How To Clean Gas Fireplace?
Gas fireplaces are an excellent way to warm up your home, but they require frequent cleaning. Over time, dirt, dust, and other grime can build up on the fireplace and inside the glass doors, resulting in musty odors or milky-looking windows.
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To keep your fireplace looking its best, you should clean it at least once a month and more frequently if your family uses the fire regularly. Aside from cleaning, you should also have it inspected at least once a year by a professional to ensure that it’s in good condition and working properly.
Step 1: Turn Off the Gas
First, turn off the gas valve. This will prevent any sparks from escaping or the gas from burning down. Next, disassemble the fireplace so that it’s safe for you to work on.
Take your time with this step, and make sure that all the components are safely stowed away. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for removing the parts and cleaning them thoroughly.
Step 2: Brush Logs and Burner Unit
Before you start the actual cleaning, it’s important to remove all the logs from the fireplace. This will allow you to get a better idea of what’s in the fireplace and how dirty it is. Then, use a soft brush to carefully brush off any dirt and dust. Be sure to be gentle, as these logs are very fragile.
If your fireplace has a decorative grate, gently sweep the grate with a broom or hand-scrubbing brush. Be careful not to over-scrub or overheat the grate, which may cause it to crack.
Step 3: Vacuum the Rocks and Grate
If you have lava rocks or glass stones, they’ll collect plenty of dust over time. It’s a good idea to vacuum the rocks every few days using a hose attachment vacuum. If you have small, hard-to-suck-away rocks, attach a piece of cheesecloth or nylon net to the end of the hose nozzle with a rubber band. The dust can get through, but the rocks won’t.
After cleaning the lava rocks, be sure to vacuum the burner area and all the vent holes to prevent clogs that could stop the fireplace from working properly. If the burner unit is clogged, call a fireplace repair specialist for assistance.