What Products Should I Use To Clean My Fireplace?

Maintaining your fireplace takes more than just an annual sweeping and inspection by a certified chimney sweep. There are a number of ways homeowners can clean and maintain their fireplaces in the time between sweepings.

One of the most common questions we receive from our customers is “What products should I use to clean my fireplace?” With hundreds of cleaners on the market, it can be difficult to determine which fireplace products to use. The following guide can help homeowners find the best – and avoid the worst – products for your fireplace.

Chimney Sweeping Logs

Chimney sweeping logs are often advertised as a less-expensive, DIY alternative to a chimney sweeping. Unfortunately, these products are often ineffective and can create safety issues within your fireplace system. Because of this, we discourage our customers from using them, even between regularly scheduled sweepings.

When chimney sweeping logs work by giving off a chemical smoke that loosens soot, ash, and creosote in the flue. While some of this buildup falls into the firebox, falling creosote often becomes trapped on the smoke shelf or within the angles of the flue. This can create blockages in the flue or increase the risk of chimney fire.

“I usually tell people using one of those logs instead of having your chimney cleaned manually is like chewing Dentyne instead of brushing your teeth,” said Allan Bopp of Bald Eagle Enterprises. “It may help a little, but it’s a poor substitute for the real thing.”

Cleaning Fireplace Masonry

The masonry surrounding the fireplace can become stained from years of exposure to smoke and soot. Especially common in older homes, masonry staining can turn a beautiful fireplace into a dirty eyesore.

We recommend ChimneySaver Paint “N” Peel Fireplace Cleaner. This easy to use, safe, and an effective product that can remove years of buildup from bricks, stone, slate, tile, concrete, marble, and more.

Paint “N” Peel cures for 24-48 hours after application onto the stained masonry. Since it is non-toxic and chemical free, you and your family do not have to leave the home during use. Removal is easy, clean, and leaves behind a fireplace that looks years younger.

Fireplace Cleaning Products

When choosing a cleaner for the glass or metal of your fireplace, it is extremely important to choose a non-flammable cleaner specifically designed for fireplaces. Generic cleaners can give off chemicals – or even catch fire – when used on fireplace components. Likewise, use non-abrasive scrubbers, rags, or cloths to avoid scratching the glass or metal.

Fireplace cleaners can be purchased at many hearth stores or other hardware stores. For homeowners who prefer a greener, DIY approach to cleaning their fireplace leftover ashes can be used to remove stains from fireplace glass. Dampen a piece of newspaper or paper towel, coat the dampened area with ash, and gently scrub the glass in a circular motion. Repeat as necessary until glass is clean, and remove any ash residue with water and a clean cloth when finished.

Using the right products can help extend the life of your fireplace system. For more information on fireplace cleaners, contact the experts at Clean Sweeps of Michigan today.