How to Spring Clean Your Wood Stove
Your trusty wood stove has worked hard this winter to keep you and your family warm and cozy. Now that warmer weather is just around the corner, it is time to start thinking about spring cleaning your wood stove. Knowing exactly how to do this task can make it easier to handle so that you are not only properly cleaning your stove, but you are also prolonging the life of your heating appliance. While it is highly recommended that you rely on certified and experienced chimney professionals like our Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)-certified chimney sweeps at Chim Cheree The Chimney Specialists to take care of your stove’s venting system every year, cleaning the stove is a simple job that you can do on your own when you follow the right routine. We would like to tell you the right steps to take that will help you accomplish it with ease.
GATHER THE RIGHT TOOLS
In order to correctly clean your wood stove, it is essential to have the proper tools for the job. The SF Gate Home Guides recommends having the following items on hand: a wire brush, a metal fireplace shovel, a metal bucket with a lid that closes tightly, fireplace glass cleaner, and soft rags. You may want to wear gloves and a breathing mask while you are doing this task.
CLEANING THE INSIDE OF YOUR STOVE
Before starting this task, you will want to be sure that the stove is cool. Chim Cheree The Chimney Specialists recommends waiting at least 36 hours after extinguishing the last fire. Begin by using the wire brush to scrub away the soot and creosote buildup from the sides and the ceiling of the firebox as well as from the inner smoke pipe that leads to the chimney. Once you have removed this buildup, use the metal shovel to scoop up the debris and the ashes from the bottom of the firebox into the metal bucket. After you have removed this debris, tightly close the lid on the bucket and place the bucket outside. Leave the bucket alone for a few days to allow its contents to cool completely. Then, you can dispose of the debris into your outside trash can.
CLEANING THE GLASS DOORS OF YOUR STOVE
After heavy usage, soot accumulates on the doors and decreases visibility. To easily remove a buildup of soot from the glass, you should use a fireplace glass cleaner for this job. It is specially formulated to break down soot and creosote on a glass surface. Just spray the cleaner onto the glass doors and wipe the buildup away with a soft rag. Use another clean rag to wipe away any residue left behind from the cleaner to make the glass shine.
Don’t forget to have the chimney professionally swept and inspected to make sure your stove will be ready to use safely in the fall. Contact us today at Chim Cheree The Chimney Specialists to schedule an appointment for our professional chimney maintenance services.