The transition from summer to fall and into winter is the peak time for you to get the most out of your fireplace. You may even be burning a fire up to several times a week! As a result, it’s important to make sure you are cleaning your fireplace properly after each use. Proper fireplace maintenance will reduce creosote buildup at the base level, thus keeping your family and your home safe. Here’s what you need to do:
Step 1: Cool Off
Once the fire has been extinguished from your fireplace, it’s important to let the embers cool down before you begin to clean out the ashes. Not doing so may result in re-stoking any remaining embers and/or potentially burning yourself. As a result, wait a minimum of 24 hours before cleaning your fireplace.
Step 2: Take out the Trash
Before you begin to cleanse the various surfaces within your fireplace, carefully remove any unusable remnants and throw them away. These items may include ashes, charred portions of leftover logs and any residual kindling.
Step 3: Spray it Down
There are a variety of substances that will help you remove ash stains and soot from inside and around your fireplace. Even better, you probably have most of these substances in your pantry already! Just add some elbow grease, and you’ll be on your way to a char-free fireplace.
Step 4: Reset Your Fireplace
While you’re already working on your fireplace, go ahead and restock the firebox for your next fire. Arrange your firewood in a tepee, lean-to or pyramid design to maximize your future fire’s oxygen intake. Also, don’t forget to keep a paper bag or pail of the right kind of kindling nearby.
We’re Here for You
As chimney sweep professionals, we understand that not all fireplace maintenance is as simple as four quick DIY steps. Clean Sweep specializes in a variety of chimney, fireplace and masonry services. If at any point, you feel in over your head, reach out to us online or over the phone; we would be more than happy to help!
