Keep Your Fireplace Cleaned Out During the Winter

You know the importance of keeping your fireplace and wood stove cleaned out, but how can you possibly manage it during the winter when you have it going around the clock? In order to prevent fires, a clean chimney is necessary. You want to get rid of the ashes that are piling up at the bottom of the burning area as well. They tend to make a huge mess every time you open the door. Greenwood Hardware has everything you need to keep your fireplace clean and in good, working condition throughout the winter.

Check out our tips below to learn more about keeping your fireplace clean all year!

• Let the fire burn out overnight or when you are at work during the day. When you get home, use a metal bucket and a shovel from a fireplace set to scoop the ashes out. You only need to clean the ashes out when they are deep enough that they do spill out or interfere with you building a fire. Immediately take the metal can outside and place it away from your house. Ashes can stay hot and shoot out sparks for hours after a fire has burned out. Plastic or cardboard will melt with hot ashes. If you have an ash vacuum, you could use that as well.
• If you have a wood stove or a fireplace with glass doors, the glass will become black with soot. A special high-temp cleaner can be used to remove the black soot. Put a dab of the cleaner on a crumbled up newspaper and scrub the glass. You can use a paper towel for minor smudges. A special brush may be used as well for heavy build up.
• Use a special log about once a month that is designed to burn off creosote from inside the chimney. Follow manufacturer’s instructions on how to use the log. Fire departments recommend these logs, and they do work.
• If you suspect your chimney is becoming clogged with creosote, do not burn in the fireplace. Call a professional company to inspect the chimney. Annual cleaning and maintenance are crucial to avoiding chimney fires that can destroy a home.

These quick, easy tips can save you from a chimney fire. Don’t get lax in your fireplace cleaning. Plan a day when the weather isn’t supposed to be too cold to take care of your chimney cleaning needs. Rely on backup heat while you maintenance your fireplace. Head into Greenwood Hardware to buy your fireplace cleaning supplies today. Come on in, or contact us today.