Fireplaces are a wonderful accessory in anyone’s home. Many fireplaces have glass doors to prevent ashes and cinders from escaping. They’re an attractive feature that adds value to your already beautiful hearth.
But those fireplace glass doors can get very dirty looking if they’re not cleaned regularly. Do you know how to clean them? It’s not that hard at all.
Part of the joy of owning a fireplace is watching the dancing flames flicker like an old-time movie. The fireplace glass also lets you see if the fire is burning well, or needs more wood. Filthy glass doors prevent you from seeing the fire, and they look unsightly.
Cleaning the glass doors can seem like a terrible chore. But it doesn’t have to be hard. Anyone can clean them quickly and easily. You just need to know the right method, and what cleaning products to use.
Luckily you found these directions. Just follow the steps below to get those smoky dingy glass doors looking new and fresh again. You’ll be glad you did.
Tools for Cleaning
Prior to cleaning your fireplace glass, it’s a good idea to assemble everything you need for the job. Having all your supplies within easy reach will let you accomplish your intended task without bothersome distractions.
There are a few different ways to clean your fireplace glass. It’s nice to have options, isn’t it?
All options work equally well. You might even want to combine some of these methods if your fireplace glass is extremely dirty.
No matter which method you use, remember that you might get a little dirty. I recommend changing into some old clothes before beginning. Putting on rubber gloves will protect your skin from chemicals and cleaning solvents, and your hands will be much easier to wash when you’re finished cleaning your fireplace glass.
For all methods you will need:
- Tarp or drop cloth
- Rubber gloves
- Apron or old clothes
- Cloth, rags, or paper towels
- Spray bottle
Choose a cleaning product:
- Vinegar, ammonia and warm water
- Fireplace ash and water
- Commercially manufactured fireplace glass cleaner
How to Clean Glass Fireplace Doors – Instructions for Cleaning
Now that all of your cleaning supplies are assembled let’s get that fireplace glass looking sparkly and shiny again.
Before you begin cleaning make sure your fireplace glass isn’t hot. You don’t want to get burned! Hot glass and liquids can also be a dangerous combination. Hot glass may shatter if exposed to liquids.
If you can remove the glass doors from the fireplace it will make cleaning them much easier. But removing the glass doors may be tricky or require tools you don’t have. If you can’t remove the glass doors you can still get the fireplace glass clean. It may require a little more elbow grease though.
You can click on each step to see a picture of the process. Pictures licensed by Creative Commons.
Step 1: Getting ready to clean your fireplace glass
- Put on your rubber gloves, an apron or old clothes if you haven’t already.
- If you can remove the glass doors you should place them on a tarp or drop cloth. This will prevent your rug or flooring from getting dirty.
- If you can’t remove the glass doors now’s the time to open them. We’re more interested in cleaning the inside of the doors than the outside.
2.2 Step 2: Choose your cleaning product
2.2.1 1. Vinegar, ammonia and warm water
- Combine 1 cup vinegar, 3 cups warm water and 1 tablespoon of ammonia in a spray bottle.
- Spray onto glass and wait 30 seconds.
- Use a cloth or paper towels to scrub in a circular motion.
- Repeat as many times as necessary until glass is clean.
2.2.2 2. Fireplace ash and water
- Dip a damp cloth or damp paper towel in your fireplace ashes. Use only fine ash particles. Anything bigger than small pieces of ash may scratch the glass. Put just enough ash on the cloth or paper towel to create a thin film.
- Wipe the glass with the cloth or paper towel. Use a circular motion when you wipe.
- Repeat as many times as necessary until glass is clean.
- Wipe off the ash residue with a clean paper towel.
2.2.3 3. Commercially manufactured fireplace glass cleaner
- Spray cleaner on fireplace glass.
- Allow to sit for a few minutes.
- Wipe with a cloth or paper towel.
- Always follow any additional manufacturer’s instructions and warnings.
2.3 Step 3: Clean up
- Reattach the doors if you removed them.
- Place dirty cloths or paper towels into a wastebasket.
- Pick up remaining cleaning supplies
3 FAQ
Why Would You Need to Clean Fireplace Glass Doors?
So you can see flames better through them, and they will be much more pleasant to look at.
What Tools are Needed to Clean Fireplace Glass Doors?
For cleaning fireplace glass doors you need a tarp or drop cloth, rubber gloves, apron or old clothes, rags or paper towels, vinegar, ammonia, warm water, glass cleaner, and a spray bottle.
Do You Have to Remove Your Fireplace Glass Doors Before Cleaning Them?
If you remove the fireplace glass doors earlier, it will make cleaning them much easier.
4 In Conclusion
Is your fireplace glass shiny and bright now? I hope so. Take a look at your reflection in the glass and smile. Congratulate yourself on a job well done.
- Greatly Reduce Heat Loss
- Very Easy to Install
- Clear, Tempered Safety Glass
- ONLY fit E/EC/EL/HR/HC 42" HEATILATOR FIREPLACES
- Available in 2 Finishes - Black and Stainless Steel
These easy directions should have your fireplace glass looking like they’re brand new. Don’t you agree? I recommend you clean your fireplace glass as often as possible. It won’t be that hard to clean if you clean it regularly.
Now that you’ve followed these instructions do you think there may be some steps you can skip? Or maybe there are steps you think should be added? I would love you to share these thoughts with me and everyone else who wants to clean their fireplace glass. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with any questions, comments, or suggestions.
Creating this fireplace glass cleaning tutorial brought me great joy. I hope it made you happy too. You can share it with anyone you like. I’m sure they’d love to learn how to clean their fireplace glass too.