Tip – Use ashes to clean glass.

Looking for something to clean the creosote stains and build-up on your fireplace glass? Try the ashes in your fireplace. They are free and convenient and they won’t scratch your glass!This advice is for cleaning the window on your wood burning stove or fireplace. Of course you want to make sure that the fireplace and its ashes are cool to the touch first. Then follow these simples steps:

When fireplace is cool, prepare the area for cleaning (protect surfaces from overspray, and any dripping)
Spray glass cleaner on the affected area of glass to begin the cleaning process
Spray glass cleaner onto a soft rag or newspaper
Blot damp cloth or newspaper in cold ashes, lightly covering damp rag/paper
Scour glass lightly with ash coated rag/paper and work in a circular motion to clean surface area
Repeat steps 2-5 as necessary until stains are lifted
Spray and clean glass (without ashes) one last time to leave cleaned.

While many common glass cleaners can be used, your local hearth retailer will often have cleaners specifically designed to break down the creosote build up. You should be cautious when using any cleaner on your fireplace and follow the directions carefully. Many painted surfaces may be adversely affected by strong cleaning agents. In addition, you want to pay care and attention to the surround areas of wood and stonework so you don’t affect their beauty.

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Tags: cleaning, faq, fireplace, stove, tips, wood