Fireplace Cleaning
Whether you have a gas or wood-burning fireplace, it is beneficial you receive regular fireplace cleanings. A fireplace cleaning can affect how your fireplace operates and the efficiency of your chimney. In most cases, a chimney cleaning is performed alongside a chimney sweep.
However, we understand when residents want their fireplace cleaned more often. After all, the fireplace is the part you and guests see. There are some efforts you can take yourself to ensure your fireplace stays in good condition. We’ll give you a few tips on how to keep your fireplace clean, along with some other parts of your fireplace.
The Importance of Fireplace Cleanings
You might have a lot of questions associated with your fireplace and chimney. We can’t answer all of them here, but we recommend looking at the Chimney Safety Institute of America’s (CSIA) frequently asked questions. They have a comprehensive list of FAQs you can refer to to make a better decision on your chimney’s maintenance and care.
We cannot state enough how important it is you have an annual chimney cleaning and inspection. These services help your chimney stay functioning and safe. If your chimney and fireplace are neglected, you could experience a reduction in the quality of your indoor air. Toxic gasses like carbon monoxide can build up and create serious health conditions or even death.
Furthermore, chimney inspections ensure every part of your chimney is working properly. If there is damage to the smoke chamber, flue, or lining, you can expect serious issues. The lining is the most vital portion of your chimney because it protects flammable materials from catching on fire. An inspection will ensure the lining is intact and ensures your chimney is safe.
Cleaning Fireplace Brick
Bricks are porous materials allowing them to soak in moisture and gases. Your fireplace brick will absorb gases, let off by the fire. Ash and soot collecting on the bricks' surface create a dark and dusty look.
If you want to clean your brick, then we suggest wetting the brick first. The brick will absorb the water and keep any cleaning solution from entering. You want the cleaning solution to stay on the surface because that is where the grime is located.
Avoid oversaturating the bricks. We recommend using a masonry sponge, which you can purchase at a local hardware store. Start using the sponge with soapy water. The cleaner should be clear or is explicitly marketed to clean brick. After the brick is saturated, use a brush without metal bristles to remove the grime.
Gas Fireplace Cleaning
Gas fireplaces are much cleaner and produce less of a mess than wood-burning fireplaces. But, just like wood-burning fireplaces, gas fireplaces need to be cleaned regularly. Poor maintenance and gas fireplace cleanings can create issues with the system.
Start cleaning your gas fireplace by turning the gas off. This should be done before anything is done to the chimney. Then, remove the glass door, metal screen, or whatever item you have protecting the front of the fireplace.
Once the barrier is removed, you can begin brushing out dirt, dust, and soot that has been collected. For smaller areas, use a fine brush to remove any grime that has collected. You may even want to consider using a vacuum for easier cleanup.
Once the fireplace is clean, finish by cleaning the metal doors, glass, or mesh protecting the flames. You can use a damp cloth to clean the glass or metal. Meshes can be cleaned with the vacuum or broom you used for the fireplace.
Do Fireplace Cleaning Logs Work?
Fireplace cleaning logs or chimney sweeping logs are logs meant to remove the buildup of creosote, ash, and soot in the chimney. Homeowners with wood-burning fireplaces have used these products to substitute annual chimney sweeps, but we highly advise against it. These logs remove some percentage of creosote in the chimney but nowhere near as well as a chimney sweep.
Fireplace cleaning logs do not just remove the creosote from your chimney. Instead, it loosens up the layer of creosote for you to scrape it off yourself. Without the right equipment or certification, you’ll be unable to clean the chimney completely, and the log will only assist so much. With that said, save time and money with a regular chimney sweep and inspection.
Contact Us Today
If you are interested in quality air duct cleaning for your Texas home, reach out to our team today by calling 214-272-9715 or filling out the “Request Quote” form. Our team is happy to assist you in maintaining the quality and health of your home.