Electric Fireplace Cleaning (A Step-by-Step Guide)

Many people have a fireplace in their home, but don’t think about the maintenance. Fireplaces can be a source of wonderful ambiance and warmth during the winter months, but they also need to be cleaned occasionally. This article will provide you with some guidelines for cleaning your electric fireplaces from top to bottom!

A fireplace can be a great addition to any home. It provides a sense of warmth and coziness that you just don’t get from other fireplaces. But, as time goes on, it’s inevitable that the fireplace will need to be cleaned from all those ashes and soot. This article will help walk you through how to clean your electric fireplace safely and easily!

How to Clean the Fireplace?

Before starting to clean the fireplace, make sure you know how it works. For an electric fire place, there are two basic elements: a flame and a heated element. The first one is responsible for creating realistic flames that will warm your room while the second is necessary for heating up water over time. If you have problems with either of them or with the fan, do not attempt to clean them yourself. Instead, hire a professional service company.

The best way to start cleaning is by unplugging it and removing all dust from its exterior. You can use an air compressor if you have one but make sure that there are no sparks before doing so! If this seems like too much work for you, there is another way. Just put some newspapers on the floor and turn it on to burn everything that’s loose or dusty inside. This will help you remove all dirt at once without requiring too much effort from your part!

After this step, prepare a solution made of water and dishwashing soap (dishwasher detergent). The latter will help you remove all the dirt while the former is necessary for dissolving it. You can also use vinegar but never mix it with soap as this may create some dangerous chemical reactions!

When mixing everything together, focus on getting a thick consistency that won’t drip onto your floor or furniture below. This way, the water will stay in the fireplace and it will be easier for you to clean everything at once.

After this, use a soft brush (a sponge is recommended) to spread the solution all around your fire place while focusing on crevices and hidden spots. It’s important that every part of its interior gets covered by soap so make sure not to miss any spot and keep spreading the solution until all dirt is gone.

When you’re done dealing with surface areas, take a dry cloth to wipe everything down. This step will reveal whether or not your fireplace still works as it should after removing dust from its interior – if there are problems such as cracks, crevices that don’t clean up or other irregularities, do not attempt to use it again.

Also note that some people opt for using their vacuum cleaner instead of a washcloth but this is not recommended as certain parts may get broken during the process and you don’t want these tiny pieces disappearing inside your vacuum machine! Cleaning every part of the fireplace with a brush will remove any loose dirt that might cause damage to its components if removed with another tool.

After this, check whether or not the fireplace works as it should and let your imagination run wild! If you don’t like how it looks now but didn’t change anything during your cleaning job, there is one last thing you can do: buy some paint and create a new design!

What supplies you’ll need?

A bucket or dedicated towel that’s going to be solely used for washing the fireplace. It will get dirty, so make sure it doesn’t have a chance of getting any other thing on it besides water and soap. You can use an old dish pan with a few towels in a pinch too!

Waterproof gloves (rubber or chemical gloves work best)
Sponge, washcloth, soft-bristled brush (a toothbrush works great!)
A drop cloth to place under the fireplace is a good idea as well. This will protect your floor from any spills and also keeps you from tracking soot all over your home if you have to walk on your carpet while you work!
A vacuum cleaner and a broom. You may need these for the soot removal process, but if not they’ll be useful afterwards to get everything up off of floors or furniture that got dirty during cleaning.
An empty bucket or container (optional). This will come in handy if you want to simply vacuum up the debris and then do a quick rinse of your fireplace.
An old pillow case (optional). This will come in handy for cleaning grates, frames, and glass doors! You can use it as a rag or cover small items with it when moving them out of the way so they don’t get lost.
Water softener (optional). If your water is very hard you may want to mix some in with the regular tap water for this cleaning process. This will help soften and neutralize any of the minerals that might be present which could cause staining or spotting on your fireplace if left behind after rinsing it off.
White distilled vinegar (optional). This is also helpful for removing hard water stains and spots. It is very acidic, however, so you don’t want to use it along with your regular soap solution! If you do decide to use this make sure you rinse the fireplace off again afterwards with plain water. You can mix about a half cup of vinegar with a few cups of water and use it in place of your regular soap solution.
A lint free cloth (optional). This may not be something you can easily get, but using one will give you an extra assurance that all the soot is removed from between crevices or cracks in your fireplace before being rinsed off.
A toothbrush (optional). This will also come in handy if you plan on using the vinegar solution to get inside your fireplace. It’s a good idea, however, to use this after completely removing any of debris or ashes first!

If you don’t have waterproof gloves readily available you can substitute dishwashing gloves instead. These are often easier to find and will suffice in a pinch!

