“Winter is coming.” Are you prepared?
No matter how many times John Snow has tried to warn us, we might forget a task or two to get ready for the colder months as we get swept in the hustle and bustle of the festive season.
For example, have you cleaned your fireplace glass doors? Not yet? Then check out these tricks on how to clean fireplace glass, plus other helpful fireplace tips.
In the older days, it was essential to have a fireplace, an open area in the home where you could have a fire for cooking and warming up the rooms, and even provide indoor light. The fireplace has become a home fixture that helps with heating and adding a cozier, more rustic, or romantic ambiance in modern times.
While the design and functionality of modern fireplaces have evolved, they remain a popular feature in homes and are central in creating a more festive and relaxing mood during winter.
While a fireplace can certainly add to the aesthetic appeal, remember that it requires maintenance, cleaning, and wood or gas to light up a fire.
Plus, you have to deal with ash and smoke. Additionally, a poorly designed and built fireplace won’t be effective in improving indoor warmth, so make sure to do your homework and consult with professionals.
You should also note that Canada aims to limit wood burning in response to the winter smog crisis and implements strict standards on using fireplaces.
There are many types of fireplaces to choose from today, and different localities have varying fireplace regulations, so it is wise to get expert advice on the best one for your home.
These three are some of the most well-known:
The smell and crackle of burning logs give the home that perfect winter ambiance, but wood smoke pollution is a big problem.
Increasing in popularity because it can be safer, more efficient, and more budget-friendly.
The outdoor fireplace is great for those who love spending time outdoors and prefer to avoid ash and smoke inside their house.
As a homeowner with a fireplace, cleaning fireplace glass doors is necessary if you want to maximize your enjoyment of that beautiful and cozy fire. It is best to read the manufacturer’s manual before cleaning to avoid damages and void your warranty.
These are the basic steps on how to clean fireplace glass:
1. Make sure the gas is turned off, or the fire and embers are completely put out. Do not touch your fireplace until it has cooled.
2. Remove the glass doors and place them on rags or reused paper. You can then clean them outdoors or in your garage and avoid messing up the inside of your house. If you can’t remove them, make sure to place rags or reused paper on the area beneath the glass.
3. Use a cloth and cleaner to scrub the dirt on the cloudy fireplace glass using circular motions. Two popular DIY cleaning solutions are a mixture of water and ash or water and vinegar. You can also use a commercial cleaner suitable for fireplace glass doors. Allow the cleaning solution to sit for 30 seconds to a minute before wiping off for stubborn dirt.
4. Once clean, remove streaks using a microfiber cloth or a magic eraser.
5. Re-attach the fireplace glass and make sure it is securely fastened.
Sometimes, a chemical residue creates cloudy fireplace glass. You can easily remove the foggy white film using a solution of equal parts vinegar and water or a reliable fireplace glass cleaner. After cleaning, buff the glass using a soft cloth.
While there are many benefits to using DIY cleaning solutions and handling cleaning tasks on your own, there are instances when you must hire professional help. It is highly recommended to get licensed professionals who specialize in fireplace cleaning and inspection services at least every 12 months. This ensures that your fireplace is safe to use and complies with local regulations.
For regular upkeep, include your fireplace in your list of seasonal chores. However, you might have to clean it more often if you use it more frequently.
A fireplace can add warmth and coziness to your home and be the perfect spot to center your family activities during the winter months. Just make sure that you have the best type of fireplace and clean and maintain it properly to enjoy its benefits while remaining safe fully.
