Log burners are the cosiest way to keep your home warm once winter begins, but many people can be put off lighting them as they can be really messy and frustrating to maintain. It is quite common for a log burner glass to become covered in soot after just a few fires, so they need to be cleaned out regularly to keep it safe to use. However, no one wants to be on their knees scrubbing at their stove door for ages, so a lot of people end up not using their log burner regularly or might even be reluctant to buy one.
Luckily, the experts at Contura, a wood-burning stove manufacturer, have shared that it can actually be quite easy to keep a log burner clean without much work, as all you need is some leftover ash. They said: “We don’t recommend stove glass cleaners as they can attack black paint and smear the glass. The best results for the clearest view to your warming flames is achieved simply by using a little damp kitchen roll or newspaper dipped in leftover ash from inside the fire chamber.”
It might sound bizarre, but the ash left over from burning logs can be one of the most effective ways to clean a burner, as it is made from minerals that are quite abrasive.
The ash will stick to the damp paper, which will then loosen any soot or burn marks so they can be cleaned away in a few minutes and will not become hard stains.
Using ash is one of the easiest ways to clean a log burner door in just a few minutes and best of all you do not have to spend any money on any fancy cleaners.
It is usually recommended not to use most commercial cleaning products on a log stove as it can leave behind chemical residue that can react to the fire.
Leftover ash is one of the most natural and safest ways to clean a stove, and it is best to start using it now in November to avoid burned stains building up on your burner over winter.
To begin, make sure the stove is completely cold before you try cleaning it, otherwise, you can risk burning yourself and the sudden temperature change can cause the glass to crack.
Next, take some kitchen roll or some newspaper sheets and lightly dampen them under a tap. They should feel slightly moist rather than soaking wet.
Gently press the damp paper into some cold ash, which should then stick to the material to create a natural cleaning pad. Be careful there are no charcoal fragments, wood pieces or other types of grit in the ash before using as that could scratch the stove glass. Make sure the ash feels smooth and paste-like before using it.
Then, carefully rub the inside of the stove door in small circular movements to loosen the black soot. It should easily come away without having to press on it. Use a fresh piece of damp kitchen roll or newspaper to wipe away any residue, and then use some dry paper (or a cloth) to get rid of any moisture.
Taking just five minutes to clean your log burner now can help remove accumulated dust and stubborn soot deposits, giving you a clearer view of the flames and keeping your stove looking its best throughout winter.