Spring Cleaning For Your Outdoor Fireplace
Outdoor fire pits and fireplaces create a warm and inviting space that you, your family, and your guests are sure to enjoy year after year. Aside from the functional flames that warm you on cool nights or help you toast marshmallows, they offer beautifully crafted designs that bring out your style. These fixtures can make for a truly great centerpiece in a yard or on a patio.
But what kind of maintenance is involved? The good news is that cleaning your outdoor fireplace doesn’t have to be a daunting task. The team at Rock Products, Inc. in New Jersey is here to provide you with the products and services you need to get your backyard ready to go before the weather heats up. Here, we’ll discuss when and how to clean your outdoor fireplace.
Why Cleaning Matters
Like their indoor counterparts, outdoor fireplaces provide a great atmosphere. Whether you are looking to enjoy an intimate environment or want a fun area where everyone at the party can gather around, a fireplace makes a great focal point. Therefore, keeping it in good condition each year is key. If you fail to maintain it and it becomes no longer operational, there’s a good chance you could end up with an unusable eyesore that takes up valuable space. Plus, poorly maintained models could threaten the safety of your yard or house, which is a risk you certainly don’t want to take.
Many homeowners clean up their fireplace as the season ends, hoping it will then be ready to go come spring. Unfortunately, between shortened days, cooler temperatures, and fewer available appointments for inspection, fall isn’t the best season to undertake this venture – spring is the ideal time.
What Steps Are Needed to Clean Your Outdoor Fireplace?
Cleaning your fireplace requires a keen eye and a little elbow grease. Before getting started, change into old clothes and find some gloves. Then follow these steps:
Step 1: Inspection
The first thing to do in the spring to prepare your fireplace is to visually inspect it. Because many of the outdoor options are made of stone, tile, or brick, it is important to check the foundation for signs of settling or cracks. Then, take a closer look at the chimney to make sure there are no obstructions, such as animals, their nests, or built-up debris.
If you have a wood-burning fireplace, look at the flue to see if there is creosote buildup. You might want to consider scheduling an inspection just to be safe. For gas fireplaces, inspect the pilot assembly, gas valve, and other parts to ensure it is ready for use.
Step 2: General Cleanup
Next, remove logs or tinder from the hearth and set aside any grates you may have. You’ll want to sweep up debris and vacuum up excess soot, as well. This helps clear out the area, making it easier to give your fixture a more thorough scrubbing.
Step 3: Deep Clean
Using a hearth cleaner or metal polish and a heavy-duty brush, scrub the interior areas, including the wall and floor of the hearth. This should help remove any built-up creosote. Fill an empty spray bottle with warm, soapy water and coat all of these areas. You can even make a mix of warm water and white vinegar for extra cleaning power. Let the spray soak in for 5 minutes or so before spraying again and giving it a second scrub.
After the fireplace is clean and dry, you should start small rather than lighting a large fire. This will help it dry out even further while avoiding overheating. It can also help you pinpoint any trouble spots. for additional protection throughout the usable season, consider covering your fireplace between uses. This will limit the amount of moisture the stone absorbs, reducing its risk of cracking due to expansion and shrinkage.
Shop Our Selection of Outdoor Fireplaces
At Rock Products, Inc., our mission is to supply our NJ customers with dependable products and a team of experts to help make their backyard dreams a reality. Whether you’re a contractor or homeowner, we offer outdoor fireplace kits from highly rated manufacturers, including HP Henry and FireRock, to provide your space with a durable and decorative piece that fits your design style and budget.
We also offer Zeisloft hauling services to help get your order to your home quickly and safely. Contact us today to request a quote or get answers to all of your landscaping questions.