The Definitive Guide to Cleaning a Wood-Burning Stove Building a fire in your stove doesn’t just cause a mess, but it can affect future fires that you create, as well as the overall efficiency and safety of your wood burner. At Logs Direct, we want to ensure that every use of kiln-dried logs is as safe as possible. This is why we want to offer the ultimate guide to cleaning your log burner for the safest and most efficient fires.
Why cleaning a wood-burning stove is important
Cleaning a stove is important to prevent the excessive buildup of soot and creosote that’s left behind after constant burning without cleaning. Not only does this make sure your fires burn more efficiently, but creosote is extremely flammable and can lead to chimney fires if not appropriately cleaned.
What you need to clean a wood-burning stove
Before beginning the cleaning process, protecting the furniture in your home from soot and debris can prevent long-lasting damage to expensive items. You can use anything from plastic covers and tarpaulin to protect it. The equipment is the next step to making sure you’re ready to clean. The first things you should acquire are a stiff brush and a chimney brush. Having an ash bucket to deposit any errant debris, a vacuum, and a hand shovel are all necessities for log burner cleaning. Protection for your eyes and hands are also important additions for cleaning. Gloves and eyewear like safety glasses or goggles protect against any harmful materials that could come into contact with your skin. Wearing clothes that you’re okay with getting dirty or ruined during the cleaning process is also something to consider, as soot can work itself into the fibres of clothing and permanently stain.
Staying safe when cleaning a stove
When you’re cleaning a wood-burning stove, it’s important to prioritise your safety. One thing to remember is that most burners are made of highly conductive metal which can stay warm for hours after your fire is reduced to embers. This is why it’s crucial not to begin the cleaning process until the stove has cooled completely.
Checking the chimney and integrity of the stove
Over time, stoves can begin to break down due to wear and regular use. If your stove is newer, you likely won’t have to worry about this, but it’s important to still check over its structure for any damage. Not only could this affect its structure, but it can also cause harmful gases or smoke to filter into your home rather than remain in the stove. Once you’ve checked the main body for any cracks, the door gasket and whether it has a proper seal, as well as the condition of the glass, should be the next priority. Making sure that they’re damage-free and addressing any minor issues can be highly proactive in preventing long-term issues. In many instances, we’d advise organising a consultation from a licensed, professional chimney sweep. They will be able to examine your stove and chimney to identify buildup and structure to offer the appropriate advice around cleaning and maintenance. We recommend the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps for the best advice and results.
Removing excess debris from your stove
When fires burn out, they leave behind ash and debris from the fuel you use. If you use your stove consistently, it’s important to remove all excess debris before cleaning. This is where you can use your hand shovel and ash bucket to scoop and discard all that’s left at the base. Dust can easily fall from the debris and cling to clothing and furniture, so be extra careful not to dump it into the bucket to prevent mess.
Cleaning the interior of your stove
The next step is using your stiff-tipped brushes to scrub and break down the buildup of soot and creosote on the interior. Don’t aim to be aggressive with the residue and instead focus on being methodical and thorough. This removes the buildup without causing lasting damage to the inside. For the spots that require a bit of additional TLC, a mixture of water and mild detergent can be used to remove the residue that’s harder to shift.
Vacuuming your log burner
Once you’ve cleaned your burner and the larger residue is removed, your vacuum cleaner is the best bet for the final touches. The nozzle attachment is an easy way to remove the leftover dust and other particles. While it’s out, you can use it to clean any stray dust that’s made its way throughout the room. At Logs Direct, we offer chimney-cleaning fire logs available for purchase that, once heated, can treat the buildup of creosote and volatile compounds in your flue. Alongside our range of kiln-dried firewood , we want to ensure that all your fires are clean and efficient, so place an order today.
