Why You Need to Clean Your Gas Fireplace (and How to Do It)
There is something special about a real wood-burning fireplace: the smell, the crackle, and watching the logs slowly burn to embers. But they are also troublesome and rather messy. Because of this, many people have chosen to install gas fireplaces instead.
And while they are certainly cleaner – they remove ash and heavy soot that are formed when burning wood – gas fireplaces are not completely self-contained. In fact, they need regular maintenance to keep them working as safely and efficiently as possible. Here’s what you need to know about how to clean your gas fireplace and why you need it.
Why you need to clean your gas fireplace
Unlike their wood-burning counterparts, gas fireplaces do not produce creosote. But whether they run on propane or natural gas, they can leave build-up that Fiddler on the Roof Chimney Service has said should be cleaned up.
It is recommended that you check your fireplace with a licensed gas service provider once a year. According to Jessica Bennett’s article for Better Homes and Gardens, the technician not only checks: they can also thoroughly clean your gas fireplace, check for leaks, make sure the fireplace is properly ventilated, and identify any potential safety issues.
But if you use a gas fireplace regularly, you will want to clean it more than once a year. Like any other place in the house, the fireplace can become dusty and dirty over time, and if it has glass doors, they can become cloudy and need to be wiped clean.
How to clean a gas fireplace
As with any home renovation, keep safety in mind when working with gas. And while we talk about it, if you have a gas fireplace in your home, make sure you also have a working carbon monoxide detector so you know if there will ever be a gas leak.
Before starting work, dig or locate your fireplace user manual, take note of all the precautions and follow the cleaning instructions they provide, Bennett advises. Then turn off the test lamp and gas valve and be sure to let the fireplace cool completely.
To take apart
Then follow the manufacturer’s instructions for removing the glass panels so that you have access to the inside of the fireplace. Bennett advises setting aside the old sheet, towel, or dropper and place the glass panes in there while you clean. If you can remove the counterfeit logs, do that too and place them on the same cloth.
Cleanse the inside
It’s time to clean the inside of the fireplace. If you have such small decorative stones, get those too. Then use a vacuum cleaner to pick up any dust or dirt that has accumulated inside, Bennett suggests. Take a soft rag or cloth, dust off the counterfeit logs, and wipe down whatever may come in handy. Then put the fake logs and decorative stones back in the fireplace.
Clear the glass
Bennett says if the glass panels are hazy white rather than crystal clear, it is most likely due to chemical residues that form when using a gas fireplace. She also recommends using a special glass cleaner designed for fireplace panels. Wipe the cleaner with a soft cloth, then replace the glass.