When you own a fireplace, your primary role as a homeowner is to maintain it. one of the ways of maintaining it is keeping it clean. Here are some of the tips given by chimney cleaning services providers on how to keep the chimney clean:

Get rid of the ash

Do you have a wood burning fireplace? You most likely have a lot of ash in your chimney. In addition to making your fireplace unsightly, it also reduces the airspace in the chimney thus the fire frame is usually weak.

For the fireplace to continue functioning optimally you should get rid of the ash. To do this you need to remove the grate and any other components from the firebox. After the ash has cooled, sweep it into a container using a broom.

Regardless of how much you want your chimney to be, avoid sweeping the ash while still hot. Remember, hot ash is a fire and safety hazard. After sweeping the ash, don’t dispose it in the trash. The best way of using it is by recycling it in the garden.

Wood ash is known to be a nutrient-rich fertilizer that helps plants grow. The ash also protects your garden from pets such as slugs and snails.

Scrub off the creosote

Creosote results when soot mixes with water and attaches itself to the walls of the chimney. Creosote is highly flammable thus a fire hazard. Do you want your chimney to remain clean and fire free? You should consider scrubbing off the creosote before it builds up to worrying levels.

The task is usually messy thus you should brace yourself for it. You should start by wearing some old clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. You need a few supplies such as nylon scrub brush, protective mask, gloves, and all-purpose cleaner.

To catch the loosened debris, lay down a protective cover such as a towel or sheet. You should then start scrubbing the soot and creosote from inside the fireplace. Once you are done with the scrubbing, spray an all-purpose cleaner on the walls of the chimney. Let the cleaner penetrate creosote for at least 30 minutes then using your elbow, scrub it clean.

As mentioned, cleaning the creosote requires a lot from your side; therefore, if you aren’t ready for it, hire an expert to help you out.

Take care of the surround

The surround is the outside of the fireplace and it tends to get too dirty especially if you keep the fireplace doors open when the fire is burning. When is the last time you cleaned the surround? If you have stayed for a long time, it’s time you gave it some attention.

Start by applying an all-purpose cleaner then use a nylon brush to scrub away the dirt and any soot that might be there. If you regularly clean it, a few drops of mild dishwasher liquid in warm water will give it a clean look. You only need to use a good quality sponge.

Pay attention to fireplace doors

The doors are part of the fireplace, right? Since they are the first things that people see when they get into your home, you need to give them some attention. To clean them you need ½ cup of white vinegar in a spray bottle and fill it with water.

Are the doors too dirty? Add 1-2 tablespoons of ammonia. Spray the cleaning solution on the doors the allow the solution to penetrate for at least 10 minutes. You should then wipe it clean with a lint-free cloth.

Undertake professional cleaning at least once a year

Even if you keep the insides and outside of the chimney spotless the entire year, you still need to hire a professional chimney sweep Bowie at least once a year. The professional will give the chimney the professional attention that it deserves.

The professional will inspect the chimney and if it requires attention, repair it. The expert will also clean it in the event there are some areas that you had missed.

For you to get the most from the expert, hire the most reputable. Also, ensure that the professional has a great personality so that you can have an easy time working together.