Cleaning fireplaces
Keeping a fireplace clean minimizes its impact on indoor and outdoor air quality. To reduce pollution and ensure the safety of a fireplace, set up an annual visit by a chimney sweep, who will remove creosote buildup that can cause chimney fires and look for damage to the flue and other fireplace components.
In between, use your fireplace properly (don’t burn garbage in it ) and perform the following maintenance:
Wood-burning fireplaces: Clean out the f irebox (where you build the fire ) after each use to reduce the amount of ash that gets blown into the air in your home. Be sure the fire is completely out and coals are cold. Sweep out firebox into a metal bucket with a lid. Take the bucket outside and away from the house. Let it sit for one day to eliminate any fire hazard. Sprinkle the ashes around nonedible vegetation like roses as a no-cost mulch.
Gas-insert fireplaces: These are easier to clean than wood because there is no soot or ash to remove. Wash the interior and exterior glass with glass and mirror cleaner (mix 1 cup white distilled vinegar, 1 / 2 teaspoon castile soap and 2 cups water ) and newspaper. Wipe down the exterior with all-purpose cleaner (mix 1 cup vinegar, 2 teaspoons borax, 1 / 2 teaspoon castile soap and 2 cups hot water ). Vacuum the surrounds free of dust. Surrounds: Soot creates stains, so clean surrounds regularly. A wet-dry vacuum is best for this
dirty job. If you use a regular vacuum, clean the attachments thoroughly when finished. Vacuum the area in front of the fireplace and in cracks and corners. Use the brush
attachment on vertical surfaces. Clean glass with vinegar-and-water glass cleaner and newspaper. Fireplace tools: These are meant to get dirty, but to keep the dirt from spreading, take them outside for cleaning periodically. Vacuum or sweep the area where they sit near your fireplace. Wipe off each tool with a rag and all-purpose cleaner. Use vinegar and water for shiny handles. Source: Clean Home, Green Home by Kimberly Delaney (Knack, $ 19. 95 )
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