How To Clean Your Gas Logs
A gas log fireplace is a beautiful addition to your home. It serves multiple purposes. First and foremost, it helps to heat your home. It offers a modest amount of light and creates a relaxing and inviting atmosphere. When installed, the technician may have given you a better understanding of how each part works. They would have also provided instructions on maintaining your new fireplace and keeping the gas logs clean. The following steps will help.
Make Sure the Gas Is Turned Off
If you have recently used your fireplace, turn it off and allow it to cool sufficiently. Most gas log fireplaces have their own gas shut-off valve. Your first step should always be to turn off the gas valve associated with your fireplace. Continue to check it occasionally in case it gets bumped or you accidentally hit it with something. Do not turn the fireplace back on until all your tools and cleaning supplies have been put away and your fireplace has been reassembled.
Disassemble the Logs and Grate
Spread a few newspapers or an old cloth on the floor to keep the area from getting dirty. Once the gas has been turned off, you can safely remove each log and set them aside. Your grate may come out in one piece, or it may have to be taken apart and removed in sections. Try to keep things in order so you know how to put things back together later.
Inspect Closely and Brush Away Debris
Inspect each log and grate section. Look for any cracks, chips, or broken areas. If you find any damage, you’ll want to replace that piece. Damaged logs can break apart, showering sparks out of your fireplace if there’s no barrier. If you do not find any damage, you should start to brush away any debris. Use a soft-bristled brush if you have one. You can also use a paintbrush.
Vacuum the Area Thoroughly
Once you have brushed away dust or debris, you can vacuum the fireplace, the logs, and the grate. Vacuum the corners and seams of the fireplace and all the grooves and crevices of your gas logs. Use your crevice and brush tools for better access.
Polish the Metal and Glass
While you have everything pulled out of the fireplace, it’s a good time to polish the metal and clean the glass. This will eliminate fingerprints or smudges and make your fireplace look brand new. Cleaning the metal and glass of a gas fireplace isn’t possible when it’s in use. When it’s taken apart, you can give the entire unit a good cleaning inside and out.
Wipe Down the Entire Fireplace, Including the Mantle & Hearth
Keeping your gas fireplace clean is key to it working efficiently. In addition to the fireplace and its interior parts, you should also wipe down the mantle and hearth. You can clean the mantle when as part of your regular cleaning routine. Take it a step further during your fireplace maintenance cleaning and deep clean the area. This goes for the hearth as well.
Reassemble Your Unit
Once everything has been cleaned and inspected, you can begin to put your unit back together. Reassemble the grate and place the gas logs back in the fireplace. It may be helpful to take a picture of the logs before removing them. If you have a photograph to look at, they may be easier to put back together.
Gas log cleaning and maintenance are essential if you want your fireplace to work efficiently. Contact the professionals at Meetze Plumbing or call (803) 732-3747 for additional maintenance tips!
Why Choose Meetze for Gas Log Maintenance?
For over 40 years, Meetze Plumbing has been a community leader in keeping residents comfortable. Our technicians are highly skilled in what they do. They always do everything they can to ensure you are completely satisfied before leaving. Gas fireplaces are highly efficient if they are appropriately cared for. We can provide valuable tips to ensure your fireplace always works efficiently.
