Gas fireplaces can represent a pleasant complement to the home environment both as a source of heat and as a focal point to anchor the entire room. Obviously, over time they accumulate dirt, especially with continued use. Setting aside a few minutes a month to clean both the inside and outside of your gas fireplace will help prevent problematic build-ups. With a little effort and a little elbow grease, you can make your fireplace look new every time.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Cleaning the Individual Components
Step 1. Turn off the gas
Before starting to clean the fireplace, you must make sure that you have placed the gas valve in the "off" position. Leaving the gas open can cause dangerous leaks.
- The gas valve is typically located on the wall, next to the fireplace;
- Allow a few minutes for the last traces of gas to escape from the pipes connected to the fireplace.
- You must also wait until all the components of the fireplace have cooled down before proceeding with cleaning.
Step 2. Brush the ceramic logs
Remove the logs from the fireplace and take them out for cleaning. Use a soft brush to remove dirt and debris. Brush gently to avoid damaging them.
- Check the logs for signs of wear - such as cracks, cracks or burns - before returning them to the fireplace for use again.
- When you put the logs back in place, place them exactly as they were previously. Don't rearrange them differently. The strains have been designed and positioned to produce the best results.
Step 3. Use the vacuum cleaner to clean the lava stones
Remove all the stones from the fireplace one at a time and place them on an old towel. Use a vacuum cleaner with an accessory hose to clean each stone individually. This procedure should remove any dirt or dust particles that have settled on the lava stones.
- If some of the lava stones are too small and are in danger of being sucked in, place a piece of gauze over the nozzle of the vacuum cleaner and secure it with a rubber band.
- You can also use the vacuum cleaner hose to clean around the flue duct.
- Use a soft-bristled brush to clean out any possible soot build-up.
Part 2 of 3: Cleaning the Fireplace
Step 1. Clean the inside
Use a vacuum cleaner with an accessory hose to clean the inside of the fireplace. Insert the tube inside and turn on the appliance. Check carefully for cobwebs and dust balls that can be vacuumed off.
- This will help you remove dust and debris from inside the fireplace.
- Wrap the vacuum cleaner hose in old rags and tape them so that the hose doesn't get dirty and black.
Step 2. Clean the glass cover
Use a specific cleaner to clean the thermal glass of your gas fireplace. Spray the product on a dry cloth and rub it on the glass in a circular motion. If the glass is very dirty and dull, you can spray the cleaner directly on the glass itself and rub it using a sheet of newspaper. Once you have achieved the desired results, allow the glass to dry completely before lighting the fireplace again.
- You can purchase Fireplace Glass Cleaner at any home improvement store;
- For this procedure, never use a common glass cleaning product, such as Windex; the ingredients in this type of product can react negatively with the carbon deposits that have accumulated on the glass.
Step 3. Clean the inside edges with a damp cloth
Use a clean, damp cloth to remove any soot or dirt that has built up over time. After each stroke, rinse the cloth in warm water to keep it clean.
Use only water to clean the inside of the fireplace. Never use products with strong chemicals that could react with the heat of the fire
Step 4. Clean the outside
Take a soft cloth and moisten it with warm water. Use it to clean the outside of your fireplace. Continuously rinse the cloth to remove soot and dirt so as not to transfer them back to the freshly cleaned fireplace.
Regardless of the type of material - marble, brass, gold, stone, etc. - only water should be sufficient to clean the outside of the fireplace if it is cleaned regularly
Step 5. Use a mild dish detergent on stubborn buildup
If you need something stronger because there are accumulations of dust or soot, try using a mild dish detergent. Pour a small amount of soap into a bucket of warm water and stir until the water becomes soapy.
Use a soft cloth dipped in soapy water to gently remove any dirt that has built up on the outside of the fireplace
Part 3 of 3: Preventing Damage
Step 1. Check regularly for damaged parts
To make sure your gas fireplace will continue to perform flawlessly for years to come, you will need to regularly inspect all of its individual components. Check the gasket to make sure it isn't cracked or broken.
You should also check that the external air vent is not blocked by debris that could cause problems. Leaves and animal nests often cause problems in the external ventilation ducts of chimneys
Step 2. Follow the maintenance instructions contained in the user manual
The manual provides detailed instructions on how to clean and maintain your gas fireplace. It is important to follow the guidelines even when you take care of them yourself.
Failure to follow the instructions contained in the user manual could void the manufacturer's warranty
Step 3. Have your fireplace serviced annually
Gas fireplaces should be overhauled by experienced technicians once a year. This ensures that the fireplace functions properly and that there is no risk of damage or injury. A technician will examine all the different parts - including the ceramic logs and lava stones - to make sure they are all functioning properly. It will also be able to tell you if there are any leaks in the pipes and if the pressurization levels are correct.
