Modern gas fireplaces eliminate the need for much of the maintenance that was required from old-style wood-burning fireplaces of the past. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. One of them is the necessity to clean the glass of your gas fireplace from time to time. By doing this you can have a clear view of the fireplace on a consistent basis and also observe whether your fireplace is operating in the proper fashion. How to clean fireplace glass is a question that every homeowner who has one of these units should know how to answer.
Why Does Build-up on Fireplace Gas Occur?
After your fireplace is operated for a period of time, the glass of your unit may develop a grayish/white buildup. There are various reasons why this may occur. They include:
- With the new fireplace, the products of combustion can mix with particulates in the first few hours of operation – referred to as the off-gassing phase – and settle on the glass after the fireplace cools off.
- You may have had your fireplace for a number of years, and the natural venting of the unit may have precipitated film buildup on the glass. Simply cleaning the glass about two times each year should handle the problem.
In learning how to clean fireplace glass efficiently, it’s important to understand that as the combustion processes of a fireplace occur, film can develop from the minerals contained in the fuel (i.e. sulfur and calcium) and settle on the glass. It’s also possible for minerals drawn in from the outside air and conducted through the venting system to land as deposits on the glass. Simply cleaning the glass when you notice these issues (the glass may appear hazy) can solve the problem.
Cleaning Procedure
It’s important to follow the exact instructions that may have come with your fireplace (from the manufacturer or the dealer or both) when you attempt to clean the class of your fireplace. Those instructions should supersede any advice or instructions provided here.
However, here is some advice on how to clean fireplace glass efficiently:
- Shut off the fireplace, including the pilot light.
- Open the glass front
- Leave the glass in place if it is riding on hinges. Otherwise, take out the glass in place in a safe location on a soft surface such as a dry cloth, tile, or carpet
- Place a safe, prescribed cleaning agent on the glass
- Distribute the cleaning agent on the glass with a soft cloth (preferably cotton cloth)
- Allow the cleaner to sit for a little while, then gently buff cleaner off with a soft clean towel using circular motions
- Proceed to clean the other side of the glass in the same way, but with strokes in the opposite direction in order to reveal any streaks that may be left on one of the sides
With the understanding of how to clean fireplace glass, always keep the following in mind:
- Never use any type of ammonia-based cleaner – for example, an oven cleaner
- Never use any abrasive cleaning substance
- Never use a paper towel to clean the glass
For more information or additional advice about how to clean fireplace glass, or to find out about modern gas fireplaces for sale, consider contacting an experienced fireplace dealer.
