Most of us don’t think about our fireplace over the summer. At best, we’ll do a little maintenance while spring cleaning or consider an inspection when the breezes begin to cool in September. In reality, we could be doing so much more to get the most out of that fireplace! We recommend 3 tasks to keep your fireplace useful, looking great, and ready for cozy fires when the weather turns cold again.
(1) Give Your Fireplace a Good Spring Clean
Yes, this will be a little messy. But it’s worth the effort.
- First, remove the ashes from the fireplace using a fireplace shovel. You can use a vacuum cleaner attachment, too, to get every last bit swept up.
- Next, wash the fireplace face and hearth with a sponge dipped in soapy water. If you have old brick that you’re concerned about damaging, simply dust with a dry cloth or vacuum.
If you have a particularly dirty job with a lot of soot, hire a professional chimney sweep to clean your fireplace from top to bottom.
(2) Decorate for the New Season
You don’t have to leave that fireplace bare all summer long. A look at Pinterest will show you that the possibilities for decoration are endless! Here are a few ideas we love:
- Purchase a decorative fire screen to place in front of the fireplace.
- Place a collection of candles in the firebox.
- Put a bundle of decorative twigs or logs in the fireplace. The textured white bark of birch logs adds a lot of visual appeal.
- Use your fireplace as a temporary bookshelf, stacking books or other items you’d like to show off.
- Place a mirror in the fireplace. It’s not only a unique accent, it also adds more light to the room.
- Move a chair or decorative bench in front of the fireplace for extra seating.
- Flowers or botanicals on the mantel are an absolute must for spring and summer.
- When it comes to the mantel there are plenty of ideas for holiday decoration. Think pastel eggs for Easter or red-white-and-blue for Independence Day!
(3) Schedule a Chimney Inspection
What better time than summer to schedule a thorough inspection? This way, you skip the autumn rush and ensure that, come winter, your fireplace will be ready to go.
It’s important to identify problems with the chimney or flue before you burn anything. It’s also vital to keep an eye out for creosote buildup, which can create a hazard. A professional chimney sweep can take care of all of this for you.
Do You Have Questions About the Safety of Your Fireplace?
If you have questions about your fireplace or chimney, don’t wait. Call one of our professionals today.
