Maintain and Clean Your Fireplace with Fireplace Tool Sets

Some people see fireplaces as just another appliance. But, in reality, these are luxury items and should be treated as such. The better you take care of your fireplace, the longer it will last and the better it will perform. And it all starts with picking the right tools and knowing how to use them. Still, so many people have no idea how these tools work and what they were made for. Let’s take a look at how to maintain your fireplace with fireplace toolsets.

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What Tools are in a Fireplace Tool Set?

Fireplace toolsets will usually have similar tools and each of them serves a specific function. They are not all meant for cleaning, however. You should expect to see fireplace pokers, tongs, a spade or shovel, and a broom or brush. Here’s how each of these tools should be used.

Fireplace Poker

Fireplace pokers are there to allow you to move and toss logs around so they can burn better. Moving logs allows for maximum flow of oxygen, and oxygen is what’s burning when you see a flame, so more oxygen means a healthier and longer-lasting fire.

Spade and Shovel

Understanding how to use a spade and shovel is also very important. These can be used to move small pieces of coal around or to remove ash from the fireplace. Making sure that ash doesn’t accumulate is very important not only for cleanliness, but because it can affect performance. An ashy fireplace will require more wood to get the same results and can cause fires to go out prematurely as well.

Tongs

Tongs serve a similar function to pokers, but they allow you to move logs more precisely. You want a long pair of tongs that will allow you to stay far away from the fire. You also have to make sure that they’re strong enough to move big logs around but comfortable enough to be flexed with one hand.

Brush and Broom

Brushes and brooms are there for cleaning ashes. The best brushes will have a thick brush head that will be roughly the same size as a shovel to make them easily usable together. A long handle is another thing to look for.

How to Clean Your Fireplace Using Your Tools

The first thing you have to do is make sure that the ashes have completely cooled down. We would suggest you wait at least 24 hours from the last time you used your fireplace. Then, spread a large towel where you’ll be kneeling at the hearth of the base. Remove all soot and creosote from the walls and floors of your fireplace using your broom or brush and pick it up with your shovel. Make sure you have a small waste bin around so you can dispose of the ashes.

The next step is removing the andirons and grate and putting them on a towel to be cleaned. There are some special cleaners out there that you can find, but a simple vinegar solution will work. Note that you will need to get some metal polish, some steel wool, and a wired brush as well to scrub away surface grime and tough residue.

This is all you need to know about fireplace tools and how to use them. Make sure that you keep your fireplace as pristine as possible if you want to extend its longevity and have it working optimally.