Top 10 Tips for Wood Fireplace Spring Cleaning

When you think of spring cleaning, you may think of cleaning out your closets and sweeping out the garage, but one area of the home started it all: fireplaces. Back in the days when fires were the primary heat source, homeowners took advantage of warmer spring temperatures to clean out soot, creosote, and grime that formed during the winter months.

If you own a wood stove or wood-burning fireplace, spring is still the ideal time of year to do a deep clean. The warmer weather makes the process easier, and you benefit from improved combustion and heat capabilities throughout the early part of the year.

Here is a list of 10 tips for cleaning your wood stove or wood-burning fireplace.

Have the Right Cleaning Supplies on Hand

These cleaning supplies will make your job easier:

• Circular metal chimney brush or whisk broom with flexible pole attachments. (The brush should be 8-10 inches in diameter or 1 inch larger than the flue.)
• Ash vacuum with attachment
• Ash shovel
• Dustpan
• Liquid dish detergent
• Nylon bristle scrub brushes
• Trisodium phosphate (TSP)
• Gloves
• Goggles
• Household bleach
• Bucket
• Cloth towels or paper towels
• White vinegar

Create a Cleaning Solution

Here are some easy solutions you can make at home:

• For light cleaning, soap and water may be all you need.
• For mildew or mold, use a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water.
• To remove tough dirt, soot, and grime from bricks, Mix 2-3 tablespoons of dish soap with a half cup of baking soda.
• For more demanding jobs, mix 6 tablespoons of TSP with 1 cup of bleach and 1 gallon of warm water in a plastic bucket. TSP is an alkaline chemical that works excellent for brick but should be handled cautiously. It requires gloves, goggles, and ventilation. It works great for removing soot and grime from brick but is too harsh for older brick.

Make Sure Your Fireplace and Chimney are Cool

Fireplaces and stoves stay hot longer than you may think. Hot ash, glass doors, and falling soot or creosote can burn your skin. A full cooldown may take an hour or more. Make sure the ashes are completely cold.

Protect the Area with Plastic Tarp, Plastic Sheets, or Newspaper

Use a tarp, newspaper, or plastic sheets to protect your room and hearth from ash, dirt, and dirty cleaning solution droplets. A tarp will also help you dispose of soot after cleaning.

Check the Fireplace Surface

Inspect the surface for signs of cracking and denting. If issues are found, be sure to repair them.

Check the Outside of the Chimney

One element worth close inspection of is the chimney cap. It keeps water and other debris out and protects the outside of your home from sparks. If the components appear damaged, replace them immediately.

Additionally, check your chimney flashing. The flashing seals the area between your roof and chimney to prevent water leaks. Over time, your flashing can deteriorate and weaken. If issues are spotted, address them immediately.

Finally, inspect nearby trees and branches to see if debris can fall onto or inside your chimney. Look for leaves, twigs, pine needles, or bird nests that may have accumulated in the flue or on the cap. If any are found, clean them out to prevent a fire hazard.

Check the Interior of the Fireplace

Look inside your chimney for any creosote and soot. Creosote is a tar-like residue that builds up inside your chimney and fireplace. It restricts airflow and is flammable, increasing the chance of indoor fires. It should be removed if it is thicker than 1/8th of an inch.

Any soot thicker than 1/8^th of an inch also poses the same dangers as creosote. Soot is easy to spot because it looks like black powder.

Clean Your Fireplace Chimney and Firebox

If the creosote and soot are not extensive, soap and water may be all you need. You can also try creosote-busting fire logs and creosote-removing powders and liquids. If spring is when you do the annual cleaning of your fireplaces, disassemble the chimney connector for a deeper clean, followed by a deep clean of the chimney itself.

Here are the steps for cleaning the chimney:

• Do an initial vacuum to pick up any loose dirt and debris.
• Open or remove the damper.
• Sweep the stovepipe or chimney using your metal circular brush.
• Remove the creosote or soot.
• Remove ashes and dust with the small shovel or whisk broom/brush and collect them in the dustpan.
• Do a cleaning with cloths and any of the cleaning solutions listed above.
• Do a final vacuum.
• Clean the Grate and Tools
• Sweep and vacuum away any remaining ashes from the grate and irons if needed.
• Take the grate and irons outside.
• Apply a few teaspoons of dish detergent to a dampened scrub brush and clean the grate and irons. Dry them when you are done.

Place the grate and irons back in the fireplace.

Added Steps for Cleaning Wood Stove Fireplaces

As you clean, check your wood stove system for damage or deterioration. Ensure all gaskets are secure and the flue pipe is securely fastened to the chimney walls. Also, clean the parts, such as the heat shield, combustor, and piping. You can use any solutions listed above, or a good vacuum may be all you need.

Be sure to reference the annual cleaning instructions with your fireplace.

Clean the Fireplace Glass

The easiest way to clean fireplace glass is to remove the door and work outside to avoid spreading ash or soot during cleaning. If removal isn't an option, then extreme caution should be taken and followed by vacuuming the room after cleaning. (More here, maybe reference prior article)

If soot has built up on the glass, use a wet or dry cloth, paper towel, or newspaper, dip it into the ash, and wipe the paper on the glass. The ash works as an effective scraper. If using chemical cleaners, ensure they aren't abrasive, and don't apply them to the outside of the glass.

Conclusion

Following these easy steps during your next spring clean helps you maximize your fireplace’s performance while keeping you abreast of areas and parts that need repairs. The better you care for your fireplace, the longer it will last.