TIPS TO CARE FOR YOUR WOOD BURNING AND GAS FIREPLACE!
As temperatures rise, you may be mostly concerned if your air conditioner is up to the task of summer cooling. However, it is a good idea to take good care of your fireplace year-round. Summer is one of the best times to show your fireplace some extra TLC!
GET A YEARLY INSPECTION
Summer is a convenient time to check that annual inspection off your list! This allows the technician an opportunity to check for potential dangers before they potentially escalate into true hazards.
BOOK PROFESSIONAL CLEANING
Beat the rush and book your professional chimney sweeping during the summer months. Sweeping removes creosote buildup – the gunk that could cause clogs and chimney fires. Getting rid of that gunk improves the efficiency of your fireplace in preparation of those cold winter months.
VACUUM COLD ASHES
For ashes, be sure to use a wet-dry shop vacuum, NOT your household vacuum. You don’t want the ashes to clog filters of your nice household vacuum!
FIREPLACE CLEANING
This might sound like a given, but be sure to use all non-flammable cleaning products! To clean interior brick and tile: make a paste using baking soda and water. After scrubbing, you can use a solution of vinegar and water to foam the paste away. My mother-in-law would recommend using basic dish soap and water!
GAS FIREPLACES NEED LOVE TOO!
CLEAN/DUST INTERIOR
Dust the interior of the fireplace with a microfiber cloth. If there is more debris build-up, use the wand attachment to gently vacuum dust and debris. Lava rocks? Avoid vacuuming these up by covering the wand opening with a cheesecloth or an old stocking and securing tightly with a rubber band.
DO NOT SPRAY ANY CLEANING SOLUTION ON THE LOGS!
Check your owner’s manual for more tips. For your safety and to keep your fireplace running properly, any other sort of cleaning should be done by a professional.
INSPECTIONS
Both your gas fireplace and chimney should be inspected once a year. A vent-free fireplace won’t have a chimney, but the fireplace itself should still be checked by a service technician, who will catch any problems before they become a safety hazard for you and your family.
Taking care of your fireplace will ensure your family stays warm and cozy on those chilly nights!