Cleaning your gas fireplace on a regular basis can help to keep it looking beautiful, prevent damage and malfunction, and reduce the risk of an unwanted fire starting. In this article, we will look at the best way to clean your gas fireplace.
What You’ll Need
Materials
There are a few materials that you will need in order to give your gas fireplace a proper clean. Some of the materials are optional depending on how much build-up there is on your fireplace.
You will need distilled white vinegar, preferably this should be diluted with water. A store-bought glass cleaner can also work instead. Grease busting dishwashing liquid can also be helpful to have on hand.
Equipment
You will also need certain items to help you to thoroughly clean your gas fireplace. The most important piece of equipment is a vacuum cleaner. This will help you to remove all the dust that can pose a fire risk.
You will also need a clean cloth and sponges, a spray bottle, and rubber gloves. A clean paintbrush or a handbroom can also be useful when cleaning a gas fireplace. A dropcloth can also be used to help protect your floor.
Method
Turn Off Gas Line
The first and most important step in cleaning your gas fireplace is to turn off the gas line. This will allow you to safely clean the entire unit without worrying about leaking gas into your home.
When you turn the gas line off, it is a good practice to wait for a few minutes before commencing cleaning. This will allow the gas fumes time to dissipate before you get up close and personal.
While you are waiting for the fumes to dissipate, you can put your dropcloth down to protect your floor.
Disassemble The Unit
Once you have turned the gas off and given it a few minutes to settle, it is time to disassemble the unit. Begin by removing the protective coverings on the fireplace. This includes any glass doors and screens on the unit.
Make a note of how the logs and lava rocks are arranged in the fireplace, this can be done by taking a photo on your cell phone. Then remove the logs and rocks.
Brush Off Logs
The logs in your gas fireplace are likely to attract a lot of dust throughout the year. The best way to clean these logs is with a clean paintbrush or with a handbroom. Gently brush each log individually until you have removed the visible dust from them.
This will get into all the crevices and make them like new again.
Vacuum Lava Rocks
Next up are the lava rocks. Like the logs, these will gather dust throughout the year which can make them dull. The easiest way to clean your lava rocks is to use a vacuum cleaner.
It can be easier with a handheld vacuum cleaner, however, using a smaller attachment on a standard vacuum cleaner also works.
Vacuum Interior
Once you have cleaned the logs and lava rocks, it is time to focus on the main parts of the fireplace. The first step is to vacuum the interior of the fireplace. This will remove any dust and debris that has accumulated between the logs and rocks.
You should also look for spider webs that might be inside the fireplace. Using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner is best for this.
Wipe Down Edges
Using a damp, clean cloth or sponge, wipe down the edges of the fireplace. This will help to remove any dust, debris, and dirt that has accumulated over time.
If your fireplace is particularly dirty, using dish soap in your warm water can help to cut through the grim. Remember to rinse your cloth or sponge thoroughly in the water between wipes for the most efficient cleaning.
Clean The Glass
Using a store-bought glass cleaner or distilled white vinegar diluted in water, clean the glass that covers the front of your fireplace. Make sure that you clean the inside and the outside of the glass.
Buff the glass with a dry cloth for a streak-free and professional finish to your glass. Try to avoid touching the glass panel once you have cleaned it to avoid finger smudges.
Clean Exterior
Once you have cleaned all of the components of the fireplace, it is time to clean the exterior and surrounding mantle piece. This can be done with a damp cloth. Make sure that you keep rinsing the cloth to avoid spreading dust and dirt around the fireplace.
If you have stubborn build-up on the exterior of the fireplace, you can use dish soap to cut through the grim and any grease.
Inspect The Unit
Now that you have finished cleaning all of the parts of your gas fireplace, it is time to inspect the unit. This should be done every time you clean the fireplace to help avoid any malfunctions from broken or damaged parts.
The best way to inspect the unit is to follow the instructions in the manual for your particular fireplace. Most manuals will have a step-by-step guide to inspecting your fireplace.
If you are unsure or think something is damaged, get a professional engineer to come and inspect your unit.
Reassemble The Unit
Once you have inspected the unit and are satisfied that everything is in good working order you can reassemble the unit. You can refer to the photo of the logs and rocks to help you replace them in the correct place.
These things never look exactly the same as they did before, but that’s okay.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning your gas fireplace is an important task that should be completed at the beginning and the end of the winter season. This will help to keep your fireplace safe and in optimal working order.
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.
