Fireplace Cleaning and Safety

Keeping Wood-burning Fireplaces Clean, Safe and Running Effectively

Jul 28, 2009 Laurie Pizans

A wood burning fireplace offers warmth, relaxation and can offset the cost of an existing heating system, but it must be cared for properly in order to work it`s best.

Keeping a wood burning stove or fireplace clean and in good working order is imperative when it comes to efficiency as well as safety.

A wood stove or wood burning fireplace that is properly installed and well maintained can safely add comfort and warmth to any home. But if these units are not used and maintained correctly, the consequences can be disastrous.

Choosing and Burning Wood

Never use lighter fluid, gasoline or any other liquid to start an indoor fire. Always use clean paper and dry kindling.

• Split wood into pieces that can be put into the stove or fireplace 3-4 at a time instead of large single pieces. The smaller pieces will provide a hotter, more efficient fire.
• The dry / seasoned hardwood is always the best choice when burning indoors. Soft woods or wood that is wet burns slowly and more often than not will result in a smoky, smoldering fire.
• Burning wet/ soft wood can cause excess creosote to build up in the chimney, adding the increased risk of a chimney fire.
• Wood burning chimneys should be swept out twice each year to decrease the risk of chimney fire.

Removing Ashes

When removing ash buildup from a fireplace or wood burning stove it is important to leave an inch or so behind to act as insulation. Ash grates only need to be completely cleaned out during the months when the unit will not be in use for several months at a time.

• Never use a vacuum cleaner to remove ashes. Ashes can remain hot for long periods after the fire looks like it is out.
• To remove ashes, first open the flue so that any loose ashes go up the chimney instead of all over the room. Secondly, cover the ashes with wet sheets of newspaper and scoop up with a shovel. Place them in a non flammable bucket or container until there is no chance of spark. Put the cold ashes into a trash bag to be picked up on garbage day.
• Fireplace ashes can also be added to compost heaps.

Removing Soot

Using water to remove soot will result in a greasy black mess. Before using water, use a chemical sponge to remove soot .Chemical sponges look like brick size erasers and are available at most hardware stores and home improvement centers. The sponge is used dry and will remove enough soot to make water clean up less messy.

• After using the chemical sponge to clean soot from bricks, they can be cleaned with a stiff brush and water. A few tablespoons of trisodium phosphate (TSP) will make clean up easier, but it will need to be rinsed once the job is done. TSP is available at hardware and home improvement centers.
• For tile and marble surfaces, remove excess soot with a chemical sponge, then clean with a solution of water and a little mild soap. Rinse well and buff to a shine with a soft towel.

Although a well maintained wood burning stove or fireplace is always safer to use, it is important to remember that all homes should have working smoke detectors as well as carbon monoxide detectors. Be sure to check the batteries regularly and change them at least once each year.

The copyright of the article Fireplace Cleaning and Safety in Home Management is owned by Laurie Pizans. Permission to republish Fireplace Cleaning and Safety in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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A Wood Burning Fireplace

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