Cleaning your gas fireplace will keep it operating in peak condition and help avoid other problems associated with not maintaining your fireplace. Gas fireplace cleaning should be done at least annually but preferably at the beginning of winter and again at the end of winter to keep the fireplace in good condition for use next season. Cleaning a gas fireplace is not very difficult; however, you need to read the owner’s manual for your particular model to make sure that you take the proper precautions prior to cleaning. If any damage is found during cleaning, a qualified technician should inspect the gas fireplace before you use it again.
As cooler weather approaches it’s important to remember to do maintenance on your gas fireplace. Many people assume since gas fireplaces don’t have the ash build up from burning wood logs that there isn’t any need for cleaning your fireplace. This is not correct at all, while gas fireplaces are much easier to maintain then a wood burning fireplace there is still annual maintenance that needs to be done in order to keep your gas fireplace working not only properly but safely as well.
Before cleaning a gas fireplace, make sure that the fireplace is turned off or disconnected from an electricity source. Leaving the fireplace connected to an electricity source while it is being cleaned could break the fireplace or cause a safety issue for the person cleaning it.
To clean the outer body of the gas fireplace, use a cloth which is moistened with water. Do not take the chance with harsh chemical cleaners because using those cleaners can damage the outside of the gas fireplace. Only take the chance with cleaners which are made for cleaning gas fireplaces or a cleaner which you know is compatible with the surface of the gas fireplace and will not damage it.
To clean the inside of the gas fireplace, the logs and log holder should be removed from the inside of the fireplace. The fireplace box can then be cleaned with a vacuum using the brush attachment. The logs from the fireplace should be cleaned once they are taken out of the inside of the fireplace so there is no reaching inside of the small fire box to clean them. The logs in the fireplace can be cleaned with a paintbrush, or another type of brush, but be careful not to use a heavy hand. There are some cleaners which are made specifically for cleaning soot and carbon off of logs in gas fireplaces and can be used safely on them. However, make sure the logs in your fireplace can be cleaned with these removers safely.
To clean the soot and residue off of the glass doors surrounding the fireplace, windex or a glass cleaner can be used with a soft cloth to wipe away the build up. Do not use any other harsh chemicals on the glass as your glass covers may not be compatible with all types of cleaners.
Make sure to also make sure that the vents are clean. Dry leaves from trees can fall into the vents while the fireplace is not in use, and if the build-up becomes thick, it can cause a clog in the vent. When the fireplace is turned on the vent needs to be clear of debris to ensure proper airflow. A flashlight can be used to shine down into the vent and check for leaves or if birds have built nests in the vent. Be sure to remove this debris before the fireplace is used.
Below are some general instructions for how to clean a gas fireplace that will help you understand the process.
How to Clean Fireplace Glass
How the Glass Has Been Discolored
One of the biggest problems with the upkeep of gas fireplaces is how to clean gas fireplace glass. The glass is usually in the form of a viewing window or doors or a combination of both. To begin to work the problem you will need to figure out how the glass has been discolored.
For a common dark discoloration which originates from the flames, you should start with a mixture of vinegar and water or other type of many household non-abrasive glass cleaners on the market. Sometimes the manufacturer of your gas fireplace will recommend a necessary cleaner, made specifically for the fireplace unit you are cleaning. This is a common issue and should be easier to clean than the next type of marking.
Sometimes you will experience a whitish discoloration which usually comes from water deposits, dirty fuel, or some other type of foreign chemical in your unit. The mark comes from condensation, or mineral residue, burned onto the inside surface of the window or door and is very similar to the “foggy” windows you most likely see on your household windows in the morning. For this blemish you will need to resort to a abrasive cleaner more along the lines of a Brasso type. If you would like, you could even buy a gas appliance window cleaner which has finer abrasives to avoid scratching the window surface better than metal polish.
Whichever type of discoloration you a dealing with, you should always be sure to thoroughly rinse and clean all of the excess cleaner from the glass before reinstalling and relighting the unit. Another tip is to avoid possible damage from using ammonia based cleaners on etched or stained glass. It’s also a good idea to regularly clean the gas control area, also known as the valve cavity, clear of dust to keep the electrical connections functional and safe.
Methods and Tips
There are two methods that you can use when you clean gas fireplace glass. You can either clean gas fireplace glass by leaving the glass in the door, or you can remove the glass from the door frame before cleaning it. Cleaning methods are based on your own personal preference. You should not have to remove the glass when you clean gas fireplace glass. The glass is usually quite simple to clean, so it can be done with the glass still in the doors. However, if you would like to remove the glass from the doors for routine maintenance, or for a very thorough cleaning, you can do this by following some suggestions from your manufacturer’s manual. For the sake of simplicity, I will discuss the steps for when you clean gas fireplace glass with the glass still in the door.
By following these suggestions, you can clean gas fireplace glass quickly and easily.
