Gas fireplaces are a great lower-maintenance alternative to the real thing, but they still need cleaning to keep them looking their best.
When cleaning gas fireplace glass, or any fireplace, for that matter, it is important to disassemble your fireplace carefully to avoid damaging your appliance – or worse, causing a health hazard.
Here, cleaning experts have revealed how to safely clean gas fireplace glass.
How to clean gas fireplace glass
When deep cleaning a gas fireplace, the most important cleaning tip is to ensure the fireplace is off and cooled down, before turning off the gas supply before you start working to stay safe, warns Dave Roebel, mechanical solutions expert at Northeast Mechanical Services:
‘Locate the gas shut-off valve, usually located near the fireplace or in the basement, and turn it off,’ he urges. Then, you can get to cleaning.
1. Use the right products
When cleaning a fireplace or gas fireplace glass, you need a dedicated glass cleaner to prevent adding flammable residue to the inside of your appliance, warns Muffetta Kreuger, professional cleaner and founder of Muffetta’s Domestic Assistants.
‘You will need a glass cleaner specifically designed for gas fireplace glass as these are effective in removing soot and grime without scratching the surface. It also helps to have a microfiber cloth or paper towels, and a gentle non-abrasive scrubbing pad,’ she begins.
Muffetta Krueger is a cleaning expert and founder of Muffetta’s Domestic Assistants with over 16 years of operational management experience in the service industry. Muffetta’s Domestic Assistants provides housekeepers, house cleaners and maids, and is based in New York.
2. Allow the product to sit to tackle tough stains
It is vital when cleaning fireplace glass that you don't use harsh abrasives. This can weaken the glass, causing it to shatter. This is especially important when it comes to gas fireplaces when escaping gas poses a serious health threat.
To counter this, Karina Toner, operations manager at Spekless Cleaning recommends leaving any cleaners to sit and soak:
‘Typically, you'll apply the cleaner to the glass, let it sit for a few minutes, and then gently wipe it off with a clean cloth. If you're using an ammonia-based cleaner, be cautious as it might leave streaks.’
Karina is the Operations Manager at Spekless Cleaning, a trusted maid service based in Washington D.C. The team has over five years of experience providing top-quality cleaning services for both residential and commercial clients. Karina oversees every aspect of the business, ensuring that every client gets the same top-notch service and a spotless clean every time.
3. Use a vacuum to gently clean the logs
Once the glass is clean, you also need to wipe down the inside of the fireplace. This not only helps to prevent actual fires from starting but keeps the inside of the glass cleaner for longer, continues Dave Roebel, mechanical solutions expert:
‘If the logs and burner in your gas fireplace are dirty, you can use a soft brush or cloth to remove any dust or debris. Be careful not to disturb the positioning of the logs or damage any components.
‘You can also use a small brush or vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to carefully remove any loose debris, ashes, or soot from the interior of the fireplace. Be gentle to avoid damaging any components.’
FAQs
How often should I clean gas fireplace glass?
Although gas fireplaces do not need cleaning as regularly as a log burning stove, it is still recommended to clean them around once a month when it is in frequent use, such as over winter. This helps to remove dust and debris that can pose a fire hazard when heated up.
Why is the glass on my gas fireplace cloudy?
Gas fireplace glass may appear cloudy for two reasons. Firstly, and most commonly, it is caused when sulfur released from the gas mixes with moisture, staining the glass with sulfuric acid. This must be removed regularly to prevent permanent damage. Alternatively, if you cannot wipe the cloudiness away, it has likely been scratched during the cleaning process. This is commonly caused by using too abrasive of a cleaning product or scrubbing too harshly when trying to remove stains.
While you are cleaning a gas fireplace and disassembling it, it is a good time to inspect the interior of the fireplace for any signs of damage, such as cracks, loose connections, or worn-out components, mechanical services expert Dave Roebel recommends. ‘If you notice any issues, it is recommended to contact a professional for inspection and repairs.’
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