How to Clean a Fireplace – A Complete Guide

Now that you have your own fireplace, you’ll be able to keep yourself warm even during the coldest winter days. You just need to get the firewood ready, light the fire, grab your most comfortable blanket, and enjoy. However, your fireplace won’t last long if you don’t clean it properly, especially if you use it constantly.

In today’s guide, we’ll explain how to clean a fireplace. These tips and tricks can help you whether you have an electric or wood-burning model with a glass door.

5 Steps for Cleaning an Electric Fireplace

Electric fireplaces are the most common models in modern houses and hotels. They use electricity instead of fire, meaning they do not produce dust and soot. However, you still need to clean an electric fireplace periodically.

Here’s what you have to do to clean your electric fireplace:

1. First, you will need to turn off the fireplace. Once you’ve done that, you can remove or open the glass door. Removing it will make it easier to clean, but it is not necessary.
2. Now, you should dust your logs, andirons, stones, or hearth with a clean cloth. Remember, every electric fireplace uses a different type of flame effect, but they are all easy to clean.

1. You can now vacuum the vents using a hand vacuum. It is important to do this every week to prevent the vents from getting dusty.
2. Wipe down the inside and outside chimney walls with a damp cloth. Repeat this process as much as needed.
3. The last thing you need to do is properly clean the glass doors. It shouldn’t be difficult, as electric models do not produce soot or ash. All you need to use is a glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth. Clean the doors using circular movements to avoid leaving any scratches.

6 Steps for Cleaning a Wood Fireplace

Wood-burning fireplaces are the most common models in rustic and vintage houses. They provide heat through wood burning and are more affordable options compared to electric models. The main drawback of these fireplaces is that they require cleaning more often.

Here’s how you can clean your wood-burning fireplace:

1. The first thing you need to do is to extinguish the fire and wait until the fireplace cools down. Make sure that the fireplace is cool enough to touch before proceeding to the next step.
2. You might like to lay a drop cloth on the ground. Doing this can prevent soot and ash from staining your floor.
3. You can use your fireplace shovel to spread out the embers, allowing them to cool down before removing the ash. To extinguish the embers faster, you can use baking soda or cover them with ash to cut off their oxygen.
4. You need to create a deep-cleaning solution using dish soap, warm water, and a ¼ cup of a heavy-duty cleaner.
5. The next step is to use a brush to remove the ash from the fireplace. Do it carefully and ensure there is none left inside. You can even use a vacuum cleaner after brushing.
6. Now, you can scrub the inside of the fireplace with a bristle brush or scrubbing brush and the cleaning solution. It is better to scrub from the top down. Repeat the process until there is no residue left.
7. Finally, you need to let the fireplace dry. In the meantime, you can clean your fireplace tools with some dish soap and hot water.

Other Tips and Tricks for Cleaning a Fireplace

Some wood-burning fireplaces have glass doors, allowing you to see the fire while creating a nice cozy environment. They can be challenging to clean, especially if you don’t perform the necessary maintenance regularly.

Here’s how to clean your fireplace glass doors:

1. You’ll first need to get some paper towels, a damp cloth, and newspapers. Paper towels are ideal because they won’t leave scratches on your glass doors.
2. Now you need to wait until the glass is cool enough to touch before cleaning it. Don’t use water to cool down the glass, as the thermal shock can break it.
3. Dip the paper towel or newspaper in the ashes and soot inside the fireplace. With a circular motion, use the ashes and paper towels to clean the glass.
4. If the glass needs a more powerful clean, you can mix the ash with white vinegar and water. It should create a paste you can use to clean the glass properly without leaving any scratches.

Tip: A microfiber cloth or spray bottle is helpful when applying your combination of ashes and vinegar to remove soot.

Tip: To keep your wood-burning fireplace in the best condition, you should sweep inside it at least once a week. That way, you can prevent ash and soot from accumulating in places that are hard to clean.

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Are you looking to update or renew your fireplace? If so, CAPO Building Specialties has you covered. Our team of experts will help you choose the right fireplace for you, whether you want an electric fireplace or a wood-burning model. Check out our website to see our entire catalog of products and services!