How to clean soot from fireplace glass: home methods and store-bought products

When you have a beautiful wood-burning heater in the living room, the question often arises of how to clean the glass of the fireplace from soot. Without special skills and knowledge of methods, problems arise, accompanied by damage to the structure and serious financial costs. We suggest getting rid of worries and cleaning the surface the first time. Below in the article there are quite effective methods, everyone can independently choose the most convenient one for themselves.

Cleaned glass of a fireplace in the house Source custommade.com

Reasons for the appearance of soot on glass

Carbon deposits on the glass door of a fireplace stove appear due to the influence of various factors. Most often this is the choice of the wrong fuel, but what if the only resource is provided for heating, because it is also necessary to understand the reason. We suggest going through the details in this section.

For gas fireplace

When the heating source is blue fuel, the glass door becomes less clogged. If soot does appear, it’s time to think about cleaning the injectors and burners. The jets may be in the wrong position and need to be adjusted. Both factors lead to a violation of the proportion of fuel and air in the chamber. The result is contamination of the walls.

Gas fireplace with glass doors installed Source custommade.com

Reasons for Propane Furnaces

More problems arise with propane fireplaces, since the formation of soot in them is quite intense. Here we are talking similarly about clogged burners or damage to the chamber. It is possible that the fireplace is fueled with low-quality fuel. This can be assessed by the moment at which dirt began to appear on the sashes.

Problems with wood burning fireplaces

Wood fuel is considered the most natural and safest for the indoor atmosphere. This only applies if the fuel is selected correctly. It is better to order the product from one professional supplier, or even better from the fireplace manufacturer. They often provide the correct fuel. Logs that are too damp and resinous are the main sources of soot. Be sure to check that there is enough oxygen entering the firebox, as without this there will be increased smoke and dirt on the glass.

Wood-burning fireplace with slightly smoked glass Source bricookcorigliano.it

Symptoms of a blocked chimney

It is not difficult to guess that the chimney system is clogged. This is clearly indicated by the sharply decreased draft in the firebox and a noticeable cooling in the rooms.

Problematic primary ignition of the fuel resource and random flame extinction also indicate a decrease in the permeability of the channels and a violation of proper air exchange.

If the chimney is cleaned incorrectly, it will lead to additional problems. A technician who does not have the proper experience can seriously damage the pipe and even compromise the integrity of the entire system. The results will be disappointing

A signal that the chimney needs cleaning is a change in the color of the flame in the combustion chamber. A fire that turns a juicy orange color as it burns clearly implies a problem.

This is also evidenced by the unexpected smell that appears, which is uncharacteristic of the normal operation of the firebox.

Cleaning methods: the most budget-friendly

When the question arises of how to clean soot from the glass of a fireplace, everyone tries to save money. Indeed, there are budgetary methods for this purpose; read about the details of their use below.

Ammonia

It is believed that ammonia (ammonia) is a good bleaching agent. It does a good job of removing contaminants such as soot, greasy deposits, and soot. It is considered absolutely safe for glass. To implement it, you need to follow the step-by-step instructions:

• Prepare half a liter of clean water, 1 tsp. ammonia and 1 tsp. vinegar. Mix the ingredients thoroughly and place them in a spray bottle.
• Put on rubber gloves, spread a protective agent on the floor under the fireplace: film, thick fabric, an old towel.
• Spray the mixture onto the contaminated surface and wait until the soot begins to dissipate. This process will take 2-3 minutes.
• Then gently wipe off the stain with a paper towel or soft, non-abrasive cloth. If desired, rinse the glass with water.
• Be sure to wipe the surface dry to remove streaks.

If necessary, the cleaning procedure can be repeated using this method until the soot is completely removed.

Using ammonia to clean fireplace glass Source moyaokolitsa.rf

Video description

How to clean fireplace glass in a couple of minutes.

