tips for fireplace cleaning and maintenance

1.To keep the brass shiny, a toothbrush and Worcestershire sauce should be used. The brass knobs and the door or metal parts around the fireplace can be cleaned by scrubbing since this would keep the area tidy and gleaming.
 
2.Doors should be open for venting. Avoid fire that burns longer than five hours.
 
3.To avoid hot embers from jumping onto the carpet, the screen should be kept close. Place a non-flammable rug directly on the fireplace. This is to avoid sparks from igniting the carpet or wooden floor.
 
4.Do not leave the fire unattended, especially when there are small children.
 
5.Use a chimney cap to avoid animal nesting, water damage or debris. This is also to avoid obstructing the chimney.
 
6.Clean out the firebox once a week. To help coals heat faster and to retain their heat longer, an inch of ash must be kept in the bottom to work as an insulator. Before the ash is taken out from the firebox, open the damper to avoid ashes spreading out. Do not use a vacuum cleaner in cleaning out the ash.