A clear and unobstructed view of the fire in your wood burning stove not only enhances the ambiance but also helps monitor the fire’s condition. However, it’s common for the stove’s glass to become sooty and opaque with time. In this guide, we’ll provide straightforward and effective methods to keep your wood burning stove glass clean.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need:
Glass Cleaner: Choose a glass cleaner specifically designed for wood stoves. This cleaner is formulated to handle high temperatures and the residues typical of wood burning.
A Soft Cloth or Paper Towels: To apply the glass cleaner and wipe the glass clean.
Cool Stove: Ensure the stove is entirely cool before attempting to clean the glass.
Steps to Keep Your Wood Stove Glass Clean:
Step 1: Choose the Right Wood
To prevent excessive creosote buildup, which contributes to dirty glass, use only well-seasoned, dry hardwoods with moisture content around 20%. Avoid wet or resinous woods.
Step 2: Burn a Hot Fire
A hotter fire leads to cleaner glass. Ensure your stove is operating at the right temperature range, typically between 300°F to 600°F (150°C to 315°C) for most stoves.
Step 3: Clean Regularly
The sooner you clean the glass after it gets dirty, the easier the task. Ideally, clean the glass after every use to prevent stubborn deposits.
Step 4: Cleaning Process
Cool Down: Ensure the stove is completely cool before starting the cleaning process.
Spray the Glass Cleaner: Apply the wood stove glass cleaner generously over the entire glass surface. Avoid touching the glass with your hands as the oils from your skin can cause streaks during cleaning.
Let It Sit: Allow the cleaner to sit for a few minutes. This helps to break down the soot and creosote.
Wipe Clean: Using a soft cloth or paper towels, gently wipe away the cleaner and the loosened soot. Use a circular motion to remove stubborn spots.
Repeat if Necessary: For heavily sooted glass, you may need to repeat the process. Make sure to use a clean part of the cloth or a new paper towel for the second pass.
Buff the Glass: After removing the soot, buff the glass with a clean, dry cloth or paper towels to ensure a streak-free, clear finish.
Step 5: Preventive Measures
To reduce the frequency of glass cleaning, consider:
- Using a hotter fire to promote cleaner combustion.
- Ensuring proper stove draft and air control settings.
- Selecting high-quality wood with lower moisture content.
- Keeping the stove gasket and seals in good condition to maintain proper combustion.
In conclusion, keeping your wood burning stove glass clean is a simple process that enhances both the appearance and efficiency of your stove. Regular maintenance and adherence to best practices for wood selection and combustion are key to maintaining a clear view of the fire in your wood stove.