Having a fireplace can provide warmth and atmosphere during the winter and an excellent focal point during the summer. But fireplaces, like everything else in life, require maintenance. It is important for your health that you clean the fireplace properly before lighting a fire. Here’s how.
-Step 1: Gloves and plastic
You will need to cover the area around the fireplace with a plastic sheet to avoid getting soot on your carpet and furnishing.
-Step 2: Make sure the coals are cold
Ensure the fire is out, that there are no hot coals; you don’t want to burn yourself while cleaning.
-Step 3: Remove fireplace grates
Take out the grates and put them on newspaper outside.
-Step 4: Clean up the ash
Using your fireplace shovel or dustpan, scoop up all the ash. Use a brush to get as much as possible.
-Step 5: Clean off the soot
Place newspapers in the fireplace, and about 3 inches up the walls to catch all the soot. Use a wire brush and a scraper to remove the soot from the walls; it should all fall in the newspapers so you can throw it away.
-Step 6: Wash the walls
Use a small amount of bleach in some warm water in a bucket. Place it in the fireplace, and using your wire bush, scrub the walls. You may not get the wall completely clean, but scrub until it is a clean as possible. Remove the newspaper and do the same to the floor.
-Step 7: Rinse
Rinse the walls with a cloth and warm, clean water
-Step 8: Clean the grates
Using the bleach solution, clean the grates and allow to dry
-Step 8: Put the grates back in the fireplace
Place the grates back in the fireplace and clean up all the newspapers and plastic
Your fireplace will look and work better now they are clean, and even if you only clean properly ever couple of months, it will keep your fireplace clean and safe for many years.
Get a chimney sweep!
Can anyone tell me how to clean indoor Tosca Stone - fireplace and archways? Thank you Can anyone tell me how to clean indoor Tosca Stone - fireplace and archways? Thank you
The best way to clean a limestone fireplace is by using a pH neutral stone cleaner. This cleaner is used with warm water and a sponge.
It is the ash dump. It allows you to clean the ashes out of the fireplace without having to put them in a bucket and carry them outside. Much more clean.
You can use a fireplace cleaning kit to remove some soot from the base of your chimney.
To effectively clean the inside of a brick fireplace, start by removing any debris and ashes. Use a stiff brush to scrub the bricks, then mix water and mild detergent to clean the surface. Rinse with water and let it dry completely before using the fireplace again.
With the average fireplace design it is not needed to have those grates installed. They are only there to keep your fireplace clean during non use. So without them the fireplace will be usable but will have to be cleaned more often.
Electric fireplace inserts are perfect for the individual wanting the warmth and feel of a real fireplace, without the hassel. They replace your current gas or wood fireplace with safe, clean electric inserts.
To install a fireplace insert, first, make sure the existing fireplace is clean and in good condition. Measure the dimensions of the fireplace opening and choose an insert that fits. Remove the existing fireplace grate and clean out any debris. Place the insert into the fireplace opening and secure it according to the manufacturer's instructions. Connect the insert to the chimney flue and ensure proper ventilation. Test the insert to make sure it is working correctly.
One should be very careful when trying to keep a glass fireplace screen clean. Purchasing a glass fireplace screen protector is another option for those too busy to meticulously upkeep the screen.
To effectively clean the inside of your fireplace brick, start by removing any debris and ashes. Then, mix a solution of warm water and mild detergent. Use a stiff brush to scrub the brick, working in small sections. Rinse with clean water and let it dry completely before using the fireplace again.
It is recommended that a wood- burning fireplace be cleaned after one cord(stick,branch, ect.)of wood has been burned since the last time the fireplace was cleaned.