Channel your inner Cinderella
Keeping your fireplace ash dump clean isn’t just about tidiness—it’s essential for your safety and the health of your home. Ashes can emit carbon monoxide even when the fire is out, and their acidity can erode metal fireplace components over time. Here’s how to empty your fireplace ash dump to ensure your hearth stays safe and efficient.
Your safety always comes first when performing this task. Ash is harmful, so wear a dust mask to protect your lungs and long sleeves to shield your skin. Also, wait 24 to 48 hours after a fire has gone out to do this project. It's important to note that hot embers can stick around longer than expected.
If you use your fireplace several times a week, you should clean your dump weekly. If not, once the ash builds up to more than an inch, stinks, or prevents you from starting a fire, it's time to clean up. If you ever notice smoke coming from the ash pit, call 911 immediately—smoldering ashes can cause carbon monoxide poisoning and set your abode on fire.
Emptying an ash dump is straightforward: You’ll open the ash dump door, sweep the ashes into the pit, empty the contents of the pit into a metal bucket, and then dispose of the ashes. But it bears repeating: ensure the ashes in the fireplace have cooled completely before you begin.
Before getting started, open a nearby window for ventilation and put on your face mask. Next, grab a drop cloth or old newspaper and place it around the fireplace to catch any debris. Ensure you have a metal bucket with a lid handy for collecting the ashes, and keep your fireplace shovel and broom within reach.
The ash dump is usually in the center of the firebox floor. It has a small metal door that swings open, allowing you to sweep the ashes directly into the ash pit below. Before you open it, ensure the area on top of the door is clear of debris. To do this, sweep the debris toward one side.
Using your fireplace shovel, scoop the ashes from the fireplace grate and floor into the ash dump. Close the door securely once you’ve swept the ashes into the dump.
Ashes swept into your ash dump wind up in the ash pit. The cavity is beneath the firebox, and most homeowners can access it via a cleanout door in the basement or sometimes on an exterior wall.
To scoop out the ashes, use your fireplace shovel or a small spade. Put the ashes in the metal bucket, then affix the lid. Afterward, use a vacuum to remove any remaining ashes. For hard-to-reach areas, you can use a scrub brush. Remember to clean your vacuum thoroughly when you’re done cleaning.
Take the ash bucket to a safe disposal area outside that is not near anything combustible. Cool ashes can be disposed of in your trash in a heavy-duty trash. If you are not ready to dispose of the ashes, keep the metal ash bucket in a cool, dry place on a stone, concrete, or brick surface at least 10 feet away from your home.
If you're disposing of wood ash rather than ash from artificial logs, consider using it for composting. Wood ash is rich in nutrients and alkaline, making it a great addition to your compost pile.
Once it is empty, store your empty ash bucket outside on a non-combustible surface. As a reminder, keep it at least 10 feet away from your home and flammable materials. Also, make sure the bucket is securely covered with a tight-fitting lid.
DIY cleaning is a cost-effective way to maintain your fireplace. However, it comes with potential risks, such as exposure to carbon monoxide, hidden hot embers, and the possibility of missing significant issues, like creosote buildup or structural damage. Additionally, it may not be a suitable project for people with respiratory problems.
Hiring a local chimney and fireplace repair professional ensures the job is done thoroughly and safely. Their work often includes an inspection for other potential problems. For many homeowners, it's worth the expense—there's nothing like knowing your fireplace is in top condition and free from hazards.
Some homes with wood-burning fireplaces don't have ash pits due to design choices, construction practices, or the age of the house. Many older abodes don't have them because ash pits weren't a standard feature when they were built. Additionally, in smaller homes or homes with less frequent fireplace use, builders might have opted to forgo an ash pit to reduce costs or simplify maintenance.
No, because they burn propane or natural gas, gas fireplaces do not generate ash like wood-burning fireplaces. However, gas fireplaces require maintenance, such as cleaning the glass doors, checking for debris in the burner or vents, and ensuring the logs or glass stones are in place. This maintenance ensures that the fireplace continues to operate efficiently and safely.
