Bio ethanol fireplaces make a great addition to any home. They are environmentally friendly, they are safe, and they release no smoke which means that you don’t need a chimney.
They are becoming more and more popular and will likely continue to grow in popularity as people continue to try and reduce their carbon footprint and live more sustainably.
But how do you maintain a bio ethanol fireplace? How do you keep it clean? Is it different to cleaning a traditional fireplace?
If you want to know more about cleaning and maintaining a bio ethanol fireplace then keep reading.
We have put together this helpful guide to tell you everything that you need to know.
Are Bio Ethanol Fires Easy To Maintain?
Bio ethanol fireplaces do not produce soot or smoke. This makes them much easier to clean and maintain than traditional fireplaces.
You don’t need to worry about clearing away ash after a fire, or scrubbing at dark stains. You also don’t need to vacuum up splinters of wood from the log piles.
However, they still need to be cleaned to make sure that they stay in good condition and that they work smoothly.
You will also notice some black spots that appear on the fireplace due to direct contact with the flames. These can be wiped off very easily, but only once the fire has cooled down.
Bio ethanol fireplaces tend to have a very modern appearance. To keep them looking sleek and appealing you should try to keep them as clean as possible.
Try to clean the fireplace at least once a month, but more often if it needs it.
How Do You Clean A Bio ethanol Fireplace?
If you want to know the best method you should use to keep your bio ethanol fireplace clean, then follow these simple steps.
Step One – Turn Off The Fire
Before you start cleaning the fireplace, you need to make sure that it is completely cool. Otherwise, you could risk burning yourself.
Turn the fire off in advance if you want to clean it, or clean it before it has been switched on for the day.
Step Two – Clear The Surrounding Area
The next thing you will need to do is clear the area surrounding the fire.
Bio ethanol fireplaces should be neater than traditional fireplaces as you don’t need to keep baskets of wood nearby, or fire pokers etc.
Make sure that you clear any clutter from around the fireplace.
Step Three – Polish The Plates
Now it is time to polish the plates of the fireplace. Make sure that you use a polish that is compatible with the material that your fireplace plates are made out of.
Use a soft, lint free cloth and spray it with a little polish. Work the polish over the metal in circular motions.
Paying close attention to any black spot, dirt or marks. Do this over both the inner and outer plates.
Remember to use the polish a little bit at a time – you can always use more but if you use too much then it will leave unsightly smears over the metal.
Step Four – Clean The Burner
Once the plates are clean, it is time to move onto the burner. Use a soft, lint free cloth to clean the inside and outside areas of the burner.
You can use polish or a little bit of water. Make sure that the burner doesn’t get too wet.
If you are using water then make sure the cloth is damp but not dripping. Run a dry cloth over it afterwards to make sure that the burner is dry.
Step Five – Finish Off With A Dry Cloth
For the final step, it is a good idea to go over everything you have just cleaned with a dry, soft cloth.
It will also get rid of any excess polish to prevent it from catching fire when you use the fireplace.
Extra Tips
Here are a few extra tips that you should keep in mind when cleaning your bio ethanol fireplace:
Glass – Depending on the design you have chosen, your bio ethanol fireplace might have glass panels. Once the fireplace is fully cooled, you can clean these with glass cleaner and a soft cloth.
Scourer – Never use a metal scourer, a wire sponge or any kind of scratchy material to clean your bio ethanol fireplace. This could damage the metal and leave permanent scratches which will ruin the appearance of your fireplace.
Spillages – If you spill any fuel then you should clean it up immediately, as bio ethanol is highly flammable. Use a dry cloth to wipe the area thoroughly to ensure that the spillage is absorbed, then go over it again with a damp cloth to remove any leftover residue that was not absorbed initially.
Why Is It Important To Clean Your Bio Ethanol Fireplace?
There are several reasons why cleaning and maintaining your bio ethanol fireplace is so important:
Appearance – Your bio ethanol fireplace will look much nicer and smarter in your home if you keep it clean.
Operation – Cleaning the fireplace removes the build up of charring or residue, which keeps the fireplace running smoothly and efficiently.
Hygiene – Like anything in your home, a fireplace can collect dust and dirt, especially in the warmer months when it is not being used. This is why it is important to keep your fireplace clean all year around.
Hi, I am Stevie Morris. As a qualified electrician, I have installed countless electric fires and worked on projects with all types of fireplaces, including wood burning, bioethanol, and gas installations.
By working hands-on with different brands, you quickly become an expert on the best fireplaces and those you should avoid.
My family also owns the largest online retailer of fire pits and outdoor fireplaces in the UK. Although not part of the family business, I regularly help when needed.
I hope you can benefit from my experience and impartiality, which I have gained from installing fireplaces and seeing the family's fire pit business grow.
