A crackling fire adds a cozy ambiance to a room and makes it look inviting. With continuous use, a fireplace does become quite dirty and may not look very nice after awhile, not to mention it can pose a fire hazard. With regular fireplace cleaning, they can be kept looking lovely and will also be considerably safer to use.
It can be rather messy cleaning a fireplace, but with the right tools and solutions it will not take long to get rid of the ashes, soot, and creosote which have accumulated. One should be sure to wear old clothes and rubber gloves when doing this job, and also lay down some old newspapers or drop sheets on the nearby floor or furnishings. This chore will result in the satisfaction of knowing a possible fire hazard has been eliminated.
Cleaning should be done a day or more after the last fire to ensure all embers have burned out. The flue of the chimney should be opened before work is started. There are brushes sold for cleaning deposits out of chimneys which can help keep them clear and safer to use. Some companies also offer professional chimney sweeping which is a good idea, but this regular brushing out is still useful as well.
Simple steps taken each week can make fireplace upkeep short and simple. Vacuuming the hearth weekly cuts down on dust and soot. Choosing to burn only very dry wood is another way to limit the production of creosote. Dust can be reduced by dumping some damp coffee grounds onto cooled ashes after a fire. Fireplaces are comprised of several components, each of these needs to be cleaned individually.
The firebox is where the fire is actually burned and due to the effect of the heat, it is usually fine with minimal maintenance. A gentle scrubbing with a coarse brush occasionally is all it needs. Ashes should be shoveled out and then the area should be vacuumed.
The mesh firescreen helps contain sparks. Most of these are made of black-pained metal, while others are brass-plated. Brass styles can be cleaner with an fire-proof brass polish, and the black designs can easily be wiped off with with a solution of /2 cup of vinegar and 1 teaspoon of ammonia on a cloth, and then wiped again with warm water.
Some fireplaces are surrounded by enclosures which are made of tempered or heat-resistant glass. The inside of these should be wiped off following each fire to remove soot. Stains can be eliminated using a mixture of 1/2 cup vinegar to 1 gallon of warm water and 1 tablespoon of ammonia. This can be sprayed or wiped on, and then washed off with a clean, damp cloth.
The cast iron grate can collect hazardous creosote easily and should be taken out, sprayed with a hose, and scrubbed using a coarse brush and some cleanser. Fireplace tools get dirty as well and generally can be shined up using a small amount of vegetable oil on a piece of low-grade steel wool and then a bit of metal polish. Regular weekly fireplace cleaning will make this task less time-consuming and will contribute to both its beauty and safety.
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