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How to clean your fireplace: 5 maintenance tips to keep things hot this winter
We chatted with chimney experts about how to keep your hearth in shape — plus we found top-rated electric fireplaces for getting cozy.
There are lots of ways to stay warm in the winter — a fluffy blanket, endless mugs of hot chocolate — but nothing beats an indoor fireplace. This heating method has been around for thousands of years, and yet we still can't get enough of the crackle and glow of a live flame. It's peak coziness, but it can also be dangerous if you don't know how to clean your fireplace and maintain it properly.
Whether your model is wood-burning or electric, it’s important to give it the TLC it needs to keep your house toasty and safe. So we asked chimney experts and home maintenance pros our burning questions about fireplace cleaning and care. We also rounded up essential tools, plus a few top-rated gas fireplaces should you be looking to warm things up at home even more.
Hot tips ahead! And for more help with winter home prep, check out our guides to preventing drafts and what to do in case of a blizzard or power outage.
Get the chimney inspected every year
Fireplaces are like us: They need an annual check-up. Over time, creosote, which is a highly flammable substance, can accumulate on the interior walls of your chimney, and if it isn’t removed, it can cause fires and poor ventilation, plus it can decrease the fireplace’s efficiency. “Many homeowners don’t realize that even a small amount of creosote can pose a significant risk, and neglecting inspections can result in costly repairs or safety hazards down the line,” says Vick Jakupi, CEO of Approved Chimney, a Chimney Safety institute of America (CSIA)-certified company. “Annual inspections are crucial for identifying and addressing issues like creosote buildup, blockages and structural damage before they become dangerous.” (Check CSIA’s list of Certified Chimney Sweeps to find a pro near you.)
Tyler Cooper, a handyperson expert at Frontdoor, an app that connects homeowners with skilled tradespeople, says that if you notice creosote and soot buildup over 1/8 inch on the inside of the chimney, it’s time to book an inspection. In the meantime, he recommends doing your own checks. “Replace any worn out chimney caps to prevent debris or pests from entering the fireplace and install a spark arrestor to keep embers from flying out onto the roof,” he says. You should also keep an eye out for cracks or loose bricks in the fireplace or chimney to prevent dangerous gases from escaping.
This sturdy chimney cap is designed to withstand both time and the elements as well as keep out animal visitors and debris. It comes in seven sizes and installs on flues of all materials using just four screws.
Clean out your fireplace
“Clear the ashes from your fireplace once they build up to about an inch deep, or at least once every week or two if you use the fireplace frequently,” says Jakupi. Removing extra ash improves airflow for combustion and makes your breathing easier because it reduces the amount of dust circulating. Make sure to let the ashes cool down completely (it can take up to 24 hours) before vacuuming them. If you aren’t burning frequently, it’s okay to clean it after every few fires.
Your firebox doesn't have to be pristine: “A small layer of ash at the bottom of a fireplace is generally considered a good thing, as it can act as insulation and help to efficiently start future fires by providing a heat source,” says Cooper.
“Ashes can stay warm long after the fire is out, so a quality bucket with a handle and a lid for easy management is ideal,” says Cooper. He recommends this bucket and shovel set from Panacea that boasts over 3,000 five-star ratings. The pocket on the side is designed to store the steel shovel and the wooden handle helps protect your palms from heat.
Keep a brush like this fireside to maintain a debris-free hearth. It’s small enough to fit into tight corners and get rid of stubborn ash.
Amazon
Regular vacuums aren't designed for ash removal. They can get clogged, aren't heat-safe and don't capture ash particles well because they're much finer than dust.
If you use your fireplace regularly, you'd be wise to invest in an ash vacuum. This one rings in at $100, sits on wheels and comes with a crevice brush designed to get into tight firebox corners. The metal hose is heat-resistant and the powerful suction smoothly attacks buildup and clogs.
