if you’ll need to hire a chimney sweep or professional heating & cooling company to clear away dangerous levels of flammable creosote, debris, or other built-up material.
How to Deep-clean Your Fireplace and Get Rid of the Grit & Grime?
1. Have a deep-cleaning solution ready for use (such as our Industrial Cleaner)
2. Remove burnt wood and clear away the andirons & fireplace grate
3. Sweep up the bulk of the ash with a broom, then hover for the remainder
4. Scrub the inside fireplace with a stiff-bristled brush and cleaning solution
5. For glass doors, use a glass cleaner and paper towels
6. Clean the andirons and tools with dish soap & water, and follow with metal polish if desired.
Chimneys
Has your chimney been inspected and cleaned regularly? Creosote and other particles can build up inside, potentially becoming a fire hazard. Chimney fires are hazardous for homes but can be avoided with proactive care and maintenance.
Firewood
Contrary to the belief of many 10-year-old boys, not every burnable scrap of wood is meant to be thrown into a fire. You can help regulate soot buildup in chimneys by burning hardwoods instead of softer woods such as pine. Using dry, well-seasoned wood prevents the excess smoke and soot produced by wet or green wood.
If buying firewood by the cord, ask for less than 20% moisture content fuel. If you are burning wood scraps from DIY or construction projects, ensure the wood is not painted or treated with chemicals. Do not burn pallet wood inside your home; some have been treated with toxic chemicals such as arsenic or methyl bromide.
Best Practices
- Keep your fireplace clean
- Remove excess buildup of ash & coals
- Clear soot from fireplace glass doors or screens
- Use a fireplace screen to block the escape of embers and sparks
- Use a fireplace damper to control airflow
- Close the damper when the fireplace is not in use
- Have a fire extinguisher on hand. Know where it is and how to use it.
Summary
Routine maintenance of your fireplace provides a safe home environment, helps extend the longevity of the chimney and fireplace materials, and creates an enjoyable experience of warmth & cosiness.
