Log burner sales in the UK have been on the rise in the 2020s; however, new owners may not know the best practices for log burner care to ensure it has a long lifespan. That’s why, as experts in all things firewood and log burning, we’ve put together a thorough beginner’s guide to caring for your burner.
Establishing early how to build a proper fire from your first one will provide a strong base for how all your fires should be created. The first consideration you should make is for the wood you choose to use. Seasoned wood is the best choice, particularly kiln-dried logs, with a moisture content of less than 20% that has been dried for between six months to a year. This emits lots of heat and produces less creosote that sticks in your chimney. The next decision is whether to use softwood or hardwood. While softwood is quicker to light and burns out fast, hardwood is a slower burn due to its density, making it the ideal selection for a long, consistent heat source. To build the fire itself, it should begin with a base of kindling wood or newspaper which catches quickly. Building on this flame can be with placing your logs in a teepee or crisscross pattern, allowing for air to circulate for proper fire sustenance. After your wood has caught and the flame is consistent, an important note is not to overload your burner with logs. This can stifle the live flame and cause it to go out. Instead, add them gradually and allow them to catch and burn down before adding more. Then, you simply monitor the temperature and airflow to make sure it stays consistent, and once you’re done, just let the fire naturally die out.
By keeping your log burner clean and well-maintained, you can ensure that not only is its lifespan extended but also that each burn is efficient. How often you clean your log burner is dependent on how regularly you use it, so if you use it often, it’s likely it will need more cleaning. But before you start cleaning your stove, make sure it has completely cooled. Most burners are made of cast iron, which, as a thermal conductor of heat, can stay warm for hours after the fire has gone out. This prevents accidental burns or dangerous fumes from being emitted from applying cleaning fluids too early. Once it’s cooled, prepare yourself with gloves and some clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and grabbing an ash bucket. Dispose of the leftover debris into the bucket, which you can recycle into compost to help any plants in your garden grow. A hoover can catch any leftover ash. When cleaning the outside of the burner, you can just use a soft, dry cloth to wipe it down. This is followed by cleaning the glass that can get stained from the burning, and you can use dampened charcoal to wipe and then remove it with paper towels. Another option is bicarbonate of soda mixed with water, or a glass cleaner, all of which will work. While you can get chimney brushes to clean yourself, it’s better to have a professional clean it. Not only do they know the best way to efficiently clean a chimney flue, but they can also identify any issues or cracks that require maintenance.
Part of understanding log burner care is understanding the importance of safety around burning. This means ensuring all safety considerations are in place when installing a burner, including any smoke detectors, fire alarms, and Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors. These will alert you to any gas or smoke leaks that could occur. It’s also important to be proactive with fire prevention methods, such as a fire extinguisher for emergencies and putting aside time to make sure everyone in your home knows how to use it. You should also think about the area around the burner and identify whether things are flammable or if it’s appropriately child/animal proof. If not, moving things that could catch or adding barriers and safety gates could be hugely beneficial to safety. The best care you can give your burner is by giving it the highest quality fuel, which is what you can guarantee you’re getting with the kiln-dried firewood from Logs Direct. If you’re not sure what wood is best for you, get in touch and we’ll be happy to help!
