How to Clean the Fireplace Glass – Grandma’s Simple Tricks

Cleaning the interior regularly keeps you healthy since you eliminate all possible allergens and bacteria that hide in dust and debris. So, starting with carpets and curtains, to washing toilets, you need to keep your home in good shape. Unfortunately, sometimes stains and dirt can be really stubborn. But that’s why we’re here to help. In today’s article you will find some simple and clever methods to clean the fireplace glass. You will also discover how to avoid the accumulation of ashes which give a blackish appearance to the glass.

What Should You Clean the Fireplace Glass with?

In general, you have two choices: choose a store-bought cleaning product or use Grandma’s tricks. Most of you will prefer the eco-friendly alternative with natural ingredients. The most popular when it comes to cleaning fireplace glass are white vinegar, white wood ash, and baking soda. Here’s how to use them.

How to Clean the Glass of the Fireplace?

First, make sure the glass is completely cool. Keep in mind that it may take up to 48 hours after the fire is extinguished. If the glass is still hot while you are cleaning it, you risk breaking it. Then, if possible, take the glass out and put it on a towel on the floor so you can clean it better. And before you start following the instructions below, remember that you should always make circular movements in order to avoid scratching the glass.

Vinegar Solution

All you have to do to prepare this homemade cleaning product is to mix water and white vinegar. For a better result and better disinfection, you can also add a little rubbing alcohol. The proportions can vary according to the degree of pollution of the fireplace and they must therefore be adapted accordingly. This solution is truly versatile. You can use it to clean the refrigerator, yellowed electrical outlets, barbecue and mirrors as well. Here’s how to do it:

• Dip a microfiber cloth in the solution and clean both sides of the glass.
• Rinse with a clean, dry cloth to remove the vinegar.
• In case of thicker layers of dirt, add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the solution and repeat the process.

Ash and Newspaper

Here’s how to clean the fireplace glass with ash:

• Fold or crumple up some old newspapers.
• Moisten them in water, then dip them in ashes.
• Then clean the glass of the fireplace.
• When the newspaper turns black and dirty, throw it away and repeat the process with a new piece of newspaper.
• Finally, spray a little water on the glass and wipe it with a paper towel.

Baking Soda

• Take a microfiber cloth and dampen it with apple cider vinegar.
• Then add some baking soda on top and clean the with circular motions.
• Remove the remnants of paste and dirt with a clean cloth dampened with water.

How to Prevent the Glass of the Fireplace from Darkening?

The most common cause of glass darkening is the use of wet wood, as it contains a large amount of moisture. It is recommended to use wood that has been cut, chopped and exposed to the open air for at least one year.

To prevent the fireplace glass from getting dark, you must make sure that the fireplace burner ports are not blocked. You should also clean them regularly.

Also try to avoid using woods known to have high wax content (eg cedar, pine, fir, spruce). It is better to opt for oak, cherry or walnut.

Allow enough oxygen into your wood stove. Many recent models are already designed to facilitate air circulation, but others must be adjusted manually.

Place the material to be burned closer to the front glass of the woodstove. The heat source will thus be closer to the glass and the temperature will increase. As a result, your window will be cleaner.

Also read: How Can You Use Wood Ash in the Household? What Can You Do with It?