Many people do not know that keeping their fireplace clean is an important aspect to their overall home’s safety. One of the riskiest dangers is the build-up of creosote which can actually cause fires. This can be contained with an annual Chimney Cleaning Worthington, OH home owners use for safety. If you have recently purchased a home with a chimney there are some tips you can follow to keep your fireplace clean.
General Housekeeping for your Chimney
It is a good idea to get into the habit of cleaning your fireplace as part of your overall housekeeping regime. Vacuuming the hearth area once a week along with your regular vacuuming will help prevent the spreading and build-up of ash. All ash should be completely cool and free of embers, so allow at least 12 hours between the time of cleaning and the last fire being burned. Sprinkle damp coffee grounds over the ashes before vacuuming to allow the dust to be absorbed. You can also do a wipe down if you wish, but you cannot use cleansers as these can be flammable as well as disperse poisonous fumes into the home when burning your next fire.
Creosote build-up
Creosote is a dangerous build-up of unburned wood particles and gases. As it worsens it can become a fire hazard. One of the best ways to cut down on creosote build-up is to avoid burning wood that is not properly aged and dried. You can take a look at your flue on a regular basis to see if you note any build-up, but it is far safer to arrange a Chimney Cleaning in Worthington, OH home owners often use to avoid the dangers of creosote build-up. This is by far one of the most important aspects of care for your chimney and fireplace.
Precautions during Cleaning
Never toss water onto a fire to put it out. It should be allowed to burn down naturally. Of course if there is an emergency this will be necessary. Water will cause a very difficult to clean paste. Also when cleaning the fire box, the area where the logs are placed, be cautious as the brick can chip easily. Those with metal linings can also easily be bent. You do not want to expose or loosen the metal or brick in this area as it is there to protect structural materials that can catch fire.
When you are in need of a chimney cleaning home owners depend on Business Name in Worthington, OH.