Whether you own a fireplace or not, you want to keep your fireplace looking its best. Regular maintenance is essential to make sure that your fireplace looks great and performs as it should. The following tips will help you make sure your fireplace stays clean, safe and in good working order.
Clean the Chimney
The chimney needs to be cleaned at least once a year with a chimney brush or wire brush to remove all soot from around the flue cap, which can accumulate over time. If there are any cracks in the flue cap that allow air to enter the chimney, these cracks must be repaired as soon as possible.
You may also want to consider having a professional clean out your chimney once every six months for optimal performance of your stovetop or gas appliances.
Cleaning the Hearth
The hearth is usually covered with ashes from previous fires and can build up over time. To prevent this buildup, sweep out ashes and ash deposits regularly using a broom or old toothbrush. You can also use an ash bucket to collect ashes after each fire since they contain calcium carbonate that could harm your chimney lining if not removed regularly.
Additional Maintenance Guide:
1. Check the chimney for cracks, loose mortar or bricks, and flue linings.
2. Clean the fireplace with a damp rag to remove soot and grease deposits that may clog the flue.
3. Use a wire brush to clean away gunk from crevices and joints where it can be some of the most difficult to reach.
4. Use a wire brush to remove any rust from the fireplace's exterior metalwork.
5. If your fireplace is made from brick or stone, you may have to clean off any dirt or grime that has accumulated on its walls over time using a damp cloth and mild detergent solution such as dishwashing liquid or laundry bleach diluted in water; follow directions on the container carefully before use!
6. For cleaning above the mantel, use a dry cloth wipe down only; make sure that you don't get any water on it
