Clean Sweeps of Michigan's Blog

Necessary Fireplace Accessories

When it comes to getting the most out of your fireplace, the right accessories can make all the difference! A good tool set can help you more effectively manage your fires while they are burning as well as clean up after they are finished. Likewise, good accessories can also help keep you and your family safer around your fireplace.

The following are some necessary fireplace accessories that can make operating your fireplace easier. Whether you’ve had one for years or still need to add it to your tool collection, considering trying out these fireplace tools this winter!

1. Fireplace screens

Fireplace screens are one of the easiest and most effective ways to make your fireplace safer. By keeping children and pets away from the fire – as well as keeping popping coals and embers off of your carpet – everyone can enjoy sitting in front of the fire without worry. There are hundreds of variations on fireplace screens running from the basic to the ornate; screens can be attached directly to the fireplace or hearth or can be freestanding.

If you have a glass fireplace, you may be required to use a fireplace screen. All glass front gas fireplaces built after January 1, 2015 are required by the American National Standards Institute to have a fireplace screen. If you have a glass fronted fireplace that was built before that date, you may still want to consider adding a screen; because the glass panels can become extremely hot when the fireplace is in use, they can create a serious burn hazard for anyone who touches them.

2. Wood holder

While this may seem like a no brainer, correct wood storage is important both inside and outside your home. An indoor wood holder can let you know when it’s time to head outside to grab more firewood. Good indoor wood storage should keep a small number of logs stacked neatly off of the floor; only bring the amount of wood you’ll immediately need inside to prevent dormant bugs from getting into your home.

How you store your firewood outside is even more important than your interior wood holder. Firewood should never be stacked directly on the ground to prevent the bottom layer from rotting; a metal or wood firewood holder can keep wood off the ground and dry. Likewise, avoid stacking wood too tightly or heaping it into a pile; doing this can prevent enough air from flowing through the woodpile and trap moisture inside.

3. Bellows

Although bellows are most commonly seen in period movies, they still have a place in your modern fireplace tool kit! Bellows work by pushing large amounts of air into the fire; the oxygen feeds the fire and can help it start roaring faster – and look cool while doing it.

4. Fire tools

The right fire tools can make a big difference in how you stoke and clean up after your fires. Fire tools often come in sets and include tongs, a poker, a shovel, a brush, and a storage stand. Because fire tools vary in weight, length, and size, you may want to head to the store to try them out before making a purchase.

Having the right fireplace accessories can make using your fireplace easier and more enjoyable. If you’re looking to add to your fireplace accessory collection, let the expert staff at Clean Sweeps of Michigan find the right fireplace tools for you!

Proper Ash Removal

When it comes to fireplace safety, many homeowners believe that their worries end as soon as the fire goes out. However, there is one important part of using a fireplace that should not be ignored – proper ash removal.

Knowing how to correctly remove and dispose of your ashes can not only make your home safer, but can also keep you from creating unnecessary messes and even be used in unexpected alternative ways. By taking the time to do it the right way, homeowners can rest assured that they have done everything in their power to keep their families and homes safe from accidental fires.

Are ashes dangerous?

The limp and lifeless ashes that are left over after a fire are anything but menacing. While there is nothing inherently dangerous about ashes themselves, it’s what can be hidden in the ashes that can cause a safety concern.

Hot coals and embers can become trapped or hidden in pockets of ash; even after the fires dies out and the ashes begin to cool, these embers can remain dormant and ignite later on. “Wood ashes retain enough heat to ignite other combustible materials for several days.” This means that homeowners need to treat ash removal with care and caution, even if the fire has been out for some time.

Removing ashes – the wrong way

While everyone has their favorite way of cleaning the fireplace, many of the most popular ash removal methods are unsafe and incorrect. The following are a few examples of dangerous – or dirty – ash removal methods that should not be used.

• Vacuum: Even if your vacuum has a HEPA filter, the fine ash particles often become airborne. This not only pollutes your air quality but can also stain walls and furnishings.
• Paper bags: Putting ashes into a combustible container like a paper bag or cardboard box can lead to an unintentional fire if any coals or embers remain.
• Trash cans: Many trash or dumpster fires are caused each year by not-quite cold ashes being mixed in with regular garbage.

Removing ashes – the right way!

Removing ashes the right way takes three things: time, patience, and a proper ash container. First, homeowners should let fires naturally extinguish. During this process, it is important to stoke and move the ashes frequently to prevent any coals or embers from remaining hidden in the ash. Depending on the size of the fire and how much wood was used, it may take a full day or longer for the ashes to cool completely.

After the ashes have cooled, it is important that they are placed in a proper container. A good ash container is metal, has a fitted lid, and does not sit directly on the ground. Ash containers should never be placed near combustible materials; this includes being stored indoors or in garages or sheds. Lastly, follow local rules or regulations when it comes to the time and location of ash disposal; many trash companies have rules about ash being picked up with regular garbage, even it is in a separate container.

If you don’t want your ashes to go to waste, consider using them in an alternative way. Ashes can be sprinkled in the garden to work as both a fertilizer and bug repellent. Likewise, they can also be used as a natural deicer for driveways and sidewalks – as long as you don’t mind dirty shoes!