Owning a stove can be a great investment to keep your home warm throughout the colder seasons. As with other equipment, it is important to ensure that they are regularly cleaned and maintained to continue functioning efficiently. In fact, it can be even more important to ensure safety when burning fuel.

The maintenance routine would vary depending on the type of stove that you have. However, it is important to take note of two things before you get started. Firstly, be sure that the stove is completely cooled down before you start on the cleaning to ensure safety. Secondly, avoid using damp cloths or water on structures that can lead to rusting. To help you get started, here are the differences in maintenance for a wood stove and a coal stove.

Basics of Stove Maintenance

If you are burning wood in your stove routine cleaning every month is needed, depending on the level of usage. This means that if you are using the stove more frequently, it is important to also increase the amount of cleaning that takes place. Cleaning does not mean just light dusting, it will require a comprehensive cleansing of the firebox, and chimney. They are all susceptible to the build-up of ash and soot, and this can lead to long-term damage. The glass door requires cleaning every week. However, it can be confusing as all these different structures will require unique approaches.

If you are burning hard coal maintenance is less. Our Super Magnum Stoker only requires cleaning of the firebox and chimney only once per year. This is because hard coal does not produce soot and creosote which are very common on wood stoves. The glass door will need to be cleaned weekly as on a wood stove.

Cleaning The Firebox And Exterior

Before you get started, put down a piece of plastic or tarp to ensure that the ash will not stain or damage your flooring. Ensure that you have a designated nylon brush that can loosen and brush out any residue, as well as a small shovel to catch the deposits that you want to remove. It can also be helpful to have a designated vacuum cleaner for this project. This is also where the largest difference between coal and wood stoves lies. A coal-burning stove will have a grate that will also need to be inspected and cleaned as well.

Cleaning the exterior is a much easier job that can be easily accomplished with a dry cloth or a household vacuum with soft brush attachments.

Cleaning services will need to be done monthly on a wood stove and yearly on a coal stove.

Cleaning The Glass Door

Using either damp charcoal or designated glass cleaners, clean the inside of the glass. Make sure to focus on any areas that are blackened or dark to prevent permanent staining. After you are done, take a kitchen roll or dry cloth to clean off excess moisture.

Glass door cleaning will need to be done when the view of the fire becomes obstructed or weekly.

Cleaning The Flue

If the flue isn’t cleaned properly, smoke cannot be expelled efficiently. This means on a wood stove that you should clean the flue every day where possible. The best way to do this is by having a designated drain rod with attached brushes. However, it can also be beneficial to engage a chimney sweep every few months to ensure that the flue is completely clean.

For wood stoves, check the flue daily and clean it monthly. Clean the flue of coal stoves yearly.

Get A Quality Stove From Legacy Stoves

The maintenance routine for each stove will differ depending on the material, model, and type of fuel it needs. At Legacy Stoves, we believe in offering the best models and resources for homeowners to make an informed decision regarding the commitment needed for maintenance.

For more information on the different models of coal stoves that we offer, contact us today.