How to Clean and Maintain Your Outdoor Fireplace

Posted on May 18, 2021
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Featured Image: Arizona Tile Massangis Aged Romain Pattern Limestone

Outdoor fireplaces are a great way to bring warmth, beauty, and ambiance to your backyard space. Adding a gorgeous tile or brick fireplace to your patio area makes it easy to entertain guests or simply relax with loved ones, no matter the season. A well-built outdoor fireplace is sure to provide years upon years of enjoyment and comfort, as long as it’s properly cleaned and maintained. These are some tips about keeping your fireplace looking and operating its best.

Wood-Burning Fireplace Cleaning Tips

If you own a wood-burning fireplace, be sure to use creosote sweeping logs on a regular basis to help loosen the creosote that can build up in your fireplace chimney and flue. Before using your fireplace for the season, don’t forget to check the thickness of the creosote–if it’s thicker than 1/8th inch, refrain from using your fireplace until it has been thoroughly cleaned.

 

Wood-Burning Fireplace

To clean a wood-burning fireplace, follow these steps:

  1. Remove built-up ash from the fireplace regularly.
  2. Use a broom or outdoor wet-dry vacuum to clean debris, soot and leaves from the fireplace each time you use it.
  3. Use a brush and warm, soapy water to thoroughly clean the fireplace inside and out. We recommend doing a deep clean once a year to keep your fireplace looking its best.
  4. If you notice nearby foliage beginning to overgrow, cut it back promptly. Keep the fireplace bricks free of weeds and grass–plant roots can cause damage if they infiltrate natural cracks in the stone.

To avoid potential fire hazards, we recommend having your fireplace regularly cleaned by a professional.

Gas Fireplace

Gas Fireplace Cleaning Tips

If you have a gas fireplace, follow these maintenance tips to ensure performance season after season:

  1. Before cleaning a gas fireplace, ensure the gas is turned off.
  2. Regularly check your fireplace’s exhaust fan (if present) to make sure it’s functioning properly.
  3. To keep burners free of soot, clean them with a cloth or soft-bristle brush. Always follow manufacturer guidelines to ensure you don’t void your warranty.
  4. Always turn off the fireplace’s pilot light if you plan not to use it for a few months at a time.

To stay safe and avoid potential fire hazards, we recommend having your outdoor fireplace inspected and maintained by a professional at least once a year.

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