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Wood Fireplace Maintenance and Cleaning Tips During Summer

Now that it’s summer, your indoor fireplace is probably in hibernation mode. This is the perfect time to give this sleeping beauty some thorough cleaning!

Once the cooler weather moves in, you’ll be wanting to light up your fireplace again, and so make sure it's in tip-top shape with these fireplace cleaning and maintenance tips. Ensure your home’s ultimate accent piece will be more than ready to spread light and warmth!

 

Clean the Firebox

When was the last time you gave your firebox a thorough cleaning? Since it’s not currently in use, you can clean every inch of it to make it look spotless. Here are some steps to take when cleaning the firebox:

  1. First, make sure the fireplace wasn’t used recently and that the ashes are cool.

  2. Next, it is recommended by the National Association of Chimney Sweeps to wear a respirator mask that meets the FFP3 standard. This is because the particles of soot are carcinogenic, and are small enough to be absorbed into the body. An FFP3 respirator mask is capable of filtering out around 98% of these airborne particles. These include cancer-causing soot, mold spores, and viruses found in bird nests that could have made their way down your chimney.

  3. After masking up, it’s time to protect your hands as well with multi-purpose gloves.

  4. Now that you’re in full gear, you’re ready to take on the firebox! First, scoop out the ashes. Then, use your vacuum to remove all the remaining ash.

  5. Prepare a mixture of cleaning solution and water. It’s important to make sure that the products you use are not flammable. The cleaning solution used will leave remnants in your firebox. If it’s flammable, this will be extremely dangerous when you light up your fireplace.

  6. Use a clean sponge and the mixture to wipe down every part of the firebox.

  7. Wipe down the firebox with a clean rag.

 

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Clean the Glass Doors, Mantel, and Brick Surround

The surrounding elements of your fireplace like the glass doors, mantel, and brick surround need some maintenance too!

To clean the glass doors, it’s best to use the solution recommended by your manufacturer together with a soft or microfibre cloth. At the same time, make sure to inspect the glass doors for any chips or cracks. If you notice any, now would be the best time to have them replaced in preparation for the colder weather.

Next, use a sponge and a safe cleaning solution to wipe down the mantel and remove any smoke or soot stains.

Cleaning the brick surround might require more than just a sponge to completely remove all of the build-up in the crevices. In this case, use a scrub brush to get rid of the more stubborn dirt.

 

Schedule a Chimney Sweep

As part of proper fireplace maintenance, the National Fire Protection Association strongly recommends having your chimney swept and inspected before lighting it up for the first time in the fall. If your fireplace is connected to a chimney, this is where you have to call in the assistance of professionals to ensure a thorough cleaning.

Creosote can build up in chimneys connected to wood-burning fireplaces or fireplace inserts. This material is highly flammable and can cause chimney fires if not extracted. Aside from creosote, your chimney might also have other obstructions such as soot, twigs, leaves, dust, and animal nests.

Professional chimney sweepers have the right tools, such as special brushes and vacuums, that can successfully clear up your chimney. Their skills are necessary to ensure that your chimney is doing its job.

Once the chimney has been cleaned up, we recommend installing a chimney cap for the summer. This way, you can rest assured that no debris or critters will crawl their way down your chimney. After all, it’s just been given a deep clean. A chimney cap will help keep it clear until fall arrives.

 

Call for an Inspection

A thorough inspection by technicians from reputable fireplace service companies is still necessary at least once a year. A specialist can ensure proper fireplace maintenance, including any possible obstructions of the chimney and carbon monoxide backup.

A proper inspection will ensure that your unit is working at its most optimal — which is why any fireplace maintenance cost is always worth it.

 

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Be Autumn-Ready with Proper Fireplace Maintenance

Summertime is the best time to carry out these fireplace maintenance tips. Your fireplace is one of the most beautiful investments in your home. With proper cleaning and maintenance, you can protect it, and count on it in return to help you take on the approaching colder weather. It’s a win-win situation!

Autumn and winter just aren't the same without the warm atmosphere of a magnificent fireplace. The search for the perfect one stops right here. Napoleon has everything you’re looking for in a fireplace — superior functions, extreme durability, and stand-out aesthetics. Find a Dealer near you.

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