Feed your fire correctly
Take care of your fireplace by giving it high-quality fuel. The experts recommend using seasoned hardwoods with a moisture content of less than 20%, as well as logs made for indoor fireplaces. “Green or unseasoned wood contains too much moisture which causes excessive smoke and creosote buildup,” says Cooper. Never burn trash, cardboard or treated wood as they can release harmful chemicals into your home.
Amazon
Behold this steel poker, which can handle the heat but won’t break the bank. The rope-twist handle makes for an easy grip when rearranging logs and its 26-inch length provides the right distance from flames.
Cooper’s “tool of choice” when it comes to handling burning logs is a sturdy pair of tongs. This heavy-duty log-grabber fits the bill and is backed by over 2,000 five-star ratings.
Did you know you could buy firewood on Amazon? It's a good option if you can't easily find it in your local area. This 15- to 20-pound bundle is seasoned and split so you can toss it right in and get that blaze going. It's kiln-dried wood, so it should burn cleanly.
Keep the screen (or glass) clear
Installing a fireplace screen and keeping it clean are essential for containing debris. “A screen will help prevent spitting embers and sparks from leaving the fireplace and children or pets from accessing the fire,” says Cooper. Every house should have one for safety from rogue embers and shifty logs.
Most electric fireplaces are protected by glass, so a dirty screen will block your view. Cleaning the glass once a week removes dust buildup, which prevents overheating and maintains efficiency. Jakupi recommends using a soft cloth and a non-abrasive cleaner designed for glass to get rid of fingerprints and debris. With clear glass, it’s easy to monitor the flame and inspect the internal wiring, plugs and power cord for any signs of damage.
“Special cleaners formulated for fireplace glass or screens remove soot and smoke stains without damaging the surface,” says Jakupi. This kit, which includes a glass cleaner, sponge and gentle microfiber towel, checks all the boxes for both wood-burning and gas fireplaces. Take a look at this sparkling review: “I got this for fireplace glass that the professionals could not get clean and this wiped clean and clear immediately upon the first use. Can’t recommend this enough for fireplace glass you can see yourself in.”
Need a new fireplace screen? Cooper’s pick has a three-panel construction with a modern arched design to easily accommodate fireplaces of different sizes. The heat-resistant structure is back by over 3,500 glowing reviews.
Stay organized
Organization is important for all areas of your home, but it's especially true when playing with fire. “Remove flammable materials from the hearth and surrounding area and ensure furniture, rugs and decor are kept at a safe distance to prevent accidental fires,” advises Jakupi. Rely on sturdy log racks and tool stands to keep your firewood accessible and tidy.
The Home Depot
Store your logs in a firewood rack you’ll want to display. Not only is this simple, Craftsman-inspired design stylish, but it's functional, with a slightly raised design to prevent the wood from touching the ground and picking up moisture and dirt.
Plow & Hearth has been making outdoor and garden essentials since 1980. Their designs are classic, and set is no exception. Made from wrought iron in a bronze finish, it includes a poker, tongs, a shovel and a brush organized on a classy-looking stand.
Plus: Top-rated electric fireplaces
While it’s hard to recreate the magical flicker of a wood-burning fireplace, an electric fireplace can do wonders cozying up your space — plus it's easy to care for and maintain. Looking to upgrade your setup? Consider one of these hot deals, all under $175.
This well-rated insert fits in most standard fireplaces, but because it's free-standing, you can also sit it on top of a TV stand or console. It comes with all the high-tech features you'd want out of an electric flame, including three color options, five brightness modes and a timer that goes up to eight hours.
Create cabin-level coziness in any home with this standalone, portable fireplace. Its realistic-looking logs and flickering flame add ambiance, while the nearly 5,000-BTU heater can reach up to 95° F. “I love the ambiance and it does put out some good heat!!” wrote one reviewer.
This TV stand features a built-in fireplace for the coziest night in. With adjustable LED lights inserted on the shelves and in the fireplace, it lets you curate the mood by choosing between seven colors and five brightness levels.
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
