A wood burning stove not only provides warmth and comfort during the colder months but also adds an inviting, rustic charm to any home. However, maintaining the exterior of your stove is essential for both its aesthetic appeal and performance. Over time, soot, ash, grease, and dirt can accumulate on the stove’s exterior, causing it to look grimy and possibly affecting its efficiency. Regular cleaning can help prolong the life of your stove and keep it looking like new.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of cleaning the exterior of your wood burning stove, including tips for safety, the best cleaning products to use, and how to maintain your stove so it continues to perform at its best.
Step 1: Safety First
Before beginning the cleaning process, it’s important to take a few safety precautions. Cleaning a wood burning stove involves dealing with heat, soot, and sometimes harsh chemicals, so it’s essential to follow these steps to ensure your safety:
- Allow the Stove to Cool Down: Never attempt to clean your stove while it is hot. Wait at least 12 to 24 hours after using it to ensure the stove is completely cool before starting the cleaning process.
- Wear Protective Gear: Dust and soot can irritate the skin and eyes, so wear gloves, safety goggles, and a dust mask to protect yourself.
- Ventilate the Room: Ensure the area is well-ventilated by opening windows and doors to prevent the inhalation of any fumes or dust.
Step 2: Gather Your Cleaning Supplies
Having the right tools on hand will make the cleaning process more efficient. Here’s a list of items you will need:
- Soft Cloths or Rags: Avoid using abrasive cloths that could scratch the stove’s surface.
- Non-Abrasive Cleaner: A stove-specific cleaner or a mild dishwashing liquid diluted in water works well for most models. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners that could damage the stove’s finish.
- Soft-Bristle Brush: A brush with soft bristles is ideal for cleaning areas that are hard to reach.
- A Bucket of Warm Soapy Water: Used for general cleaning.
- Baking Soda: A natural and gentle abrasive to remove stubborn stains without causing damage.
- Vinegar and Water Solution: For cleaning glass doors and stubborn soot stains.
- Vacuum Cleaner with a Hose Attachment: For removing loose ash and soot from hard-to-reach spots.
Step 3: Clean the Stove’s Exterior
Now that you have everything prepared, it’s time to clean the exterior of your wood burning stove. Follow these steps for a thorough and effective clean:
1. Dust and Vacuum the Surface
Use a vacuum with a hose attachment to remove any loose soot, ash, or dirt from the exterior of the stove. Start at the top and work your way down, making sure to get into all of the crevices. Be careful around the joints and seams, where dust and soot tend to accumulate.
2. Wipe Down the Surface
Dampen a soft cloth or rag in warm, soapy water (you can use a mild dishwashing detergent) and wipe down the entire exterior of the stove. This will remove surface dirt and grime. If your stove has a painted or enamel finish, make sure the water isn’t too hot, as excessive heat could damage the surface.
3. Tackle Tough Stains with Baking Soda
For stubborn stains or grease marks, sprinkle a little baking soda on the affected areas and gently scrub with a damp cloth. Baking soda is a mild abrasive, so it helps to lift stains without scratching the surface.
4. Clean the Stove’s Legs and Base
Don’t forget to clean the stove’s legs and base. These areas are often overlooked, but they can accumulate soot and ash. Use a soft-bristle brush to scrub these areas, and a damp cloth to wipe them down.
5. Polish the Exterior
If you have a cast-iron stove, you can polish the exterior to restore its shine. Use a stove polish specifically designed for cast iron and apply it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure to buff off any excess polish with a clean, dry cloth.
Step 4: Clean the Glass Door
The glass door on your wood burning stove is particularly susceptible to soot and tar buildup, especially if you burn a lot of wood. Here's how to clean it effectively:
- Use Vinegar and Water: Mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray it on the glass. Let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it off with a soft cloth.
- For Stubborn Soot: If the soot is particularly stubborn, you can use a special stove glass cleaner. Alternatively, you can gently scrub the glass with a fine steel wool pad to remove the grime. Be careful not to scratch the glass.
- Clean the Door’s Seal: Over time, the seal around the glass door can accumulate debris. Use a damp cloth to wipe it down, ensuring it’s free of soot and debris that could affect the seal’s effectiveness.
Step 5: Regular Maintenance Tips
Once your stove is cleaned, you’ll want to keep it in tip-top condition. Regular maintenance not only keeps your stove looking good, but it also improves efficiency and safety:
- Clean the Flue and Chimney: A dirty chimney can be a fire hazard. It’s recommended to have your chimney professionally cleaned at least once a year, especially if you use your stove frequently.
- Check for Rust: Inspect the stove for signs of rust, particularly on the exterior. If you notice rust spots, sand them down and repaint the affected area with stove paint.
- Burn Dry Wood: Wet or unseasoned wood produces more soot and tar, which can cause buildup inside your stove and chimney. Always use dry, well-seasoned wood for a cleaner burn.
Step 6: Enjoy Your Stove
Now that your wood burning stove is clean and well-maintained, it will continue to provide warmth and comfort for many seasons to come. Not only will it look great in your living space, but it will perform more efficiently, too.
Need Firewood?
A clean stove deserves high-quality firewood to keep it burning efficiently. When you buy firewood from us, you’re not only getting seasoned wood that’s ready to burn, but you’re also ensuring your stove runs smoothly all winter long. Our firewood is handpicked, seasoned, and perfect for any wood burning stove.
Buy your firewood today and keep your stove in peak condition!