There’s no denying the luxury of a glass fireplace, but that leftover sooty residue tends to cover it up like a smoke screen. Not to mention the black stain it leaves on an otherwise-tidy space. Don’t worry, though. Even if it’s been a while, you can get your glass shining again with a few easy steps.
You can use a handy vinegar and ammonia DIY cleaner to tackle heavily soiled glass. For lighter cleanings, you can actually use leftover ash to make it sparkle in a jiff. Either way, here’s how to get it gleaming with mirror shine, just in time for your next lounging session.
Make Sure the Glass Is Cool
Before you begin, ensure the glass isn’t too hot. While it may be tempting to get it clean and ready right after you put out your fire, it’ll be hot and can cause serious burns.
Put on Protective Gloves
Vinegar and ammonia can cause skin irritation, so it’s important to protect your hands before working with these chemicals. Cover up with your glove of choice, whether it’s rubber cleaning gloves or disposable ones. As a major bonus, these will prevent that soot from getting under your fingernails and help keep soot off of your walls when you’re done.
Fill a Spray Bottle With Diluted Vinegar and Ammonia
Next, grab your spray bottle and fill it with:
1 cup vinegar
3 cups warm water
1 tablespoon ammonia
Alternatively, you can omit the ammonia, but it adds a lot of power to the concoction. Or, if you prefer to use a store-bought cleaner, there are options specifically made for fireplace glass. Oven cleaner will also work in a pinch.
Remove the Glass, If Possible
If your fireplace allows you to pop the glass off its hinges, it'll be easier to clean the entire surface. If not, just leave the glass in its place and move on to the next step.
Spray Down the Entire Surface
Next, spray your glass down with a generous layer of cleaner. Allow it to sit for at least 1 minute before you begin scrubbing.
Scrub the Glass With a Cloth, Paper Towel, or Newspaper
Once it’s been a minute, vigorously wipe the glass down with your cloth, paper towel, or newspaper until it’s clean.
Use a Melamine Sponge to Tackle Leftover Soot
Photo: glebchik / Adobe Stock
The extra-fine abrasiveness of a melamine sponge works great to take care of any leftover sooty areas on the glass. Dampen your sponge and gently work over the residue until the entire glass surface is clean.
Repeat, If Necessary
If the glass still looks cloudy, repeat steps five and six until it’s sparkling clean.
Clean Glass Doors With Leftover Ash
If your fireplace glass isn't heavily soiled or you're doing regular touch-ups, the ash in your fireplace is the perfect tool to get it clean. Dampen a towel or newspaper, dip it in the ash, and then wipe the glass in a circular motion to loosen caked-on soot. Repeat as necessary until your glass is clean.
Maintain Your Glass Fireplace Regularly
There are many benefits to having a clean fireplace beyond aesthetics, such as reducing the risk of fires and saving on energy costs. Along with cleaning the glass, be sure to keep fireplace soot at bay between burnings. Using quality, seasoned hardwood will also help minimize the sooty deposits on the glass.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro to Clean Your Fireplace Glass
If you won’t have the time to clean your fireplace glass, you can hire a pro to do the work for you. On average, cleaning pros charge between $30 to $50 per hour. That said, if it’s the first time they’re cleaning your home, they might have to do a deep clean which will take longer and cost more. The tradeoff is you have a beautiful fireplace and home without lifting a finger.
Alternatively, if you don’t want to spend potentially hundreds of dollars and you have an hour free, cleaning your fireplace glass is an easy project. And you probably already have many of the cleaning supplies on hand.
If you notice the interior of your fireplace could use a deeper clean, you can either clean your fireplace yourself or hire a professional fireplace cleaner. They’ll not only get your fireplace back to looking like new, but inform you of any damage or potential repairs needed. The average fireplace repair costs around $600, depending on what is damaged.
Frequently Asked Questions
If there’s a draft within your fireplace, it can lead to a weakening of its flame. And when the fire burns the wood, it won’t burn effectively, resulting in a build up of soot and smoke. If you notice this happening, you’ll want to inspect the glass to see where the draft is getting in. You can also hire a fireplace repair pro to do the work for you.
This happens when condensation forms due to your room temperature being lower than its dew point. You can clean the glass with a combination of baking soda, vinegar, and warm water to wipe away the fog from the doors.
When your fireplace burns, chemicals like sulfur or calcium can release from the fuel leading to white stuff appearing on the glass. However, it could also signal an issue with your fireplace. If you notice crystal deposits, it indicates either your flame isn’t burning properly or venting well.
Sean LaPointe has been a freelance writer, researcher, and analyst for over eight years. He has a deep passion for personal finance and home-related topics.
Sean LaPointe has been a freelance writer, researcher, and analyst for over eight years. He has a deep passion for personal finance and home-related topics.
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