In the cold winter, sitting next to a roaring fireplace is a happy thing. But over time, soot, ash, and other debris can accumulate inside the fireplace. This not only affects its appearance but may also reduce its efficiency. In addition, excessive soot can cause fires.
Therefore, according to the National Fire Protection Association, we should clean our fireplaces once a year. This is a hassle and you may not know where to start. This article will teach you step by step how to clean your fireplace and I hope it will help you.
plastic sheet
trash bag
small broom and dustpan
gloves
vacuum cleaner
stiff brush
vinegar
dish detergent
corn starch
newspaper or towel
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How to clean a fireplace?
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1 Make space. When cleaning your fireplace, you may stain the surrounding area. If you have furniture next to your fireplace, move it away. If the furniture cannot be moved, cover it with plastic sheeting. Please wear stain-resistant clothing and shoes, preferably gloves.
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2 Sweep away the ashes. Before we start cleaning the fireplace, we need to remove the fireplace accessories, such as the fireplace door and grate. Take fireplace accessories outside for cleaning. Prepare lined garbage cans to hold ashes. Use a shovel to transfer the ashes to the trash can. Use a small broom and dustpan to remove any remaining ash.
Tip: Use a handheld vacuum to remove ash faster.
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3 Clean the firebox. Use a stiff-bristle brush to scrub the inside of the fireplace. Brush from the top of the fireplace downwards, allowing soot and creosote to fall to the bottom. This step may require some patience. After wiping, you can vacuum again.
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4 Clean the fireplace walls. Prepare to make a cleaning solution. Add equal parts vinegar and dish soap to a basin of warm water. Fill a spray bottle with the mixture and spray it on the walls inside the fireplace. Let it sit for a few minutes while the cleaning solution soaks into the brick. Dip a stiff-bristled brush into the cleaning solution and scrub the fireplace vigorously again. Once the entire fireplace has been scrubbed, use a dry towel to wipe away any remaining liquid and stains.
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5 Clean the fireplace door. Pour half a cup of white vinegar and half a cup of cornstarch into a bowl of warm water. Wipe the glass door with a cloth dipped in the mixture. Once the mixture is dry, wipe the glass again with newspaper. You will notice that your fireplace door becomes clear.
Tip: Fireplace ashes can also be used to clean glass.
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6 Clean grate. Clean grate outside to avoid staining indoors. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove the ashes on the grate first to facilitate subsequent cleaning. Mix dish soap with water and spray it on the grate. Scrub the grate with a stiff brush and finally rinse it with clean water. Once the grate is completely dry, place it in the fireplace.
7 Clean the chimney. If you want your chimney inspected and cleaned, hire a chimney professional to do it. He should have insurance to avoid accidents. Regular chimney cleaning is a critical step in ensuring your furnace or fireplace is functioning properly and avoiding fire hazards.
Learn More : how to clean fireplace glass without damaging it