How to Keep Fireplace Glass Clean

Fireplaces are a delightful addition to a variety of spaces, offering not only warmth and a cosy feel but also a stylish, lavish aesthetic. Though some might opt to clean their fireplace after every use, there are in fact preventative actions that can be taken to save this hassle. Here, we explain a little more about how fireplaces get dirty in the first place and how this can be prevented or remedied.

Wood moisture

Logs have an energy value referred to as their calorific value; a status relating to the maximum amount of energy that each burning log can produce. If logs are wet and have a high moisture content, the amount of energy they can produce – though the same as a dry log of the same size and wood type – is dramatically reduced. This is because a vast amount of the energy that could be used is used, instead, to heat the water within the log into steam. This steam then goes up the chimney as opposed to radiating heat into the room, as well as creating extra sooty residue within the smoke and steam which, upon impact with your fireplace’s glass, creates a layer of dirt which is difficult to remedy. One preventative measure that can be taken to avoid the initial buildup of dirt on fireplace glass is by ensuring that the moisture of the wood you use is not higher than 20%.

Cleaning with ammonia

An extremely effective method of cleaning fireplace glass, the use of ammonia is one that should be dealt with carefully. Before cleaning fireplace glass with ammonia, it is important to ensure the fireplace glass has cooled. Then, simply apply the ammonia to the surface with a spray bottle and use paper towels to wipe the mixture of dirt, and the ammonia lifting it, clean off the surface. For tougher dirt, you can even use a scourer to ensure all dirt is lifted off and no residue is left behind.

Cleaning with commercial cleaner or water

The obvious, go-to method for cleaning any household surface is to use a commercial cleaner, of which there are a variety on the market which have a similar effect to ammonia. This is indeed a conventional and effective choice for cleaning fireplace glass, as is cleaning, simply, with water and newspaper. The favoured method of cleaning windows, the newspaper and water method raises dirt right off glass surfaces at very little expense.

Burning the dirt off

Often, the dark deposits left on fireplace glass are due to insufficient heat within the fire causing wood particles to fail to combust fully. For this reason, one way to remedy filthy fireplace glass is by creating an exceptionally hot fire on one occasion to clean the glass, as well as clearing your chimney out at the same time, creating a better-ventilated route for future fires.

Scraping the dirt off

For really persistent dirt and residue, there is always the option of simply scraping it off using a utensil such as a scraping razor blade. Should this action be taken, it is important not to damage the glass by chipping or scratching it, so caution should be taken when carrying out scraping on your fireplace glass.

Here at Rotherham Fireplace Centre, we are proud to provide a range of high quality wood burning stoves with beautiful glass frontage. We serve customers throughout Rotherham, Sheffield, Barnsley, Doncaster and the surrounding Yorkshire area, offering only the highest standard of service. To find out more about any of our products, or our installation services, get in touch with our friendly team today – we’ll be happy to help, whatever the enquiry. Alternatively, feel free to pay us a visit and let us help you find the right solution at a great price.