When cold weather arrives, getting cozy near the fireplace is a preferred way to stay warm. However, as you use your fireplace, the smoke and ashes deposit residue inside the firebox and flue. This mess will continue to build up until it is removed.
Generally, your fireplace and flue should be cleaned before you light your first fire of the season. In addition, regular attention is needed throughout the season to prevent buildup. How do you clean a fireplace?
Importance of Fireplace Cleaning
The residue deposited in the fireplace when you burn wood is called creosote. Creosote is a fire hazard. This is because it decreases ventilation, resulting in overheating. In addition, as the flue becomes more obstructed, combustion gases cannot be released fully out of the flue. Instead, they remain inside the home.
Exposure to creosote over a long period of time is associated with an increased risk of cancer. It can also cause eye and skin irritation, coughing, shortness of breath and other health concerns.
Signs That Your Fireplace Needs Cleaning
The most obvious sign that your fireplace needs to be cleaned is creosote buildup. This is a flaky, black substance that will line the firebox walls and damper. You might also notice a black substance dripping from the chimney or have trouble opening and closing the damper.
Smoke or a strong burning smell might fill the room when you light a fire. Your fireplace also needs to be cleaned if you hear animals in the chimney or notice signs of their presence.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning a Fireplace
Step 1: Prepare the Area
Before cleaning the fireplace, ensure that it is completely cool. The ashes should not be warm at all. Cleaning a fireplace is a messy project, so take steps to safeguard your flooring and furniture. Cover the area with a large tarp. Toss out any large wood pieces. Grab a large bucket and a shop vac as well.
Step 2: Remove Ashes and Debris
Using your fireplace shovel, scoop out the ashes and deposit them in your bucket. Use the accompanying dustpan to remove as much of the mess as possible. Then, use your shop vac to suction the remaining ashes and dust.
Step 3: Clean the Firebox
Line the bottom of the firebox with old newspapers. Then, combine equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Cover the firebox walls with the solution. Use a scrub brush to clean the walls until all of the debris is gone.
Step 4: Clean the Fireplace Grate and Logs
The fireplace tools, grate, screen and logs all need your attention as well. Cleaning these features can be messy, so consider completing this step outdoors. Using your diluted vinegar solution, spray these features. Then, scrub them with a nylon brush. If you run across a tough spot, use steel wool. Wipe away the mess using a clean cloth.
Step 5: Clean the Chimney
The next step is to clean the chimney, and this can be one of the messiest steps in the process. The soot and debris will fall down into the firebox during this process, so wear goggles and a dust mask. In addition, line the bottom of the fireplace with newspapers or a drop cloth for easy cleanup.
To clean the chimney, first remove the chimney cap. Scrub the chimney using a long-handled chimney brush. Then use a shop vac to suction the loose debris. You can also use the shop vac to clean the damper.
Step 6: Clean the Glass Doors (If Applicable)
If your fireplace has glass doors, the glass requires special effort. Prepare a paste from ¼ cup cornstarch, ¼ cup water and ¼ cup white vinegar. Using a microfiber cloth, wipe the paste on the glass. After 30 minutes, rub the paste onto the glass until it is gone. For a streak-free shine, buff the glass with clean newspaper.
Step 7: Final Touches and Maintenance Tips
Dispose of the soot and ash by bagging it up and tossing it in the outdoor trash. It’s best to bag the debris outside. After removing the drop cloth, use your vacuum to clean nearby furniture and the flooring.
To maintain your chimney, get a professional annual inspection, and follow these cleaning steps on a routine basis during the cold weather season. During your cleaning sessions, ensure that the chimney cap and damper are in good working order. Periodically, you should also seal gaps and cracks. In addition, apply a waterproofing sealant every five years.
How you use your fireplace plays a role in its maintenance and cleanliness as well. Avoid burning trash, painted wood, unseasoned wood and wet wood. Approximately every month or two, burn a creosote reduction log, which reduces the buildup. In addition, after the fireplace cools after each use, remove the ashes. For safety, install a carbon monoxide detector and a smoke detector nearby.
It’s easy to overlook cleaning your fireplace and other essential chores. However, doing so results in a safety concern and can leave your home dirty and smelly. With maid service in Boston, MA from the Tidyhere team, you can hand over your to-do list to our housekeeping professionals. Reach out to us today to schedule your first cleaning service.
