People enjoy having fireplaces in their homes, although they are not relied upon primarily as a heat source today as they were considered in the past. It is considered centerpiece of a room because of the warmth and coziness it adds. Along with the charms of a fireplace, there's also a responsibility of ensuring the most efficiency possible and keeping everyone in the homes, safe.

Cleaning and maintenance of the fireplaces should be done as and when needed. During the annual inspection, the chimney should be checked for damage, creosote accumulation and problems with combustibles in close proximity to the fireplace. The area around the fireplace and chimney should be kept clean and debris close to the fireplace should be cleared. Check the flue for obstructions like birds' nests, and trim any overhanging branches or large trees near the chimney. The fireplaces should be inspected annually and cleaned when necessary. Inspect it to be sure that it has adequate protective linings and smoke ducts and that the chimney is clear and in good repair. Keeping the fireplace well cleaned can also make the fireplace more pleasant to use and can make it a better feature for quests and visitors.

Tips for Fireplace Cleaning and Maintenance

• A toothbrush and Worcestershire sauce should be used to keep brass shiny. The brass knobs and the door or metal areas around the fireplace can be scrubbed. This would keep the area clean and shiny.
• Fire burning longer than five hours should be avoided and doors opened for proper venting.
• The screen should be kept closed to avoid hot embers from jumping onto the carpet. A non-flammable rug should be placed directly in front of the fireplace to prevent sparks from igniting a carpet or wooden floor in case some of these sparks escape.
• The fire should not be left unattended, especially in the presence of small children.
• To prevent water damage, animal nesting, or other types of debris to obstruct the chimney, a chimney cap should be used.
• The firebox needs to be cleaned out once a week. During this time, keep one inch of ash in the bottom that works as an insulator to help coals heat faster and retain heat longer. Before removing the ash from the firebox, the damper should be opened that draws any flying ash up and not out into the room. It is advised not to use a vacuum cleaner to clean out the ash.
• A brick cleaner can be used to clean up a brick fireplace. Exterior slate hearths can be cleaned by using lemon oil every month or two.
• Gas logs should be cleaned once a month by a soft bristle brush. They should not be cleaned right after a fire. The excess ashes and unburned logs from the fire should be removed periodically.