While gas fireplaces are beneficial to many homeowners directly due to their lack of cleanup needs like soot or ashes, they do still require some general cleaning and basic upkeep, just like any other component in your home. This is a simple process, however, and one that only needs to be carried out periodically — as long as you’re doing it correctly, that is.
At Uintah Fireplace and Design, we’re happy to offer a wide selection of gas fireplaces to clients throughout Salt Lake City and other parts of Utah, plus tips and expertise on basic upkeep and cleaning — we even offer parts and service for any fireplace that may require them. How often does a gas fireplace need to be cleaned, and how should you go about this? Here’s a simple rundown.
Gas Fireplace Cleaning Frequency
There’s no singular answer when it comes to how often you should clean your gas fireplace, as this can differ based on a number of factors. In general, though, it’s best to give your fireplace a good cleaning at least once per year. This will help ensure that it continues running smoothly and efficiently while also minimizing the chance of any problems arising.
In some cases, you may need to clean your fireplace more frequently than this. If you notice any soot or debris accumulating on the glass, for example, it’s best to clean this off as soon as possible to avoid any permanent staining. The same goes for the firebox itself — if it starts to look dirty, it’s probably time for a cleaning.
Down similar lines, many people base their cleaning on the visual appearance of the fireplace. If it looks like it needs to be cleaned, then it probably does! This isn’t the most scientific method, but it can be a helpful guideline if you’re unsure about when to clean your fireplace.
Our next few sections will go over some basic steps on cleaning a gas fireplace.
Collect Proper Tools
For this job, you’ll want to be sure you have the right basic equipment on-hand. Firstly, ensure you have a powerful vacuum that also comes with a hose attachment — this will make it much easier to clean the nooks and crannies of your fireplace. You’ll also need some soft, lint-free rags as well as a small brush for scrubbing any tough spots.
In some cases, such as if there’s been any sort of grime or other buildup on the glass or other parts of the fireplace setup, you may also need an alcohol-based cleaning solution. You can find these at most hardware stores.
Turn System Off Completely
Before proceeding to any sort of cleaning, it’s critical that you turn off the fireplace completely. This means shutting off the gas valve as well as any power switches that may be in place. Once everything is turned off, wait a few minutes to ensure that all residual heat has dissipated before moving on.
Failure to do this could result in serious injury, so it’s important to take this step seriously!
Work From the Outside In
For a thorough cleaning of the entire fireplace, the best method is generally to start with the outermost components and work your way in. This includes the glass, the frame, and any other exterior pieces.
Start by giving the glass a good once-over with your vacuum attachment, then follow up with a soft cloth to wipe away any debris that might be stuck. If you’re using a cleaning solution, apply it now and scrub gently until the glass is clean. For tougher stains, you might need to let the solution sit for a minute or two before wiping it away.
With the glass clean, move on to any other exterior pieces of the fireplace. Again, use your vacuum attachment to remove any loose debris before following up with a cloth and cleaning solution (if necessary).
Once you’re finished with the exterior, it’s time to move on to the interior.
Cleaning the Interior
The first step in cleaning the interior of your fireplace is to remove any debris that may have accumulated. You can do this by using a small shovel or another similar tool — just be careful not to damage the firebox as you work. Luckily, because gas fireplaces do not produce ash or soot in the same ways that wood-burning fireplaces do, there’s usually not much to clean out.
Once the majority of the debris has been removed, use your vacuum attachment to get up any remaining particles. Be sure to pay special attention to the area around the gas burners, as this is where most of the dirt and grime is likely to accumulate.
Once the interior is mostly clean, it’s time to move on to scrubbing away any remaining dirt and debris. For this step, you can use a small brush as well as your cleaning solution (if necessary). Work slowly and be careful not to damage any sensitive parts of the fireplace.
Finally, once everything has been scrubbed clean, give the entire fireplace a final once-over with your vacuum to remove any lingering dirt or dust.
Putting Components Back
Once everything is clean, you can begin the process of putting all the components back in place. Start with the gas burners, then move on to any other removable pieces. Finally, replace the glass panel and any other exterior parts.
Once everything is back in its rightful place, you can turn the fireplace back on and enjoy its warm glow once again!
For more on how to clean a gas fireplace, or to learn about any of our fireplace products or services in SLC and nearby areas, speak to our team at Uintah Fireplace and Design today.
