A fireplace is a luxurious addition to the home that instantly adds a touch of class and elegance, while also keeping it warm and inviting during the cold winter months. Owning a fireplace, however, also comes with the responsibility of keeping it clean. This ensures that it functions properly and continues to look great.
Interested in learning how to clean fireplace glass? The team at Elite Fireplaces Sydney has shared some of the best, tried-and-tested methods below.
The Elite Fireplaces team has been installing custom wood, gas, and electric fireplaces in Sydney homes for more than 15 years. We’ve established relationships with Australia’s best fireplace suppliers to ensure that our customers receive only the best. Contact us for more information.
How to Clean Fireplace Glass
Before You Begin
If you’re working with a gas fireplace, make sure you’ve turned off the gas before getting started. If you have a wood-burning fireplace, tidy up the inside so that you don’t get ashes everywhere. There’s nothing special you need to do to prepare if you have an electric fireplace.
Remove the Fireplace Glass
Cleaning the glass is much easier if you can remove it from the fireplace door. You should be able to use a screwdriver to unscrew it from the doorframe, then gently lift it out and place it on a nearby towel or some old newspaper (to protect your floors from ash and dirt).
If you’re unable to remove the glass, as is often the case with gas and electric fireplaces, do your best to reach as many of its nooks and crannies as you can when cleaning.
Now that you’re ready to clean, there are four methods to choose from:
1. The Newspaper Method
This is a great way to clean the glass in a wood fireplace, and it actually uses some of the leftover ash to do so.
Begin by putting on a mask and collecting a small pile of cold ashes from inside the fireplace. Dip a damp piece of newspaper into the ashes, then rub it onto the glass. Work in small, circular motions, and the ash should wipe the soot away. Repeat this process as needed, then wipe the glass clean with a piece of clean newspaper or a dry cloth.
You can repeat this process on the opposite side of the glass, just ensure that the first side is completely dry first.
2. The Vinegar Method
You’re probably well aware that white vinegar makes a fantastic cleaner. It works a treat on wood, gas, and electric fireplaces.
Mix a solution of one part vinegar and three parts water in a clean spray bottle. Spray the solution all over one side of the glass and let it sit for about a minute. Then, use a clean microfibre cloth to wipe it away, working in small, circular motions. Replace the cloth when the one you’re using becomes too sooty or dirty.
Once the glass is completely clean and dry, you can flip it over and repeat the process on the other side.
3. The Razor Blade Method
This unusual glass cleaning method is great for extra-dirty glass, such as that found in a wood, gas, or electric fireplace that hasn’t been cleaned for a while.
Start by putting on a pair of gloves to protect your hands, then grab a spray bottle filled with water and a razor blade scraper. Spray a small section of the glass to loosen and rehydrate the stuck-on soot or grime. Gently press the blade against the glass at a 40° angle and scrape away the dirt, working from the bottom up. Wipe away the excess dirt that gathers at the top with a clean, dry cloth.
Continue to repeat these steps, working your way across the glass until it’s clean, then flip it over and repeat on the other side.
4. The Glass Cleaner Method
There are some specialty glass cleaner products available that have been specifically designed for use with gas and electric fireplaces.
Spread the cleaner generously across the surface of the glass, then carefully rub it in using a microfibre cloth until the surface is clear. Use a clean microfibre cloth to wipe away the resulting film and to buff out any remaining cleaner from the surface.
Never use an ammonia-based glass cleaner (like Windex), as this can permanently damage the glass or create noxious fumes when the fireplace is next used.
Learn How to Clean Fireplace Glass with Elite Fireplaces
Keeping your fireplace clean is crucial for both its appearance and functionality. As such, it should be cleaned out after every use, particularly when dealing with a wood-burning unit. Your routine should also include the fireplace’s glass door, which should be cleaned at least once a week. Using our tips, you can rest assured that your glass will always be sparkling clean, letting you enjoy the flames unimpeded by dust and dirt.
If you’re looking to have a new fireplace installed in your home, the team at Elite Fireplaces would love to help. Get in touch with our qualified team today and let’s give your home the premium look it deserves.