How to clean an outdoor fireplace

Winter is on the way out, and as spring approaches thoughts tend to turn to the annual spring clean and bringing the outdoor area up to standard.

Having sat dormant for much of the winter there is a chance your outdoor fireplace needs a little TLC. Before firing it up for the first time there are a few things you'll need to do to ensure a clean, safe burn that your guests will enjoy.

For the fireplace to function effectively, it needs to be dry, have the right level of ash, and the chimney needs to be cleared of debris regularly. It is also important to consider the placement of the fireplace and the materials from which it is made.

Maintenance and cleaning

To ensure your outdoor fireplace is providing effective warmth all season long, it is vital to keep it in proper working order with regular maintenance. 

A Trendz fireplace has a steel firebox, which is very durable, kicks out a lot of heat, and will last a long time. However, for maximum protection and life expectancy it should be covered during wet months.  Use a stainless steel door or mesh door from the Trendz accessories range to keep the weather out in the winter months.

Chimney cleaning

Cleaning the chimney of an outdoor fireplace is a lot easier than tackling the one in your house, and can be handled by most people. You'll need a few tools and to prep a little but otherwise it's easy.

You'll need:

• A ladder.
• An old sheet.
• Flue brush and rods.
• Creosote remover.
  

Resist the urge to use more DIY methods of chimney cleaning. Some people use a ball of chicken wire to clean the chimney with. This will scratch the metal of the chimney and remove the protective coating. This will enable moisture to permeate the metal and allow it to begin to rust.

Cleaning the firebox

A little bit of ash in a fireplace is a good thing, but it's important to clear any excess ash regularly and to perform a full clean at least once a year, preferably after the last fire of the season.

Aim to remove all but an inch layer of ash every 3-4 burns. This will keep the ash to an acceptable level.

Once a year it's a good idea to do a full empty and clean. It would be a good idea to do this after you have performed a creosote clean.

Sweep the soot and ash into a dust pan and place in a covered container. We recommend sprinkling the ash onto flower beds rather than throwing it away, if suited to your soil. Wood ash contains no nitrogen but does have phosphorous, potassium, calcium and other elements perfect for plants that need the acidity in soil levels lowering.

When empty of ash and soot check the steel of the firebox for signs of wear and tear. Make sure to cover the firebox with a steel or mesh door to protect it during the winter months.

Other maintenance

Trim Plants Near The Fireplace

Keep all plants and foliage around the fireplace well-maintained and cut back. Overgrowth can be a fire hazard and overhanging plants may drop leaves into the chimney. Avoid planting right next to the fireplace structure to avoid potential fire hazards. Climbers and shrubs can be particularly bad for an outdoor fireplace as they may attach themselves to the fireplace, getting into the joints or creating cracks which could cause protective materials to deteriorate.

Fireplace surround

Looking after the main surround for your fireplace can lengthen the lifespan of your outdoor fireplace. Checking it once a year, and giving it a good clean, can keep it in tip top condition for many years.

• Brush off all surfaces and clean with a soapy mixture to eliminate moss or natural growth on your fireplace.
  
  
• Fill any cracks in the render or cement to stop water getting in and making it worse. During the winter months the water will freeze and expand as it does so, slowly widening the cracks. Filling crack early will prevent hide them from view and prevent the crack from getting any worse.

 If you haven't made the move to own your own outdoor fireplace then check out our style guide by clicking on the link below. Be warned the inspiration will be overwhelming.