My Blog

A lot of people in Oxford choose to use a fireplace as the main heat source during the cold months. It is cheaper than electricity, and the fire creates a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere in your living room. But now, when the winter is almost over, it is time to clean your fireplace properly. And here comes the big question: Do you actually know how to do that? Many people think that as long as you remove the leftover ash everything is fine, but it is not entirely true. We have compiled a simple guide that will help you tend both to your fireplace and to the room it is installed in.

Initial Cleaning Preparation

Like any other task, this one needs a little bit of preparation on your part.

• Get yourself a specialised cleaning detergent for the glass door of your fireplace. It is a solution made to dissolve all of the sticky black mass that is left on the glass while the logs are burning.
• You will also want to prepare a hard bristles brush, a sponge and some kitchen paper.
• Depending on how big is your fireplace you may want to buy a protective facemask to avoid inhaling ash and other microscopic particles.
• A good idea is to prepare a pair of rubber gloves to cover your skin and nails.
• You probably have the necessary tool kit but if you don’t you will also need a spade and a fireplace broom to remove the ash and soot.

Some Professional Cleaning Advice

Before actually starting with the cleaning process, here are a couple of expert advice you need to follow:

• The fireplace must be completely cooled down before you start.
• Leave the cleaning of the room for last, after you have finished with everything else. This way you don’t have to do a double job.
• If you have an old vacuum machine, you can use it throughout this process. Remember to always change your hover’s waste bag before and after you are finished with your fireplace.
• Before starting the actual cleaning make sure to carefully read the labels of all the detergents you are about to use. Some solvents may leave a chemical or flammable residue on the sides of your fireplace.

Time to Clean the Fireplace at Your Oxford Home

Here is the promised step by step fireplace cleaning guide:

• Get an old towel or pillow and place it in front of the fireplace where you are going to sit. This way you will be more comfortable.
• You also want to take a waste bag or a bin near you.
• Using the spade and broom, remove all of the ash and soot and scoop it gently in the bin. Make sure to scoop as much as you can.
• Vacuum the insides to remove all of the leftovers (that is why we said an old hover).
• If you have a brick fireplace, you need to clean them. Use the detergents you have and the sponge. Wipe as much of the dirt as you can.
• Now, if your fireplace has a glass door, you need to also wipe it from the black residue. This process may take awhile. Use the specialised cleaner and the kitchen paper.

You are almost done. Good job!

Cleaning your Oxford Home

The last thing you need to do is diligently clean your living room from any leftover small particles. For this stage, we have asked one of Oxford’s most reputable cleaning companies to share their expertise and knowledge on the topic.

• Wipe the dust from all shelves, coffee tables and TV. A lot of the microscopic soot particles are still lingering in the room and you need to remove them.
• Vacuum the floor and carpet. Move the hover slowly and make sure it sucks everything.
• Our cleaners say that the most common mistake all homeowners make is not to use their vacuums attachments. So don't be like that and use them to hover your upholstery.
• Now it is mopping time. Use the appropriate floor detergent and make sure to clean carefully the area around your fireplace.

You are done, and your living room looks immaculate!