Clean and safe: You can clean the fireplace with these tips

class=”sc-29f61514-0 icZBHN”>

What could be better than warming up by the fireplace, fireplace or Swedish stove on cold evenings and spending pleasant hours in front of the fire? However, when the flames are extinguished, the combustion of wood produces ash and soot, which contaminate the floor, smoke vents and windows of the combustion system.

A clean fireplace not only looks better and provides more warmth, but is also safer. That’s why regular cleaning is important, and with the right technique and appropriate tools, this can be easily achieved.

1. Preparation

Cleaning can only begin once the fireplace and its contents have cooled completely. Soot leaves dark stains and should not get into the room during cleaning, otherwise you will have to do twice the work. It is best to lay newspapers on the ground around the fireplace beforehand.

2. Clean the dirt from the chimney

The worst dirt can be removed from the combustion chamber using a hand broom and a shovel and temporarily placed in a heat-resistant container outside the apartment. You can throw away the waste after about two days. This should be done after each use of the fireplace.

Depending on the model, it is also recommended to clean the ashtray or ash drawer at least once a week. For finer debris you can use the ash vacuum cleaner, which is particularly effective. For safety reasons, it is important to wait until the remaining wood has had enough time to cool completely.

3. Cleaning products for fireplaces

Of course, there are also special cleaning products for cleaning the chimney that can be used to gently clean the inside of the combustion system and the viewing window. In no case should you use a too aggressive abrasive cleaner. You should also avoid using hard sponges or hard brushes on the glass panel, otherwise they may cause scratches: soft sponges or cloths are better.

A practical and inexpensive tip: Wipe the sooty glass with damp newspaper dipped in white ash. The ash provides just enough friction to loosen dirt but is fine enough that it won’t scratch anything. Then wipe it with a clean kitchen towel until everything is dry. The observation window must be cleaned again at the latest when the view of the flames is again obstructed by soot.

4. Clean the outside

Depending on the design, some modern fireplaces consist primarily of windows or are almost entirely recessed into the walls, while models made of metal, stone or tile are more prominent in the room. Areas visible from the outside should also be dusted as necessary or cleaned with a dry or damp cloth or sponge, depending on the material. This means the fireplace shines with its most beautiful glow.

5. Regular maintenance is mandatory

Burning can create residues in chimneys, which can negatively affect the use of the chimney in the long term and, in the worst case, even lead to soot fires. Therefore, professional maintenance is mandatory.

Chimney sweeps not only thoroughly clean the combustion system, but also check it for any defects. Many cantons have chimney sweeps responsible for their respective districts. The homeowner is legally required to have the entire fireplace inspected by a professional at least every five years. However, depending on the heating system, fuel and frequency of use, more frequent checks may be required.

Source : Blick