Tips For Keeping Your Fireplace Clean, Safe, and Looking Great!

Keeping Your Fireplace Efficient, Clean, Attractive and Safe
Everyone wants the most efficiency they can get out of their fireplace. They also want it to look great, and, most importantly be safe. Keeping your fireplace clean and maintained is one of the best things you can do to keep it operating well and help ensure the safety of you and your loved ones.

Different fireplaces have different cleaning requirements and needs. Whether you have a gas, woodburning or direct-vent fireplace, it is important to have a professional inspect it at least once a year (sometimes more often if you have a lot of fires).

Have Your Fireplace Inspected by a Professional
Typically a professional chimney sweep will check the pilots, burners, fan, ignition, for proper combustion, venting and chimney draw. An average you might expect to pay for this service is around $100, though, of course, prices vary. (Note: Many chimney sweeps also clean out dryer venting, good idea to combine the two services, you might get a discount!)

Keep Your Chimney Clear and Free of Debris
Many factors can influence your chimney and its operation:
- Critters: Raccoons, squirrels and birds are all known to build nests near, on or in chimneys. Have your chimney inspected yearly for these types of obstructions.
- Tree Branches: Never let branches or trees grow too close to your chimney. Check with local ordinances as to how far back these items should be cut.
- Other Obstructions: Any item/s that obtruct air flow can result in smoke and fumes coming back into the house, or venting to an area they should not. If you see this occurring, contact a professional.

Additional Things You Can Do To Help Keep Your Fireplace Clean and Beautiful

- How To Keep The Brass Shiny: You can use Worcestershire sauce and a toothbrush to polish your brass trim, knobs, and door and metal areas around the fireplace. Keeping the fireplace looking great!

- Don't Burn Longer Than Five Hours: Try to keep each fire down to 5 hours or less and be sure the door is open for proper venting.



- Protect Your Carpet!: If your fireplace has a built-in screen, be sure to close it while burning a fire to help keep hot embers from flying onto and burning holes in your carpet. If your fireplace does not have a built in screen, you can always buy a protective spark guard or screen to place in front of it. There are also hearth rugs, specifically designed for fireplaces to place on the rug in front of your hearth.