Dinghams Direct

How to Spring Clean Your Wood Burner

Discounts available on almost all woodburners from us

Keeping Your Wood Burner Clean

As spring rolls around, it’s the perfect time to shed the winter blues and give your home a good spring clean. But don’t forget about your trusty wood burner! Keeping your wood burner clean not only enhances its appearance but also improves its efficiency and reduces the risk of chimney fires. So, grab your gloves, dustpan, and let’s delve into spring cleaning your wood burner!

Do I Need to Clean My Wood Burner After Every Use?

While a quick ash removal after each use is recommended, a deep clean isn’t necessary every time. However, aim for a thorough cleaning monthly during the burning season, a monthly deep clean is ideal. This removes built-up soot and ash that can hinder your wood burner’s performance and increase the risk of chimney fires. Before storing your wood burner for the warmer months, give it a final, deep clean to ensure it’s ready for next winter.

What is the Best Thing to use to Clean a Log Burner?

The “best” cleaner for your log burner depends on the specific area you’re tackling. Inside, ashes surrender to a classic metal scoop and bucket or a trusty vacuum, while soot buildup might require tough brush to wipe away any that remains.

Outside, a gentle brush and damp cloth tame dust and cobwebs, while a vacuum cleaner conquers hidden corners. The outside of the glass should be cleaned with a scrunched up ball of newspaper, then a dry cloth. Remember, regular cleaning with the right tools ensures your log burner not only looks good, but also performs safely and efficiently for longer. So, grab your cleaning allies and give your trusty burner some TLC!

How Do You Clean the Outside of a Wood burner?

Transforming your dusty wood burner into a gleaming centrepiece is easier than you think! Just grab a feather duster or soft brush to waltz away cobwebs and loose debris. Next, a damp microfiber cloth becomes your knight in shining armour, gently wiping away glass surface grime with a gentle touch. For stubborn stains, a dab of ash soap on your damp cloth might be needed, followed by a thorough rinse and wipe down.

Remember, avoid harsh chemicals like a jealous dragon guarding its treasure! Finally, if you desire a mirror-like shine, consider a thin layer of stove polish, specially formulated for your wood burner’s finish. With these simple steps, your wood burner will be basking in the spotlight, ready to warm your home and hearts for seasons to come!

How Often Should I Clean the Ash Out of My Wood Stove?

The ashes in your wood stove may hold the key to its performance, but how often you scoop them out depends on a delicate dance between usage, fuel type, and efficiency. Daily burners need a quick ash pan emptying every couple of days to keep air flowing and flames high. If you prefer to use it on weekends, a weekly clean might do the trick. But remember, wood types of matter. Hardwoods like oak leave behind mere whispers of ash compared to the blizzard of softwoods like pine. So, adjust your cleaning schedule based on the fuel you choose.

While some advocate for a clean slate before each fire, many wood stove manuals suggest leaving a 1-inch layer as an ember bed for future ignitions. This ash layer acts like a cozy blanket, insulating and quickening the start-up process.

Ultimately, your stove’s performance should dictate the cleaning schedule you choose. Decreased airflow, sluggish ignition, or wispy smoke are all signs it’s time to give the ash pan a sort out. So, keep an eye on your stove, look for signs, and scoop out the excess whenever it’s needed to keep your stove happy.

Recommended installers

We can recommend installers in the area.

On site quotes

Our recommended installers can carry out site visits and provide installation prices.

Get in Touch