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Nothing is nicer on a cold winter day than a hot crackling fire. While fires can be wonderful, they are not without effort. If you regularly use your fireplace, it is a good idea to give it a careful cleaning every now and then. The process is pretty simple, but it does take some time. Here is a how to guide to help you with the process.
1. Never clean out a hot fireplace. If you want to clean your fireplace out, wait at least 48 hours from the end of your last fire. Wear clothes that you don't care about and consider using a face mask. This is a really messy task.
2. Put down layer of newspaper or plastic sheeting around the fireplace to make sure that you don't stain your carpet with soot and ashes.
3. Find your damper and use a stiff brush to clean it off. Soot and creosote will build up on it rather quickly, so if you don't know where it is, make sure that you ask for help.
4. Using a hand broom and a dustpan sweep out the majority of ashes from your fireplace hearth. This might take several tries. When you remove the ashes place them in a trash can with a liner or in an outdoor bucket. If you notice any warm coals, wait to clean out your fireplace as they can be a fire hazard.
5. Vacuum out the fireplace to remove any remaining residue.
6. While you can find expensive fireplace cleaners, vinegar and water work really well. Mix 2 parts water to 1 part vinegar. If you need a little scouring power, sprinkle baking soda. Using these simple household cleaners, scrub out your fireplace. It is a good idea to use a stiff brush that you don't plan on using anywhere else in the house as it will get very dirty.
7. Scrub off your fire grate and your fire tools. You can use a little steel wool and metal polish to restore their former beauty. Remember to remove all traces of polish using the vinegar cleaner as some types of polish can be flammable. Dry everything thoroughly before replacing it to ensure that rust does not form.
8. Wipe down the area surrounding your fireplace using a clean rag and more of your vinegar solution. If you find difficult, stuck on ash you can let it soak in cleaner before wiping it down.
9. Pick up the newspapers and discard. Then vacuum the entire area just to be sure that there aren't ashes still remaining.
10. Replace your fire grate and tools. For a beautiful touch, consider adding a log to your fireplace and stocking your indoor wood supply. This way you are ready to build your next fire.
As you can see, cleaning a fireplace isn't that difficult. It is easiest to clean when you do this regularly, so make sure that you clean it out every few months when you are lighting fires often. It is also a good idea to give your fireplace one final cleaning once winter is over.
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