If you have a fireplace at home, then you should learn how to deep clean this space. Not only will you be able to show off a radiant fireplace, but you will also avoid accidents due to obstructions and soot accumulation.
We have focused on cleaning this area because we must be honest, it is not usual to do so. The common thing is to enjoy the heat that emanates during cold days and that’s it, but it turns out that the soot that is generated by burning, as well as the remains of flammable products, are dangerous to health.
So, in this note, we are going to tell you how you can clean your fireplace in-depth and be calm and safe when using it at any time. Take careful note!
Deep cleaning the chimney, what for and why?
It is necessary to clean the chimney of your house thoroughly and regularly to be sure to use this appliance. As we mentioned, the soot that is created during its use can cause obstructions that generate toxic gases. Its buildup also creates creosote, a thick, tar-like liquid that is toxic and difficult to remove from surfaces.
Beyond thinking about the difficulty in cleaning this waste when it accumulates, the idea is to be aware of removing it because it can trigger a fire or smoke poisoning inside the home.
Beyond alarming you, the idea is to tell you how to clean your chimney thoroughly and avoid bad times, always safeguarding the integrity of the inhabitants of the house.
Cleaning the chimney guarantees its proper functioning and the safety of the family
How often should it be cleaned?
This is an excellent question, which has an interesting answer. Chimneys should be cleaned only once a year, ideally accompanied by a maintenance review in which you make sure that everything works in order and that there are no thoughts that they should be changed. This task requires a high degree of knowledge about the proper functioning of these spaces, so it is convenient that the work be done by a professional.
For your part, you can clean the soot every time you use it. Doing this task judiciously is what will reduce maintenance to once a year, otherwise a more continuous technical visit may be needed. However, it must be said that the work of eliminating this residue is not an easy task, it is literally dirty work and it implies a level of risk to be considered.
What is required to clean a chimney?
To clean your fireplace, knowledge of how to do it correctly is required, as well as appropriate clothing or at least clothing that can get very dirty. In addition, you must wear a special mask that prevents you from breathing in the soot microparticles that remain in the air and protective glasses.
It is also necessary to have a firm ladder to climb to the roof, a special brush for cleaning chimneys, and protection for the interior of the house, which can be made of cloth, newspaper, or plastic canvas. In some specialized stores, it is possible to find chimney cleaning kits that include most of the elements that are required.
Step by step to clean your chimney
Once you have the aforementioned implements, it is time to follow a series of steps to be able to clean the chimney efficiently.
1. Cover the areas near the fireplace
The first thing you should do is take the plastic tarp, cloth, or newspaper that you have to cover the areas near the fireplace and that you do not want to get dirty.
It is also appropriate to remove decorative objects that are close to the fireplace and that can be damaged by the soot that is going to come off. On the other hand, you must be dressed for the task, and do not forget the security implements.
2. Remove the firewood and ashes inside
Immediately afterwards, you are going to remove the firewood that is inside the fireplace, placing it in a safe area, where it will not dirty anything. Then, take an old broom or hand brush to sweep up any ashes that have been left under the wood.
3. Removes the soot from the chimney
The next step in cleaning the chimney is to sweep it. To do this, use the chimney brush that you have bought and clean the extractor tube, you must do it with enough force to remove the soot, but carefully so as not to detach the tubes.
Immediately afterward, you should do the same with the walls, the ceiling, and the base of the chimney, in which case you will need a brush with stronger bristles since dirt adheres more to these surfaces.
4. Collect dust with a vacuum cleaner
After removing the soot from the chimney, it is time to collect what is left in the wood tray with the help of a vacuum cleaner. Be sure to run this appliance through the joints and corners to make sure there is no residue.
5. Strengthen cleaning
Although it may seem, the cleaning has not yet finished, it is necessary to reinforce it using a special product for the fireplace that usually comes ready to use or with instructions on how to prepare it. Now, if you prefer, you can make a homemade paste with baking soda and earthenware soap.
In the case of using the homemade alternative, apply the paste on the walls of the fireplace and leave it to act for 30 minutes or less, depending on the degree of dirt, and then remove it with a damp cloth in hot water.
6. Also clean the glass
The glass in the fireplaces should also be cleaned to make it look much better.
If your fireplace has a glass door, you should also clean it. To do this, take a soft sponge and apply liquid soap, scrub until the stains disappear. To dry, take a piece of newspaper and do it; you can also do it with a completely dry cloth.
7. Dry and you’re done!
Finally, dry your fireplace with newspaper and allow it to air out to remove moisture. Meanwhile, collect the tarps and implements that you have used so far, and reinforce the cleaning of the areas that have been affected.
Clean fireplace, safe and warm house
After cleaning your fireplace you can enjoy it with greater security. However, if you have not cleaned it for years, do not hesitate to hire a professional service. Once you know that the device is safe to use and that it is maintained, you can do preventive cleaning when you turn it on.
Remember that, if your fireplace is gas, you must also do an annual cleaning and maintenance.