Step-by-step guide for Cleaning your electric Fireplace

Your fireplace should be unplugged at all times while you are cleaning it.

Open your fireplace doors and empty the ashes. You can use a small shovel to scoop them out if you need to, but be sure not to scratch or damage any of the parts inside of it. The easiest way is usually just tipping over the container until all of the ashes fall out into an outside trashcan that’s lined with a plastic bag.
Vacuum the inside of your fireplace thoroughly, or use a dust broom to sweep out any remaining ashes and debris from its interior.
Remove all glass inserts in order to clean them separately. Clean each pane with a commercial glass cleaner that is safe for use on tinted surfaces using a soft cloth, then rinse and allow to dry fully.
Use a lint free cloth or small vacuum attachment, such as the one that comes with your Dyson cordless stick vacuum cleaner, to remove any dust from inside of the fireplace. If you need more suction power, then try using a handheld wet/dry shop vac instead. You can also use a handheld vacuum with attachments, but be sure to cover the intake vent on your electric fireplace first.
You can use an old rag or paper towels dampened slightly with water and mild dish soap to remove any remaining fingerprints from inside of the glass doors, then dry it thoroughly before placing them back in place so that no lint will be trapped in the track.
Make sure that there’s no residual water before you plug your fireplace back into an outlet and turn it on again, or risk damaging its electrical components. If any of the glass doors still appear to be steamed up, then wait until they’ve completely dried out before using it again. If you don’t, then be sure to unplug the unit again and wipe down any excess water with a dry cloth.

Plug your fireplace back in, turn it on, and enjoy!

Turn Off & Unplug the Fireplace

The very first thing you need to do when cleaning your electric fireplace is turn off and unplug it. This can be done by following the cord from the plug, usually located in a back corner of the unit. If there are multiple cords coming out of this same outlet, make sure to pull on them all simultaneously so that the unit is completely unplugged. This prevents any electrical shock or hazards during your cleaning process.
If there are cords coming out of an outlet on the floor, you may need to pull them up through a frame member in order to get them all together and remove from the wall socket at once. If you cannot do this, turn off and unplug the fireplace in pieces.
Be sure to check for a switch on the cord that will allow it to be turned off at either end; if there is not one, make sure when you pick up your electric fireplace by its frame (or belly) that you are holding both cords so they don’t become wrapped around a power cord.
Cleaning Electric Fireplace Glass

You can find a particular product that is designed to clean the glass of your electric fireplace. However, you might want to try some products already in your home before going out and purchasing something completely new. The following are some common household products you can use to clean electric fireplace glass.

Isopropyl alcohol
Distilled water
Glass cleaner solution
Dish detergent
Paper towels or a microfiber cloth.

This is not an exhaustive list, but it will definitely get the job done. In some cases, you might even use more than one of these products on your fireplace glass to achieve the cleanliness that you desire. The key here is that regardless of what product you use, you should never mix chemicals.

Electric Fireplace Interior Cleaning

The first thing to do when cleaning electric fireplaces is to unplug the device. After that, remove all items from the fireplace and place them on a table near you or in another room. It’s important not to set anything else within your reach while working with an open flame appliance.

After you’ve removed the items, it is time to clean the firebox. To do this, mix a solution of warm water and dish soap in a bucket or bowl that has been placed on the floor below your fireplace. Dip cloth into mixture and use it to wipe down inside of your electric fireplace unit. Remember not to submerge the entire unit into water as it could cause electrical malfunctions.

Once you’ve done that, grab a dry rag and wipe away any excess moisture from inside your electric fireplace. If needed, use an air compressor to blow off remaining traces of liquid or dirt form within the firebox. Remember not to point the nozzle too close to the unit’s flame or electrical parts.

Finally, put all of your items back into place and plug in the electric fireplace. Turn it on for a few seconds so that you can test if there are any further signs of moisture or dirt inside your firebox. If everything looks fine after testing, turn off the power and enjoy your newly cleaned electric fireplace.

Tips and tricks to make it easier

There are a few tips and tricks to make the cleaning easier. These include:

