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!