Cleaning a Gas Fireplace
June 21, 2021
Gas fireplaces are a great alternative to a traditional wood-burning fireplace. Gas fireplaces are a popular choice among homeowners since they require no daily maintenance and have better safety ratings overall. While the maintenance is easier, it’s not totally nonexistent. You still need to clean your gas fireplace periodically to ensure it continues to work properly and looks great! Follow these steps to safely and effectively clean your gas fireplace.
Turn Off the Gas
Before you start cleaning anything, turn the gas off. Leaving the gas on is extremely dangerous. You could accidentally ignite something and cause serious burns. Wait until you’re done cleaning to turn the gas back on and enjoy your newly cleaned fireplace in all its glory!
Remove Dirt
You can use any handheld vacuum attachment or shop vac to remove dirt and debris in the fireplace. Vacuum the entire space, including around logs and lava rocks. Your gas fireplace shouldn’t get too dirty considering there’s no real wood being used inside.
Cleaning the Screen
Next, use a cleaner that’s approved for cleaning gas fireplaces to clean the screen in front of the fireplace. Don’t just use any cleaner, as it could be flammable or not strong enough to remove the built-up dirt and grime on the screen. Pair the cleaner with a rag or soft sponge and wipe down both sides of the screen.
Inspect Lava Rocks and Logs
While you’re cleaning the gas fireplace, take some time to thoroughly inspect lava rocks and logs that are inside the fireplace. These pieces are what give the appearance of a real fireplace when it’s lit. If a lava rock or log has any cracks, it should be replaced before you use the fireplace again.
Cleaning the Chimney
The chimney needs to be cleaned even if you don’t have a wood burning fireplace. Cleaning the chimney yourself is a difficult and dangerous job. Instead, hire a professional chimney cleaner once a year. Professionals have the tools and knowledge to make it a quick and easy job. Cleaning services are typically very affordable and well worth the cost to save yourself the trouble! This is a great time to get your annual gas fireplace inspection done too. An annual inspection ensures your fireplace is still working properly and safe to use in the home. Neglecting the need for annual chimney cleaning and fireplace inspections puts you at a higher risk of a house fire.
If you need to schedule an appointment for chimney cleaning or a fireplace inspection, we can help! Contact Anderson Fireplace today to speak with one of our fireplace specialists. Rather you have a simple question or need to schedule an in-home appointment, our team is happy to help and we can even install a new fireplace in your home.
