In the harshest parts of winter, your wood stove works overtime to keep your home warm and cozy. It takes time to get wood split and seasoned so that you can always keep a fire going in your home, and it’s important to make sure that you’re keeping your wood stove running efficiently. Part of that means the wood stove needs to be cleaned periodically. Here’s how.
Only Clean a Cool Unit
For safety, only clean a wood stove when it is completely cool to the touch. Make sure there are no lingering embers—you should be able to move your hands around the stove freely without burning yourself.
Fire Box
The first thing you’ll want to do is to clean out the fire box. The fire box is the part of the stove where you actually load the wood and burn it, and it’s important to make sure it gets cleaned periodically. Get an ash bucket and shovel and clean out all of the ashes from the box. You should be able to see the firebrick. This is also a good time to inspect for damage and make the necessary repairs.
Indoor Chimney
The indoor part of the chimney can develop a buildup of creosote, so taking the chimney apart once a year is a good practice. Make sure you note how the chimney is assembled before you take it apart.
Glass Door
If your wood stove has a glass door, it’s there to help you watch the beautiful fire you just built. Over time, a film develops and obscures your view—plus, it makes the stove look dirty. Use either glass cleaner or a cleaner made for wood stoves to make your door sparkle.
Contact Hi-Tech Appliance to take a look at our selection of wood stoves and fireplaces and talk to a wood stove sales expert. We can get you set up with the best unit for your Denver, CO home.
