With the end of winter approaching, you are likely planning your approach to spring cleaning. In fact, you might even have researched how to clean a chimney with a fireplace insert. You do not want to leave the wood fireplace out of your cleaning plans. Fortunately, the task does not have to be difficult, and you can do it yourself.
The following steps will show you learning how to clean the inside of a fireplace is easier than you think.
Step 1: Prepare Your Supplies
The first step to learning how to clean a wood burning fireplace is to prepare your work area. Never work on your fireplace when it is still warm, and never leave the logs inside while you work. Some people also like to sprinkle used coffee grounds over the ashes at the bottom to prevent dust.
Use a drop cloth or plastic tarp to cover the floor surrounding your fireplace. Then, gather a bucket, nylon brush with stiff bristles, trash can, shop vac (preferably with a brush attached), and your cleaning supplies of choice. You can use bleach and TSP or baking soda and vinegar based on your comfort level. You also need dry rags, a spray bottle of water, gloves, and eyewear for your safety.
Step 2: Perform Some Preliminary Cleaning
Wood fireplace cleaning begins by taking everything out of the fireplace, including andiron and log holders. Cleaning fireplace inserts is as easy as spraying water and gently rubbing away the debris.
The next step to clean inside of fireplace areas is to sweep up and gather debris at the bottom. You can use a shop vac to pick up stubborn residue.
Step 3: Start Scrubbing
With your nylon brush, loosen anything stuck to the walls of the fireplace. Always use a circular pattern as you scrub. As debris falls, use the shop vac to pick it up.
If you are opting for bleach and TSP, combine about one gallon of warm water with one cup of bleach. Add in six tablespoons of TSP. Use the nylon brush and the solution to scrub the walls and floor, wearing gloves as you do so. Keep in mind that TSP may be too harsh for older brick styles.
Not interested in bleach? Mix one part water to one part vinegar in a spray bottle. Use the mixture to moisten the sides of the fireplace, and then let it sit for about 10 minutes before attacking it with the brush again. You might need to repeat this process a few times. To neutralize the vinegar when you are done, dissolve baking soda in water and spray it over the region.
Once you are done scrubbing, use a damp cloth to rinse the fireplace and the clean fireplace insert. Dry everything with a new rag.
Step 4: Clean Glass Fixtures
Next, you need to learn how to clean wood fireplace glass. Fortunately, it’s not any harder than learning how to clean a fireplace insert. Simply take some newspaper or paper towels dipped in the leftover ashes and then use it rub excess soot away in a circular motion. Once the soot is gone, you can wipe the glass with a regular glass cleaner.
Of course, regularly cleaning your fireplace does not mean your chimney doesn’t need some professional maintenance. In fact, you might even consider calling a professional to clean your chimney before you go through these steps.
