Cleaning

• No matter whether you have a wood-burning or gas-burning unit, regularly cleaning is essential if it is to effective and safe. Professionals often recommend getting your fireplace cleaned once a year. A professional fireplace cleaner or chimney sweep will check all parts, including the chimney draw, fans, pilots, burners, ignition, combustion and vents. Actually, the chimney is one of the most important parts that needs to be inspected because it can often become obstructed by nest-building animals such as birds and raccoons. A chimney cap can help prevent animals from nesting. A fireplace that is not properly maintained and cleaned can result in carbon monoxide buildup in your home, a dangerous and potentially deadly occurrence.
  
  

Ashes

• Ashes will build up in a fireplace and need to be removed occasionally. However, ashes and small embers from a fire can remain hot for several days and should be removed very cautiously. Never use a vacuum to remove ashes from a recently used fireplace because it could easily start a fire. It's also important to open the damper before removing ashes; with no air going up the chimney, any blown-back ash and dust will spill out onto the floor. If you have a gas fireplace, the log should be cleaned about once a month with a bristle brush. Be sure to wait until the log has cooled completely before cleaning it.
  
  

Exterior Cleaning

• If you have a brick fireplace, you can buy brick cleaner to spruce up the exterior. Slate fireplaces can be cleaned with lemon oil. The glass doors of your fireplace will become blackened over time because of the ashes and the heat from the fire. To clean them, first scrape whatever residue you can from the doors with a razor blade or other sharp tool. Then, squirt dish-washing detergent into a gallon of warm water and use a sponge or spray bottle to wet the doors. Use newspaper to scrub the residue and wipe it away. Another option for the doors is special glass cleaner sold at some fireplace stores. If your fireplace has brass adornments or you have brass fireplace utensils, you can clean them with Worcestershire sauce and a toothbrush.