Ash and sponge

This method is considered mechanical, since its implementation requires some effort. But it has good efficiency, although it is considered dirty. To carry out this cleaning option, follow the instructions.

• Prepare a bucket of clean thermal water.
• Lay a protective covering on the floor to avoid staining the finish.
• Wet a sponge and apply ash from the firebox onto it.
• With this mixture, start scrubbing dirty areas on the glass.
• Repeat the procedure until soot and deposits on the surface are completely removed.
• Take a clean sponge and wash the glass until there are no streaks.
• Then wipe dry with a paper towel, removing any remaining soot.

It is not recommended to use this method when trying to clean soot in hard-to-reach places: in the corners of hinges, under the handles. When contaminants accumulate there, smudges will begin to appear from time to time, especially if condensation occurs.

Pros:

• removes dirt from the first application;
• does not require the addition of special compounds;
• budget.

Minuses:

• the need to exert strong physical pressure.

Creating a strong flame in the firebox

When using this method, you should ensure that the fuel is suitable for the procedure. That is, it was not a pollution enhancer. It is enough to light a strong flame in the firebox and let it burn for several minutes. As a result, not only does the carbon deposits on the glass door burn out, but the chimney system is also cleaned.

Using a strong flame in a fireplace insert to clean glass Source krot.info

As such, there are no instructions for using this technique; there is no need to clean the glass surface before performing it.

Pros:

• all surfaces are cleaned;
• does not require physical impact;
• safe for the door.

Minuses:

• It doesn’t always work, and sometimes it contaminates the coating even worse.

Combustion as a way to clean the glass doors of a wood-fueled fireplace Source sulaplanet.com

Scraping

Such an event is carried out with the obligatory use of a special tool - a scraper. The use of any improvised means is strictly prohibited. Instructions for this tool are included in the package. The main condition is not to overdo it with pressure, so as not to damage the glass structure.

Cleaning a fireplace with a glass door from soot Source pro-fermer.ru

It should be noted that removing soot using a scraper is possible only in extreme cases. For example, if previous methods were not successful. Scraping soot residue from the glass fireplace door may cause the tool to turn incorrectly. This will cause scratches. Such damage can lead to destruction of the surface during kindling, since any scratch causes a violation of fire resistance and the glass breaks.

Pros:

• the scraper is specially designed for this purpose;
• the method is safe for health (not accompanied by toxic odors);
• Suitable for old carbon deposits.

Minuses:

• It’s better not to take on a job without a certain skill.

Here are the most budget-friendly methods that will tell you how to clean soot from the glass of a fireplace. All options will cope with the task perfectly if the soot has accumulated in just a few kindlings. Please note that the longer dirty glass sits, the more difficult it will be to clean it by any means.

Using a fireplace scraper to clean a glass door Source hoff.ru

Features of mechanical cleaning

Mechanical cleaning of chimney channels is another effective method of removing accumulated soot, soot and tar deposits that reduce the quality of the heating system.

This is done in two ways:

• top;
• lower

Cleaning from above through the roof is carried out only in normal weather conditions and without wind. Requires experience, physical training and compliance with personal safety measures.

The master does all the work while standing on the roof of a residential building. With this option, dirt does not enter the living quarters, but is removed outside using special devices.

Typically, top cleaning is carried out on fine, dry days in the fall before the start of the heating season and in the spring after the end of constant use of the stove or fireplace. This helps keep the chimney in good condition.

Bottom cleaning is carried out through the outlet of the firebox. The operation is safe and does not require being on the roof, but after it a lot of dirt and combustion residues remain in the rooms.

Most often, the lower method is used in winter, when the chimney duct needs to be cleaned, but objective weather conditions do not allow this to be done through the roof.

The main machining tool is a wide brush for round pipes or a stiff brush for square ones.

The work is labor-intensive and requires a certain skill. Many owners prefer not to do it themselves, but entrust it to a professional chimney sweep.

Additional information on cleaning a smoke duct with your own hands is presented in this article.

