The winter months can be quite challenging in the United States.
This is especially true because of the snow and the cold temperatures of the winter season. These cold temperatures can have negative effects on our health.
This is why we take the necessary precautions, such as using home heating systems and appliances like wood-burning stoves.
Wood stoves are one of the most expensive appliances that anyone can have in their home.
But it is, however, quite efficient. That is why many people recommend having one instead of a simple fireplace.
Given the price of a wood stove, it is, therefore, important that we take good care of it. We need to make sure that it continues to work properly for a long time.
The best way to ensure the proper functioning and longevity of a wood stove is by regularly cleaning it.
The same is true for all your other appliances and furniture at home. Of all the parts of this appliance, the wood stove glass door is the one that often gets dirty.
It is the one that needs regular cleaning the most.
In this article, we will teach you the different cleaning methods for your wood stove glass.
How to Clean Your Wood Stove Glass
The first thing that you should keep in mind is that getting your wood stove dirty is inevitable. Regular use will definitely result in dirty wood stove glass.
Even if you own the ones with an air wash system, black soot or wood ash will eventually build up.
It is just a matter of how fast the black soot appears on your glass door. Therefore, you should clean it on a regular basis.
We suggest cleaning it, at least once every two days. If you use it for an entire day, we recommend cleaning it immediately.
DIFFERENT CLEANING METHODS
Cleaning your wood burner glass will not be difficult if you do it regularly.
As long as you do not let the dirt or black soot stay on your glass door for a long time, then the cleaning process will be easy.
1. NEWSPAPER AND ASHES
This is probably the easiest and most convenient way to clean wood stove glass.
With this method, you don’t need to buy many materials.
Materials:
- a piece of newspaper
- two pieces of clean cloth
- wood ash
- a bowl of water with soap
- clean water
To clean your dirty glass door, follow these steps:
- The first thing that you should do is prepare all the necessary materials.
- Take the clean cloth and dip it into the bowl of water with soap. Make sure that the water is warm.
- Use the damp cloth to wipe clean the inside of the glass of your wood stove.
- Crumple a piece of newspaper.
- Dip the crumpled newspaper into the bowl of clean water.
- Take the crumpled, damp newspaper or wet newspaper and roll it over into the wood ash.
- Use it to scrub the surface of the glass gently and in a circular motion.
- Wipe it clean using another cloth to remove any residue.
IMPORTANT: Keep in mind that you should never use this method on hot glass.
2. WHITE VINEGAR
When it comes to cleaning, you can always trust the power of white vinegar to remove dirt from any surface.
Materials:
- white vinegar
- two cups of water
- spray bottle
- dry paper towel or clean rag
Follow these steps:
- Mix one cup of white vinegar with 2 cups of water.
- Put the mixture inside a spray bottle.
- Spray the mixture on the black soot.
- Wait for 30 seconds.
- To remove any bits of water, wipe the glass door using a clean rag or dry paper towel.
3. COMMERCIAL GLASS CLEANERS
A. Oven cleaner
If you want to use an oven cleaner, you first need to check if it can be used to clean glasses.
Also, when you use this product, try to avoid the iron parts. The chemicals present in the oven cleaner might damage these parts.
Materials:
- oven cleaner
- protective gloves
- clean cloth
To use this to clean your dirty glass door:
- Wear protective gloves and clothing.
- Apply the oven cleaner to the surface.
- Use a clean cloth to wipe and clean the surface.
B. Wood Stove Glass Cleaner
This is a cleaning solution that is specially made for your glass door. A good example of this would be the Meeco’s Red Devil 701 Wood Stove Glass Cleaner.
4. BICARBONATE OF SODA.
Bicarbonate of soda, or baking soda, like white vinegar, is an excellent cleaning agent.
In fact, it is one of the most effective glass cleaners for pellet stoves and wood stoves.
Materials:
- baking soda
- clean water
- a damp cloth
- d a dry cloth
Follow these steps:
- Combine and mix your baking soda with a little bit of water. Make sure you don’t use too much water. You need it to form a paste.
- Apply the thick paste using a damp cloth to the black soot.
- Wait for 10 minutes.
- Using the damp cloth and in a circular motion, wipe the baking soda off the window.
- Remove any residue. Dry and clean the window using a dry, clean cloth.
5. GLASS CLEANER AND RAZOR BLADE
Many people are actually afraid of using razor blades on any glass surface.
But, don’t you know you can actually use it to remove tough stains on your fireplace glass or wood stove glass?
If you want to use this method, you will need a glass cleaner. Many people will recommend Windex.
However, keep in mind that if you want to use this method, you can only use it near the edges of the glass of your fireplace door.
Materials:
- glass cleaner
- razor blade
- dry paper towel
- clean cloth
Follow these steps:
- Apply the glass cleaner to the area that you will be cleaning.
- Wait for 30 seconds.
- Scrape and remove the built-up stain on the glass using your razor blade. When scraping, make sure to keep the razor flat.
- Wipe the glass door using a clean cloth or a dry paper towel.
OTHER IMPORTANT THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND
- Regular cleaning will save you from the hard work of removing any buildup.
- To reduce the possibility of black soot development, do not use wet wood.
- Do not also use processed wood and house coal.
- Always use a hot fire, preferably with secondary burns.
- When using your stove, make sure to always open your air vents.
- Proper airflow is necessary to prevent the blackening of your glass doors.
Keep in mind that airflow is very helpful in maintaining the cleanliness of your wood stove glass.
- Always check the label of your wood stove glass cleaner. Do not use abrasive cleaners.
- Do not use any glass cleaner on warm glass. Always make sure the glass is cool before cleaning.
- If you have a stove with an air wash system, make sure that your air vents are open and are being used correctly.
- Always clean before lighting the next fire.
FAQs
How do you remove creosote from your glass doors?
You can use the glass cleaner and razor blade to remove the creosote from your glass doors. Follow the procedure that we listed above.
Can I use Windex on my fireplace glass?
People are actually divided on this one. There are those who are hesitant to use it because they worry it could damage the glass.
Still, there are those who have used it with favorable results. We recommend using it with caution. Do not let it sit for longer than necessary.
Summary
Cleaning your wood stove properly is one of the best ways to prolong its life span.
Of its many parts, the glass doors are among the most difficult ones to clean. You need to take extra care when cleaning them to avoid any damage.
You will also need to regularly clean it to avoid the buildup of soot.
You may also want to check for the air wash systems of many modern wood stoves the next time you go shopping for one.
This system is effective in reducing the possibility of blackening your glass doors.
