Cleaning Out Ashes From Fireplace

If you have smoke stains on your.

Cleaning out ashes from fireplace.

Use an ash vacuum to remove the rest of the ashes. Wood ashes mixed with a bit of water to form a paste can be used as a mild abrasive to buff up tarnished metals clean dirty glass and even remove adhesives and sticky residue. About an inch or two of ashes on the bottom of the firebox is ideal but anything more than that should be cleaned out. Wait at least 24 hours after you ve burned your last fire so the ashes cool thoroughly.

Situate yourself on a kneeling pad. Wood ashes actually have the potential to draw moisture that can wreak havoc on the metal components and masonry. You ll want to wait at least 72 hours after your last fire before attempting any cleanup. Wearing rubber gloves remove logs tinder and the grate.

A wet dry vacuum with a disposable bag will handle the job once the pile has cooled for at least four. Here are a few tips to help clean out your wood stove without creating a dusty mess. Use a vacuum to clean up the remaining ashes in the firebox and on the hearth. Dispose of the mess in a heavy paper bag or garbage can.

Keeping a clean firebox is important when using a wood stove. Deposit the ashes in an empty metal container that has a lid such as a small metal trash can. Sweep dust and ashes off. Put on an apron and lay a plastic tarp in front of the fireplace.

If your fireplace has an ash dump push the ashes through the metal plate in the floor of the firebox. Make soap at home. Scoop out large amounts of ash with a metal shovel and place in a metal bucket. Apply the paste with a cotton cloth while wearing gloves to protect your skin.

Try in a small spot at first to test the results. When scooping is finished put the bucket outside in a place not close to combustible materials. To remove light soot or a cloudy film from glass doors mix a solution of equal parts white vinegar. Remove the ashes from the fire pit with a scoop spade or shovel.

It is best to remove all ashes from your fireplace and stove at the end of the heating season to prevent this from happening. Move the ashes and wood bits around with a fireplace poker or long metal ended garden tool to ensure there are no hot embers. Thoroughly inspect the ash pile for live embers. Remove all the ashes and dust from the fireplace using a small shovel or hand broom to collect it on a dustpan.

Ash is extremely acidic and when combined with moisture can be extremely destructive.