Methods using household chemicals

Budget cleaning options have run out, and if they don't help, it's time to resort to more aggressive methods. To do this, you need to use special compositions from household chemicals. Of course, you can order special preparations for caring for fireplaces. Their approximate price is 1500-2500 rubles.

But you can also save money, since general-use products are suitable for removing soot from glass. Let's look at the best options:

• Comet in spray and powder form. All you need to do is wet the glass surface with warm water, wet a clean sponge and apply the chemical to it. Then clean the glass in a circular motion and wipe dry.
• Cif cream. An ideal gentle product used for enamel coatings. It’s also great for glass, as it quickly removes soot and grease deposits on fireplace doors. The cleaning process is similar.
• Any composition for glass and mirrors. There are special sprays on sale that contain the familiar ammonia. It is enough to spray the chemical on the coating, and after a few minutes all the soot can be removed with a damp cloth.
• Dish gels: Ferry, AoS and others. To clean glass from soot stains, just take a dry, clean sponge (just be sure to come from the package, it should not contain grease from dishes). Lightly moisten it with water and then squeeze out a few drops of detergent. Next, you should make a generous amount of foam and wipe the glass sash with it. Finally, remove any residue with a dry cloth.
• "Antifat." This chemical composition is sold in the form of a spray, and when sprayed onto the surface, it generates active foam, which is the source of cleaning carbon deposits. This product for cleaning fireplace glass from soot additionally removes oils and fats that could be formed from products of improper combustion.

How to clean soot from brick?

After a fire or prolonged use of stove heating in a house, soot accumulates on the brick, which is not so easy to wash off. For a person who has never encountered this type of work, the procedure will seem difficult and troublesome, and it can even ruin the brick surface. To quickly and effectively remove soot and soot, it is necessary to observe regularity and carry out cleaning 3-4 times a month using improvised or chemical means.

Selection of household chemicals

Before answering how to clean the glass of a fireplace, you must first decide what kind of product is needed for this purpose. For example, if you decided on household chemicals, you must understand what characteristics these products must meet:

• composition (the presence of alkali is required!);
• compatibility with the materials from which the fireplace is made;
• the recommendations from the fireplace manufacturer contain permission for use;
• there are instructions for use;
• Recommendations for compliance with precautionary measures are prescribed.

The consumer should read all this information on the packaging. The words of a sales consultant in this case will not be enough.

Kitchen cleaning gel can be used for fireplace stove glass Source skladupakovki.rf

How to clean a fireplace from soot: 3 “folk” methods

A fireplace in the living room is a stylish decoration of the room, the main attribute of an interior in a country or rustic style. But this detail is often decorated with modern interiors. If you like to watch live fire and you have a brick fireplace in your home, then from time to time you have to decide what and how to clean the fireplace from soot.

Author of the article: Alena Astasheva

There are a lot of special products on sale, cheap and very expensive. Some help better, others worse. But we will talk about three available “folk” methods.

Permitted forms of purchased chemicals and tips

Since glass is considered the most fragile material, it is necessary to use safe compounds that are not abrasive. The most gentle forms are considered to be spray, gel, granules, liquid, ointment (in tubes).

When getting acquainted with such modifications of cleaning products, it is recommended to first try them on another surface that you don’t mind ruining. It is important that the processing does not lead to the formation of nicks and scratches.

Remember that the composition of the declared products must be balanced! A deficiency of one or another component or too high a concentrate can lead to damage to the glass coating.

Dishwashing detergent will help get rid of carbon deposits on the glass door Source onlinetrade.ru

DIY flexible brush

If you don’t know how to clean a chimney, make a universal and convenient brush on your own using scrap materials:

• Make the base from any flexible and durable material of maximum length. You can also use thick rope;
• A handle made of metal, rubber or plastic is attached to one side. It is necessary for additional convenience;
• On the other hand, a round-shaped weight is attached to the base (so that it passes well through the base of the pipe);
• The product must be supplemented with a special brush with bristles of the required size and thickness.

