November 8, 2023
How to Clean Your Fireplace to Prepare for Winter
There’s nothing quite like winter in New York City. The brisk chill doesn’t stop anybody in The City That Never Sleeps, but that doesn’t mean we don’t want somewhere to warm up after a while! NYC temperatures in winter usually hover in the 30s and 40s, so it’s handy to have a place to get warm fast.
As winter approaches, you’re probably turning an eye to your fireplace. Not only can a fireplace be a convenient and efficient source of heat, but it can also be a cozy addition to any living room or bedroom. Before the temperatures drop, you’ll want to clean your fireplace and get it ready for those cold winter evenings. We’ve got tips for cleaning any type of fireplace so you can relax and get warm whenever the mood strikes you.
Basic Care for Any Fireplace
Regardless of what type or size your fireplace is, there are a few basic actions you can take to maintain the space all year. For instance, sweeping around your fireplace regularly can reduce your cleaning time no matter the season. Regular sweeping ensures that dust and dirt don’t build up, so when you’re deep cleaning in the fall, you’ll have less to deal with.
It’s recommended to have your fireplace professionally checked at least once per year, normally when the weather starts to turn cold. You’ll have peace of mind with a professional cleaning, and if your inspector notices anything of concern, you can take care of the issue before you need your fireplace for the season.
While a fireplace is usually seen as an aesthetic piece, it’s important to remember that you’ll be playing with fire (literally). Make sure you have a functioning carbon monoxide detector in your home. If you don’t have a detector or notice that your detector is malfunctioning or expired, contact your local fire department, which may be able to provide you with a new detector at no cost.
Cleaning a Gas Fireplace
Gas fireplaces are popular thanks to their convenience and efficiency. You don’t have to deal with smoke or ash, and you can heat your space more quickly than you could with a gas furnace. Prevent dirt and grime from building up by cleaning your fireplace regularly.
Always turn off your gas valve and let the burners cool before cleaning your fireplace. Check your pilot light to make sure it’s out, and ensure that the valve coming from the wall is in the off position.
Then, you can proceed to vacuum the dust and dirt from the fireplace and vents. If your fireplace has decorative stones, you can put a piece of nylon hose over the end of the vacuum to make sure they don’t get vacuumed away. You can use a dry brush or cloth to dust ceramic logs and fireplace grates.
Glass fireplace doors can be cleaned with standard glass cleaner. If you notice a white film on the doors, you’re seeing the result of the manufacturing chemicals often used in natural gas products. This film can be removed with a specialty fireplace glass cleaner.
Your andirons and tools can be cleaned with dish soap, water, and metal polish (if you wish).
Cleaning an Electric Fireplace
Electric fireplaces are much cleaner than their gas or wood-burning counterparts, but they still require regular upkeep. If you have a wall-mounted electric fireplace, look at your owner’s manual and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning.
Cleaning a standard electric fireplace is simple. Start by turning off your fireplace and removing or opening the glass doors. Use a clean cloth to dust your logs, stones, hearth, or andirons. The vents can be cleaned with a hand vacuum or hose attachment.
Clean the fireplace walls (inside and outside) with a duster or damp cloth, and tend to the doors with glass cleaner.
Cleaning a Wood-Burning Fireplace
If you live in an older space, you may have a wood-burning fireplace. These classic fireplaces provide plenty of heat as well as a unique aesthetic, but they also need a bit more love and care than other types of fireplaces.
If you’ve used your fireplace recently, spread out the embers (once they’re completely cool) and cover them with ash or a small amount of baking soda. After 24 hours, make a cleaning solution of warm water (about a gallon), some dish soap, and a quarter-cup of heavy-duty cleaner.
Remove burnt wood with a fireplace shovel, remove the andirons and grate, and sweep ash away with a broom and dustpan. You may want to wear a respirator mask during this process to ensure you don’t inhale too much soot. If there’s still some dust and ash left over after sweeping, you can use a small handheld vacuum to finish the job.
Inside the fireplace, apply your cleaning solution with a stiff bristled brush. The bricks around the fireplace can be cleaned with a pumice stone and some dish soap. Let everything dry completely before replacing the andirons and grate.
Some wood-burning fireplaces have glass doors, which can be cleaned with a regular gas cleaner. Alternatively, you can use wood ash to clean them! Simply dip a paper towel in warm water, then dip it in ash. Rub the glass with the paper towel until the glass is clean, then rinse and polish with a new paper towel.
Cleaning Your Chimney
It’s best to bring in a professional to clean your chimney instead of tackling it yourself. The National Fire Prevention Association recommends your chimney be cleaned and inspected at least once per year. It’s best to have your chimney cleaned in the late summer or early fall so it’s ready to go for winter. If you use your fireplace frequently, you may need your chimney cleaned more often than once per year.
Professional cleaning in NYC can ensure your fireplace and/or chimney is free of creosote, a highly flammable substance that naturally builds up with the use of your fireplace. Your inspector will also be able to identify any potential issues with your damper or flue.
You can help keep your chimney clean and free of animals by installing a chimney cap. A chimney cap will prevent critters from making a home in your chimney, which can be hazardous for humans and animals alike.
Working with White Glove Cleaner
Maintaining your fireplace is an important step toward preparing for winter, but if you perform regular upkeep throughout the year, then you’ll be ready for the colder months in a snap. As for the rest of your home or apartment, White Glove Cleaner can help. We are proud to be one of New York City’s most trusted cleaning companies, providing residential and commercial services throughout all five boroughs.
At White Glove Cleaner, we have a service for every need. Our standard cleaning service is available on a recurring basis, whether you need us to come every week, every two weeks, or every month. You can also contact us for a one-time cleaning project, which can be helpful if you’re preparing for a big event or simply need some help with your spring cleaning. Additionally, we offer green cleaning using high-quality hypoallergenic products, move-in/move-out cleaning, and more.
Our team is dedicated to your health and safety, which is why we only use the safest and most effective cleaning products. You can rest assured knowing you’re working with cleaners who are individually vetted and background-checked. If you have any questions about our methods or requests about specific areas of your home, we’re happy to listen. Don’t waste precious time and energy cleaning your space day in and day out. Let White Glove Cleaner do the heavy lifting while you spend time getting back to what matters most. Contact the team at White Glove Cleaner today to learn about all of our services.