How to Clean a Wood Stove (Wood Stove Accessories)

Wood Stove Accessories

By Mary S. Yamin-Garone

Wood stoves are becoming more popular with homeowners as an economical alternative to the more conventional means of heating. A wood stove also adds aesthetic value to a home. Today's wood stoves are safer and more energy efficient than the old pot-bellied models of the past. They are nearly smokeless, produce small amounts of ash and use less firewood. Cleaning your wood stove regularly keeps it operating safely and effectively. Learn how to clean your wood stove.

Things You'll Need:

- Fireplace shovel
- Wire brush
- Metal container or bucket with lid
- Ladder
- Dust mask
- Gloves
- Flashlight

INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1
Find your wood stove's catalytic combustor located between the fire and stovepipes. Look for any ash that may have amassed there from the burning wood.

Step 2
Use a small wire brush to remove the ash. This should be done every 2 months. Remove the combustor, according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Step 3
Remove ashes from the stove with a small fireplace shovel. Put them into a metal container or bucket with a tight-fitting cover. Leave the container outdoors or on a non-combustible surface overnight or until the ashes have cooled before disposing. Cooled ashes can be used on flowerbeds, gardens and compost piles.

Step 4
Inspect the outside of the stovepipe and remove any surrounding debris. Scrape the sides of it with a proper fitting wire brush. Place the brush inside the pipe and move it in an up-and-down motion to get rid of any creosote that may have accumulated. Creosote is the yellow, rancid-smelling, oily matter produced when the gases emitted from the burning wood cool to less than 250 degrees F and turn to liquid.

Step 5
Shine a flashlight into the pipe to be sure all the creosote has been removed. If left inside the stovepipe, creosote can catch fire. Use a fireplace shovel to get rid of any soot or creosote that may have fallen into the stove.

Step 6
Clean the inside of the wood stove's window with fine steel wool once the glass is cool to the touch. If using chemical cleaners, check that the glass is dry before burning again so smoke or dirt is not ensnared in the dampness on the glass.

Step 7
If you've done all this and you still don't feel like it's clean enough, call a chimney sweep.

Tips & Warnings:

- A more thorough cleaning is performed at the end of the wood-burning season. Stovepipes should be cleaned any time there is at least 1/4 inch of creosote buildup.
- Never clean a wood stove while it is hot. Wear a dust mask and gloves when cleaning a wood stove. Burning seasoned or dry wood at a high temperature eliminates excessive creosote buildup. Keep a fire extinguisher close at hand.

Article Source: eHow.com
Wood Stove Accessories