Let’s face it, nothing beats the comfort that an outdoor gas fireplace provides on cold evenings. Maybe that’s why it’s not surprising that everybody wants to be in their fireplace every night during the winter. But away from the comfort and coziness that a fireplace offers, it can also be the ideal focal point of your patio. A place where you create unforgettable memories with your loved ones.
That said, your gas outdoor fireplace needs to be regularly maintained to continue being the delight of your backyard for a long time. A poorly maintained fireplace won’t keep its magic and aura for long, and that’s the last thing you want. But you’d be hard-pressed to find a fireplace that comes with a detailed set of instructions for maintenance. Thus, we aim to show you how to do it in this article. Let’s dive in!
How Frequently Should You Clean an Outdoor Gas Fireplace?
No matter how often you use your gas fireplace, it’s ideal to clean it at least once every month. While the fireplace may be idle, dirt and dust do not understand that. To prevent dust from damaging its mechanisms, you need to clean the fireplace regularly. Besides, the cleaning also offers you a chance to inspect the fireplace for damage.
What You Will Need
- Cleaning rags.
- Nylon net.
- Hand broom.
- Vacuum cleaner.
- Glass cleaner.
- Warm water.
- Supplies.
Step-By-Step Guide
Do gas-burning fireplaces need to be cleaned? Yes, they do need to be cleaned. While a fireplace can be many things, it’s certainly not a self-cleaning system. So, if you intend to enjoy the warmth from your fireplace for a long time, then you need to regularly maintain it, following the steps below;
Turn the Gas Off
The first thing you need to do is to turn the gas off from the gas valve. Ensure the pilot indicator is out completely, and wait for a couple of minutes before you start working. This is a safety precaution to ensure all of the remaining gas leaves the piping securely. If you have recently used the fireplace, we also advise you to allow all the parts to cool before you start cleaning.
Take the Components Apart
Depending on how your fireplace is designed, this step may vary slightly. To make the task easier, remove the glass doors, mesh curtain, or metal screen. Now, take the logs apart carefully and take out the burner unit. Ideally, you should take the parts outside before cleaning, as this will prevent the soot and dust from spreading around your space.
Brush the Components
Once you have disassembled all the components, it’s now time to brush each one using a hand broom. One thing you should never do is spray water or cleaners onto your fireplace components, as this may corrode, or in the worst-case scenario, damage them. This is also a good time for inspection, so you should check each piece or log for holes, cracks, or extreme burn marks. Now, brush all the debris and dust away from each component.
Vacuum Away Dust and Cobwebs
It doesn’t matter if your fireplace has glass stones or lava rocks; they are likely to be covered with dust. Now is the time to put your vacuum cleaner to work. It’s often more preferable to use a vacuum with a hose attachment so that your reach can be extended. Now clean every rock thoroughly with your vacuum. It’s not impossible for small rocks to be sucked away sometimes, so to prevent that, attach a piece of nylon net to the nozzle’s end with a band. While the dust can get through the net, the rocks certainly can’t, no matter how small they may be.
Once done cleaning the rocks, clean the nook and cranny of the fireplace box to get rid of cobwebs, insects, and dust.
Polish Metal or Glass
Most modern gas fireplaces like Firegear Kalea Bay Outdoor Linear Gas Fire Place tend to come with glass doors. The doors may easily get cloudy with grits from the burning process. Now, to prevent the glass door from becoming etched permanently, you need to clean it regularly, using a fireplace glass cleaner. Note that using a regular glass window cleaner may damage the glass doors, so we advise you to refrain from this.
If you don’t have a fireplace glass cleaner, you can always find them at hardware stores. Spray the cleaner on the door and leave it for a few minutes. Then, remove the film and debris using a soft cloth. If you have a mesh curtain or metal screen, clean each side with a vacuum upholstery brush. For both metal and glass enclosures, wipe the ends using a damp cloth.
You can also take this chance to examine the rubber gaskets on the doors for any cracking or deterioration. If the damage is found, then you need to replace the gasket.
Clean Mantle and Hearth
The next thing to do now is cleaning any dust or soot off the mantle and hearth. The cleaning tool for this may vary, depending on the kind of surface. However, it’s always recommended to use a soft cloth.
Put the Fireplace Together
Now that you have cleaned every component and wiped every surface, it’s now time to put the components together again. You can also turn on the gas valve now.
Inspect the External Vents
Since your gas fireplace is most likely outdoor, we advise you to examine the external vent every month. This way, you can quickly find possible blockages from animal nests or leaves.
Conclusion
From its ability to give comfort to its tendency to improve aesthetics, a fireplace can be many things. But while it’s always ready to serve you and your loved ones without complaints, it demands just a thing from you - regular maintenance. While maintenance may seem tedious initially, it ensures you get to enjoy your outdoor gas fireplace for a long time. And in our opinion, that alone makes it worth it. If you are looking for a modern linear fireplace that can be the centerpiece of your home, we recommend the Firegear Kalea Bay 72" Outdoor Linear Gas Fireplace.Â