Important: to clean sandwich pipes, the base of the brush must be assembled, since such pipes have many branches that are difficult to predict in advance.

Now you know how to clean a chimney, and most importantly, how to do it quickly, easily and safely!

How to minimize the appearance of soot

To slightly reduce the level of soot on the doors, and not have to wonder how to clean the glass of the fireplace, you can try to reduce the amount of dirt formed. To do this, you need to follow a few tips.

• Use only high-quality fuel. Be sure to eliminate the presence of moisture in the firewood. Use deciduous species, since coniferous trees contain a lot of resin, which accumulates on the glass and burns. Such contamination is then very difficult to wash off.
• Wipe down the fireplace door after each fire. This way you will remove a minimal amount of soot every time and deal with the problem in 1-2 minutes. If carbon deposits accumulate, more time and effort will have to be spent.
• When purchasing a fireplace, pay attention to the presence of such an additional function as a self-cleaning door. With this innovation, you will be able to avoid dirty work altogether.
• When starting the slow combustion system, try not to completely shut off the air supply to the firebox. Otherwise, the fuel will begin to smoke rather than burn. With a decrease in heat transfer, much more carbon deposits appear.

Regular maintenance of the fireplace will make it possible to avoid rough cleaning of its surfaces.

Fireplace care option - choosing the right fuel Source gazovshik.pro

Cleaning Frequency

For preventive purposes, experts strongly recommend inspecting and visually inspecting stoves, solid fuel boilers, fireplaces and chimney ducts.

Schedule of planned audits:

• any heating equipment - after initial installation in a residential area, immediately before start-up, after completion of repair work;
• seasonal operation systems - before the start and at the end of intensive operation;
• gas boilers and stoves - twice a year in the first 2 years after installation/laying, then once annually;
• brick chimneys - quarterly;
• chimneys made of any other materials - every 12 months;
• outlet pipes of heating and heating-cooking furnaces - three times per season.

If problems are identified during the inspection, they must be corrected immediately. Then the system will function correctly and provide the proper level of comfort and fire safety in residential premises.

Cleaning the chimney is mandatory as soon as possible, if it has lost its capacity and becomes clogged, combustion products do not escape into the atmosphere, but return to the living rooms

You can organize cleaning activities yourself or use the services of a chimney sweep. The main thing is to correct all problems in a timely manner and ensure that the equipment can operate in normal mode.

Useful tips

You can’t do without useful tips in the fireplace business. They will help correct the situation and further prevent the appearance of soot and other waste in the chamber of the heating device. Please note the following points:

• After cleaning the door, wet the sponge with a concentrated soap solution (meaning one that is made not of liquid, but of solid wood). Wipe the glass surface. There will be no immediate effect and after drying, streaks will be visible. But after heating the glass during kindling, it will remain transparent.
• Application of liquid for automotive chrome. If the household has products for cleaning and removing stains from chrome car parts, then you can apply this to the inner surface of the glass after cleaning, and then wipe it dry. The coating will always be clean during lighting.
• "Clean glass" effect. This is a kind of barrier that will prevent the appearance of soot on the inner surface of the door. It is enough to leave a small gap in the upper part above the sash. Air will additionally penetrate through it into the firebox and prevent soot from settling on the coating. But, this procedure must be carried out with each kindling.

If you follow preventive measures, you won’t even have to buy a fireplace glass cleaner.

Regular cleaning of the fireplace insert Source atlantmasters.ru

When to clean

If cleaning is carried out quite rarely, combustion products begin to accumulate in the chimney pipe, as a result of which accumulations and roughness form on its walls, which prevent the high-quality removal of combustion products. Traction begins to work less efficiently.

When cleaning is necessary:

Advice: if at least one of the listed signs of pipe contamination appears, you need to clean it yourself or seek the help of professionals.