Using an eraser, scrape off any residue for easy removal of soot or caked on ashes.
Cleaning fireplace glass is simple with Glass Wipes that have built in ammonia to break down dirt without streaks.
For heavy soot or smoke residue, apply a bit of ammonia to the area and leave for thirty minutes. Scrub with an abrasive pad before rinsing clean. This is also good for removing any burned on food from inside your fireplace cooking surface grates where spills are likely to occur.
If you have valuable furniture near the fireplace, try using some masking tape to mark out any spills or drips that could cause damage.
Use an eye dropper (or a regular one if you don’t have this) to apply ammonia into the smallest recesses of your hearth for complete soot removal throughout your fireplace. This works well on wood stoves and inserts.
Cleaning brick or stone fireplaces is easier when you use the non-scratching side of a nylon scrub pad to avoid scratching delicate surfaces. Apply small amounts of ammonia directly onto bricks with an eye dropper or brush, following by rinsing clean with water on a rag.
If your fireplace is a prefabricated one, avoid using strong ammonia. It will eat away at the cement and discolour bricks with time.
If you have a gas fireplace, use an all purpose cleaner on it as per manufacturer’s instructions to keep your hearth looking new for years!
If you follow these tips and tricks, you will be able to clean your fireplace in no time!
Use an all purpose cleaner on it as per manufacturer’s instructions.

Why you should Clean your electric Fireplace regularly?

Clean electric fireplace is not only look good but also keep it working well. Therefore, cleaning your electric fireplace on a regular basis will help you have cleaner and better burning fire as well as longer lasting appliances. So let’s get started to clean an electric fireplace!

Why you should clean your electric fireplace?

Cleaning dirty and dusty electric fireplaces will help you have cleaner and better burning fire as well as longer lasting appliances. It is very important to keep an eye on the dust that accumulates inside the unit, because it can be a potential hazard for your family’s health. If you don’t keep your electric fireplace on a regular basis, you will end up having problems with the glass and firebox.

How often should I clean my electric fireplace?

If you have pets or small children at home, it is recommended to clean your units twice per month. If not, once every two weeks is enough to avoid any problems.

What products should I use for Electric Fireplace Cleaning?

Cleaning experts recommend using a product that is non-toxic, preferably an eco-friendly cleaner to avoid the release of chemicals into your home’s air or water sources. A few options include:

Baking soda and vinegar (a natural deodorizer) mixed with warm water
Distilled white vinegar mixed with hot water
An all-purpose, non-toxic cleaner diluted according to its instructions.
You can also use a damp cloth or mop for some floors and windows. A vacuum is useful on hardwood floors or carpeting where you may have excess dust or dirt that needs cleaning up after.

Environmental Protection Agency

(EPA) regulations require that all gas fireplaces be installed with a carbon monoxide (CO) detector in the home. The reason is clear: when you convert wood to embers requires oxygen, and if there is not enough air in your fireplace, it can lead to incomplete combustion which produces deadly levels of CO instead of simply glowing embers like we see on TV. So how do you ensure that the air is getting into your fireplace?

The main components of a wood-burning fireplaces are: Firebox which holds and protects the logs, Burners where gas flows through to create an ignition source, Fuel Feeds such as pilot lights or push button ignitions. There should also be an Air Vent which allows for oxygen to be drawn into the firebox.

Aeroseal has created a step-by-step guide that will help you get your fireplace in tip top shape by cleaning each component thoroughly, checking for cracks or holes and replacing any damaged items. We have also included some preventative measures so your home stays safe from CO leaks.

So, what are you waiting for? Go clean your fireplace today!

