With winter and cold weather almost here, you want to ensure that your fireplace is clean and in good working order. However, knowing how to clean a fireplace before cold weather sets in is not always straightforward. IHT is here to ensure you know exactly how to approach it no matter what type of fireplace you have in your home. Your fireplace will be clean and ready to go this winter in just a few easy steps!
Cleaning a Wood Burning Fireplace
If you have a wood burning fireplace, you’ll definitely want to clean it before it gets cold out.
Remove debris from the inside
If you have a wood-burning fireplace, you will want to clean the ash and soot out of the bottom of the fireplace. Use a small shovel to scoop it out, or use a small brush and dustpan if everything is cool. Once everything is cleared, place newspaper along the bottom to catch any other falling bits while cleaning.
Clean the grates
If your wood burning fireplace has a grate, all it really needs is a light dusting with a dry, clean paintbrush or paper towel. Avoid using a damp rag, as the moisture will cause your grates to rust.
Schedule Chimney Service
One of the best things you can do to clean your wood burning fireplace is to schedule chimney service with a professional chimney sweep. Creosote build-up in the chimney or venting can cause chimney fires, so you’ll want to be sure your chimney is clean before fireplace use. A chimney sweep can also inspect your chimney and make sure all is in order. IHT does not offer this service, so you will have to find a local chimney sweep professional.
Cleaning a Gas Fireplace
A gas fireplace needs even less cleaning than a wood burning one, but there may be a few things you’ll want to do before winter sets in.
How to clean gas logs
Never remove the gas logs from your fireplace. They are made of ceramic fiber and are incredibly delicate. You run the risk of breaking them if you remove them. So just leave them where they are and clean them there.
If you must clean them, clean in the same way you would grates. Leave them in place, and just do a simple, gentle dusting with a soft, dry paintbrush.
Clean the glass on the door
If the glass on the door of your gas fireplace could use some cleaning, use a ceramic glass cleaner (we recommend White Off®) or a crumpled-up newspaper.
Cleaning an Electric Fireplace
Like a gas fireplace, an electric fireplace doesn’t need much cleaning, either. At most, they really just need the front wiped down with a clean, dry rag. That’s it!
With all of that, your fireplace should be clean and in good working order for the cold Colorado winter. IHT is here to help if you have any questions or concerns about your fireplace. Or if you are looking to add one to your home this winter, come visit us at your nearest IHT location today or give us a call at 303-755-4772 to speak with one of our fireplace experts.
