If you are not using your fireplace or woodstove often, then you may be able to go longer between cleanings.
Before cleaning your glass, burn one or two hot fires in your fireplace or woodstove to loosen up the soot and dirt that’s built up on the glass. Alternatively, you could burn a creosote removal product or add a few big spoonfuls of ‘Red Devil Lye’ to the fire box to help soften and reduce the buildup.
To be safe, let the stove or fireplace cool for at least 6 to 8 hours before trying to clean it. If you can, wait a couple of days. You should check the temperature before trying to touch it.
You could also use old newspaper for the first wipe down to clear away some of the haze. Make sure to wear gloves while you clean the stove, whether they are reusable or disposable. This will be sufficient to remove the white or grayish haze that can build up on glass from the heat, smoke, and ash. If your glass is still dirty after a quick wipe, continue with the cleaning process.
Add more ash paste to the cloth as necessary, and keep rubbing until you’ve removed the soot. Rinse the cloth with water, wring it out, and wipe the glass with the clean cloth. You can also use newspaper or paper towel to clean the glass instead of a cloth. [5] X Expert Source Cleanzen Cleaning ServicesResidential Cleaning Specialists Expert Interview. 4 February 2022. Wood ashes have a high pH and contain calcium carbonate, which is why they’re so great for cleaning soot from glass. The ashes also help loosen the soot so it can be more easily wiped away. [6] X Expert Source Cleanzen Cleaning ServicesResidential Cleaning Specialists Expert Interview. 4 February 2022.
You can also use this cleaner and the same method to clean the outside of the glass if it’s dirty. Avoid ammonia-based cleaners on woodstove and fireplace glass. These can leave rainbow streaks on the glass, and many glass manufacturers don’t recommend using them.
When the fireplace or woodstove has had a day or two to cool, gather some ashes. Mix the ashes with enough water to make a paste. Apply the paste to the glass with a microfiber cloth to remove soot and dirt. Wipe the glass clean with a damp microfiber cloth. Alternatively, you can buy a commercially-available paste cleaning product.
Clean the inside and the outside of the glass in this way to remove streaks and make the glass clear and spotless.
Before applying any cleaner that isn’t made specifically for wood stoves or fireplaces, read the instructions to make sure it’s heat- and fire-safe.
Scratches in the glass will make the fire harder to see, and will provide small crevasses for soot and dirt to hide.
Don’t let fuel block the air intake vents. Clean the ashes out regularly to keep the intakes clear. Make sure the air intakes are all open when you start a fire, and keep them fully open until the fire is established. Check that the dampers and vents are working correctly. Make sure the flue, chimney, and/or stovepipe are clean and clear.
Wet or damp wood Coal Treated wood Garbage Large amounts of paper
Softwood is wood that comes from coniferous trees, and hardwood comes from deciduous trees.
Make sure the fire gets enough air, and open the intakes more if necessary Don’t pack the fireplace or woodstove full of logs that can smother the flames Add four to five pieces of fuel at a time Never burn wet fuel
