Want to know how to clean your fireplace? Since winter is fast approaching, you’ll soon find yourself wanting to turn on your fireplace more often. However, the more your fireplace is used throughout the colder seasons, the more it regularly needs to be cleaned and maintained.
Follow our top tips below on how to properly clean your fireplace this season.
Cleaning Your Gas Fireplace
While gas fireplaces may not leave behind soot and ash, dust and grime will build up in them if not regularly cleaned. Additionally, gas fireplaces include many features that require careful handling, and thus, must follow strict cleaning processes.
Follow the steps below to properly clean your gas fireplace!
Supplies Needed
- Fireplace glass cleaner
- Microfiber cloth
- Small brush
- Hand-held vacuum or vacuum with a hose attachment
- Tablecloth
How to Clean Your Gas Fireplace
- Turn off the gas and pilot light. Wait a few minutes for the gas to leave the pipes.
- Dismantle the glass insert, screen, logs, and decorative pieces from the fireplace. Spread these pieces out on a tablecloth for easy disposal. *PRO TIP: Take a photo of the logs before removing them. That way, you’ll know exactly how they were placed when reassembling.
- Wipe down each side of the glass insert with a specialty glass fireplace cleaner and microfiber cloth. Do NOT use regular glass cleaner or paper towels, as they contain abrasive chemicals and materials unsuitable for your fireplace. You can find proper fireplace cleaners at your local hardware store.
- If your gas fireplace includes a screen, use a vacuum or brush to clean away debris.
- Gently brush the faux logs and other decorative pieces to remove dust and dirt. *PRO TIP: If the logs start to fall apart during this step, it could be a sign your fireplace needs maintenance or repair.
- Finally, gently vacuum the inside of the fireplace and wipe down the walls with a microfiber cloth.
After completing these steps and giving each piece time to dry, you can now reassemble the fireplace. Make sure you inspect your fireplace and its pieces throughout the cleaning process for any signs of damage.
Notice your fireplace needs repair? Give our Supreme experts a call!
Cleaning Your Wood Fireplace
Everybody loves to hear the crackle and pop of a wood-burning fireplace. However, these sounds mean that your fireplace leaves behind ashes, soot, and debris. If your fireplace is not properly and regularly cleaned, these materials lead to buildup and damage.
Follow the steps below to properly clean your wood-burning fireplace!
Before Cleaning Your Wood Fireplace
Sometimes, this process gets messier before the fireplace gets clean. Ash and soot can easily spread around in the air, soiling surfaces and invading your lungs.
Take the following precautions before you start the cleaning process:
- Wear old clothes and rubber gloves.
- Cover surrounding surfaces with drop cloths.
- Never rush through the cleaning process.
- Allow the fireplace to sit unused for 24 hours before cleaning.
Supplies Needed
- Fireplace broom and dustpan
- Fireplace shovel
- Homemade cleaning solution
- Scrub brush or sponge
- Old towel
- Ash bucket or old trash can
- Drop cloth
How to Clean Your Wood Fireplace
- Place drop cloths over the floor near your fireplace and any surrounding furniture.
- Remove andirons and grates. Take these pieces outside and scrub clean with a nylon brush.
- Gently scoop burned logs, debris, and ashes from the floor of your fireplace into an ash bucket or old trash can for disposal.
- Gently sweep off the interior walls of the fireplace. Then, sweep up any leftover particles on the floor of the fireplace using a small broom and dustpan.
- To deep clean the walls of your fireplace, make a homemade solution consisting of 1 gallon of water, 1 cup of bleach, and 6 tablespoons of trisodium phosphate (TSP) or baking soda and vinegar. Scrub walls and surfaces with the solution using a brush or sponge. Then, rinse with a wet cloth and dry with an old towel.
- Once the fireplace and pieces have dried, you can now reassemble the fireplace.
Be sure to thoroughly inspect your fireplace as you go through the cleaning process. Call in a fireplace expert if you notice any signs that maintenance is needed.
Now That You Know How to Clean Your Fireplace, It’s Time to Schedule Regular Fireplace Maintenance
Scheduling regular fireplace maintenance by a professional technician is just as important as consistently cleaning your fireplace. While fireplaces bring warmth and joy to your home, they can unknowingly cause damage and quickly become unsafe if not regularly maintained and inspected.
Our Supreme fireplace experts are here to help keep your fireplace in top shape and keep your family and your home safe. Contact us today to schedule your next maintenance appointment!