Safety Tips

Wear safety glasses or goggles when cleaning around the fireplace. A piece of fine dust can break loose and cause eye damage if it gets in your eyes.
Turn off power to the fireplace at the circuit breaker before you start cleaning. Do not assume that because there is no flame, there is no electricity in use. It could be plugged into a timer, or be on a separate circuit that you do not know about.
Always start with the fireplace totally cool and unplugged from any source of power. Electric fireplaces can retain heat for several hours after being turned off, even if it is no longer producing flames. The glass front could shatter if touched when hot.
Never clean a hot fireplace as the glass front could shatter and cause injury if it is touched when hot. Wait until the firebox cools completely to room temperature before touching or cleaning any part of it, including inside where ashes might have accumulated during use. In general, you should never allow children in the area while cleaning an electric fireplace because there are many sharp edges and points to be aware of.
When cleaning a non-functioning fireplace, no flames can be present so this is the safest time for you to clean it without being in danger from heat or electricity. However, if your electric fireplace has been off for several hours before attempting to spray cleaner onto it, you should be sure that it is completely cool to the touch.
Use a good quality cleaner made specifically for electric fireplaces if necessary. Spray or wipe on and then remove with a damp cloth or sponge to avoid scratching of glass surfaces due to scrubbing motion used when cleaning traditional fireplace mantels.
Never use flammable liquids to clean an electric fireplace. These include lighter fluid, cooking oils and other household cleaners that contain petroleum or natural gas products such as kerosene which can be ignited when in contact with the hot glass front of a turned-on firebox.
If you do not have any commercial cleaner on hand, use one part vinegar mixed with two parts water to clean the glass front of your electric fireplace. Use a soft cloth or sponge that has been dipped into this mixture and wrung out well so it is not dripping wet when applied.
Never use cleaners containing ammonia on an electric fireplace because they can cause damage over time, especially if used repeatedly in one area due to the tendency for ammonia to dry and leave a film on glass.
Do not use paper towels or newspapers when cleaning because they can scratch delicate surfaces of an electric fireplace, especially if you rub too hard while using them. Use only soft cotton rags approved for this purpose instead. If your fireplace has been neglected for some time before attempting to clean it, you might want to consider replacing the cleaning cloth with a new one after some of the dirt and grime has been removed.
Never use scouring powders or other abrasives on an electric fireplace as they can damage fragile surfaces like glass and ceramic logs over time if used repeatedly for this purpose. Only recommended cleaners should be used to avoid damage.
Do not use ammonia or cleaning solutions containing it when you clean the glass front of an electric fireplace because this can cause corrosion and discoloration over time which will be very noticeable against white, black or other dark colored surfaces where it is applied. Glass cleaner should never contain ammonia either so if your old bottle of cleaner is white or clear in color, it should never be used on an electric fireplace.
If you are cleaning a non-functioning fireplace simply to make it look attractive again because the glass front has become dirty during storage, use plain water mixed with one part vinegar and two parts water if needed to clean any hard surfaces that show dirt accumulation.
Never use vinegar or ammonia when cleaning your electric fireplace because this can cause damage over time due to the chemical composition of these cleaners which are acidic in nature and will corrode metal surfaces if used repeatedly for this purpose. Only approved cleaners should be used for maximum protection against damage during any type of cleanings intended to keep an electric fireplace looking nice.
If you are cleaning an electric fireplace that is non-functioning, make sure it has been unplugged or turned off at the circuit breaker prior to beginning work so no electricity can be present when applying cleaners to its surfaces. This way there will be no risk of injury from electrical shock if liquids do get spilled or if the fireplace itself gets wet during cleaning.
Never use ammonia based cleaners on an electric fireplace because this can cause damage over time due to the chemical composition of these cleaners which are acidic in nature and will corrode metal surfaces if used repeatedly for this purpose. Only approved cleaners should be used for maximum protection against damage during any type of cleanings intended to keep an electric fireplace looking nice.
If you are cleaning a non-functioning fireplace simply to make it look attractive again because the glass front has become dirty during storage, use plain water mixed with one part vinegar and two parts water if needed to clean any hard surfaces that show dirt accumulation.

FAQs

Is it necessary to remove the mantel before cleaning?

Yes, if you have an electric fireplace with a wooden mantel. The boards can warp from exposure to moisture and steam over time as well as become stained from spills or pets. Using a tool such as a crowbar, carefully pry up on small sections of the wood until they release.

When a wall-mounted electric fireplace doesn't work, what could be the issue?

Fireplaces that are not plugged in or have their circuit breaker turned off will appear dark and cold. If you notice this, make sure they are switched on before attempting to clean them with water or an all-purpose cleaner. In addition, you should check the outlet as well as the circuit breaker to see if it is tripped.

Can you use a clothes steamer on your electric fireplace?

No, using steam from an iron or clothes steamer can damage and discolor most surfaces of an electric fireplace. In addition, water vapor can cause rusting and corrosion within the unit.

Can you use a vacuum on electric fireplace glass?

No, doing so can cause damage to the inner components and electrical wiring of your firebox. Instead, opt for an all-purpose cleaner such as 409 or Fantastic spray with a microfiber cloth or special cleaning wipes designed specifically for stone surfaces like granite and marble.

Is it necessary to use a sealer after cleaning electric fireplace glass?

No, using a sealant is not recommended. Instead, follow your manufacturer's recommendations for proper care and maintenance. While the outer surface of an electric firebox may appear smooth marble or stone, its interior can be made from metal which requires special care when it comes to cleaning and sealing.

Is it possible to paint an electric fireplace?

Yes, if the surface of your firebox is made from a non-porous material such as metal or glass then painting over these surfaces with oil-based paints that are designed for use on metal can create decorative effects while protecting your unit against rust and corrosion.

How do you clean a stainless steel electric fireplace?

Stainless-steel fireboxes are made from several different grades of metal, so if the manufacturer recommends using any product other than water or mild all-purpose cleaners on your unit then follow their instructions instead. In addition to these products, special cleaning wipes and sprays made for stone surfaces such as granite and marble can be used to keep the exterior of your firebox looking its best.

Conclusion

Electric Fireplaces are a great way to add some ambiance, warmth and color to your home this winter. I hope the tips in this guide will help you take good care of your fireplace so that it continues to work well for many years.