Fireplaces: The Dark Side

The word "fireplace" triggers in our minds the idea of warmth and coziness. There is, however, a dark side to them as well -- literally dark. Dust and soot can gather in the fireplace more than anywhere else. In the absence of an effective screen, the area around the fireplace can also be affected. Regular fireplace cleaning is obviously necessary, but attention should be paid to the actual methods and tools.

Tools

If you already have a fireplace or youve read about them before, you probably know that it is made up of several modules, each of them consisting of many different parts. Anyone who has cleaned their fireplace once will be able to tell you that the inside of the fireplace is the most challenging when it comes to cleaning. The logs, the various installations inside the fireplace, the screen, the surrounds -- each of these requires cleaning in a certain way. You should check the manual or instructions that came with your fireplace or ask a professional in order to know exactly what substance or tool to use for each part.

The Chimney

Of course, theres more than just the hearth, fireplace, and surrounds. The chimney requires regular inspection and maintenance. You can use, for instance, special logs that release cleaning vapors up the chimney. Seek a professional chimney sweep's advice for guidelines regarding the set of procedures you need to apply in order to keep your chimney clean and safe.

Miscellaneous

So called ash vacuums or dust vacuums are particularly useful. Some of them can be used even while the embers are still warm, but check the user manual in order to make sure that the hose and drum are heat-resistant.

Apart from cleaning, other maintenance operations such as fixing cracks on the inside walls of the fireplace are often necessary. Deodorants can neutralize unpleasant smells coming out of unused fireplaces.

Make sure you use these tools regularly and your fireplace will remain fully functional and safe for a very long time. Letting dust and soot accumulate inside them can only cause hazards and make the fireplace less effective in time.

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