Why, when and how should you clean your wood-burning stove? What do you need? When should you call in a professional? We answer all your questions and share our expert advice!
Why maintain your wood-burning stove?
To make the most of your wood-burning stove and its many benefits, it is important to maintain it regularly. This ensures that you:
- The performance of your appliance. Cleaning it will help maintain proper draught and efficient combustion, meaning you will use less wood and make savings.
- The lifespan of your stove. Premature wear of certain components, such as seals, can be prevented through regular maintenance.
The safety of your home. The build-up of deposits in the flue can lead to chimney fires, so it is important to have the flue maintained by a professional.
What tools are essential for maintaining your wood-burning stove?
To clean your wood-burning stove easily and effectively, it is important to equip yourself with a few essential tools:
- An ash shovel, to manually remove the ashes from the stove before vacuuming
- An ash vacuum cleaner, designed to remove ashes without damaging the appliance
- A soft brush (or a wire brush if the interior of your appliance is made of cast iron) to remove soot and combustion residues
- A glass scraper to remove stubborn deposits
- Cloths and sponges to finish the cleaning
You may also consider having:
- Gloves
- Vinegar, soapy water or a stove glass cleaner
- An ash bucket
How should you properly clean your wood-burning stove?
Step 1: Preparing the stove before cleaning
First, make sure that the stove is switched off and completely cold. Protect the floor from ash and debris by laying down newspaper or a protective sheet. If you have them, wear gloves to protect your hands.
Step 2: Cleaning the stove glass
There are several methods for cleaning your stove glass, so it is up to you to find the one that suits you best. You can, for example, use the ashes from your stove. Simply dampen a cloth, paper towel or newspaper, dip it into the cold ashes from your stove, and gently rub the glass using circular motions. All that remains is to rinse with a clean, damp cloth and dry with a soft cloth.
You can also use a specialist stove glass cleaner. Simply apply the product according to the manufacturer’s instructions, leave it to act for a few minutes, then wipe with a clean, dry cloth. These products are generally more effective on stubborn deposits and are safe for the glass surface. However, take care to use them sparingly and avoid applying them to the seals, as these could deteriorate quickly.
Step 3: Cleaning the inside of the stove
Remove most of the ashes with a shovel, then use an ash vacuum cleaner to eliminate the remaining residue. Clean the inner walls by scraping with a soft brush. A wire brush may be useful if the interior of your appliance is made of cast iron.
Step 4: Maintaining the chimney flue
The chimney flue must be serviced twice a year by a professional, including once during the heating season. This is a legal requirement that ensures you can heat your home safely.
The power of ashes
Your ashes are very useful in everyday life. They can be used to clean your stove glass, act as compost for your plants, serve as animal litter, or even as a natural laundry detergent.
When should you maintain your wood-burning stove?
During the period of use, the glass should be cleaned and the ashes emptied each week. Carry out an internal cleaning of your stove once a month.
For greater comfort, it is recommended to have the flue swept twice a year, including once during the heating season. Each year, call on a professional to ensure that your stove is operating correctly. For more advice on using and maintaining your appliance, visit our customer area.