Cracklin' Clear: How to Clean Fireplace Glass

Cleaning the glass on a wood burning fireplace door is a slightly different deal. For starters, the grime on wood burning fireplace glass is probably a lot… grimier. Caked on soot and ash might require a little more elbow grease.

Also, you probably can’t remove the glass doors. All good. Just lay down some towels or a drop cloth. Why? The cleaning options for wood burning fireplace glass tend to be more on the runny side. As you clean it, the glass will start to look like someone sobbing while wearing non-waterproof mascara, so protect your floor from this runny river of gross!

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Here are a few options for tackling that ashy buildup on wood burning fireplace glass.

1. Use ash to fight ash

One of the best ways to clean ash is to use ash. Yep, that pile of ash that’s sitting in the fireplace is a shockingly good cleaner.

Ash is an ingredient in lye, the cleaning stuff your high school shop teacher taught you all about. When you mix ash with a little water, it creates a very mild abrasive that’s as effective as it is cheap.

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So grab a wet cloth or newspaper (if you somehow haven’t digitized all your news sources) then:

1. Dab the wet cloth or arcane newspaper in the pile of ash.
2. Scrub the glass in a circular motion.
3. Repeat til you’re done and/or exhausted.

Don’t forget, burning wood creates particles that are harmful to your health, including the ash you’re using as a cleaner. Your best bet is to wear an N95 mask while cleaning so that you can filter out those nasty little particles.

2. Use a vinegar solution

Another cheap option for cleaning soot from fireplace glass is vinegar. White distilled vinegar is best. You can use it on its own or mix it with some warm water. There isn’t any set recipe for this concoction, but one cup of vinegar to three cups of water should work.

The easiest way to apply the vinegar solution is to use a clean (preferably new) spray bottle. Make sure to keep the vinegar away from your eyes and skin. Ouch. And never mix vinegar with other household chemicals. They do NOT play nicely together.

If you decide on the vinegar solution, here’s what to do to clean the glass:

1. Mix one cup of white distilled vinegar with three cups of warm water.
2. (optional) Add an additional ingredient (cornstarch or alcohol) for more cleaning oomph.
3. Do NOT add any other chemicals.
4. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle.
5. Spray on to the fireplace glass. Let it sit for about 30 seconds.
6. Wipe with a microfiber cloth.
7. Repeat until you’re satisfied and/or exhausted.

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P.S. This vinegar solution you created like a chem teacher is also great for cleaning other places in your home, like your toilet, sink or shower. It can augment or even replace most store bought cleaners.

3. Use commercial cleaner options

For those of you who aren’t into the DIY cleaner mixology, there is always the pre-mixed commercial stuff.

There are specific fireplace cleaners as well as oven cleaners that are effective at removing soot from other surfaces like your grill. When cleaning glass for a wood burning fireplace, make sure to opt for a cleaner that specializes in ash and soot.

Once you’ve picked your product:

1. Spray the cleaner on the glass.
2. Let it sit for at least 30 seconds.
3. Use a damp sponge, microfiber cloth or rag to clean off the excess.

Don’t skip any brand-specific instructions on the cleaner packaging. Also, it’s probably a good idea to wear dish gloves or rubber work gloves while handling these commercial cleaners. Some of them can be harsh on your skin.

Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Recipe