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Cleaning and Maintaining your Stove

A multi-fuel stove can burn smokeless coal, wood or peat which is why they are sometimes referred to as solid fuel stoves. Multifuel or Solid Fuel stoves are now far easier and cleaner to use than ever before. For the most part, stoves come in 2 different types of exterior 1) Enamel which is a glossy vitreous enamel and 2) Senotherm or Matt Black. We will show you how you can clean each of these along with the glass.

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Vitreous Enamel Cleaning

The vitreous enamel finish on your stove is tough and hardwearing but should be treated with care. General cleaning must be carriedout when the stove is cool. If this stove is finished in a high gloss vitreous enamel, to keep the enamel in the best condition observe the following tips:

1.	Wipe over daily with a soapy damp cloth, followed by a polish with a clean dry duster. For stubborn deposits a soap impregnated pad can be carefully used on the vitreous enamel.
2.	Use only products recommended by the Vitreous Enamel Assoc. these products carry the Vitramel label. Most stove companies will sell their our own brand enamel cleaner.
3.	Do not use abrasive pads or oven cleansers containing citric acid on enamelled surfaces. Ensure that the cleanser manufacturer’s instructions are adhered to.

What you need

Got it	Get it
		Damp cloth
		Polish
		A dry duster
		Enamel cleaner

Refreshing the Paint Finish on a Matt Black Stove

Paint for refreshing your stove can bought in either tin (for brushing on) or aerosol form through your local stove dealer.

Preparing the Area

Brush down the area of cast iron to be sprayed using a Grade 1 Steel Wool ensuring that an even coat remains on the surface.

Applying the Paint

Apply the paint evenly over the surface to be painted, depending on the condition of the original paint it maybe required to coat 2 to 3 times, do not paint on thick coats and allow to dry between coats. Allow the paint to fully dry overnight. When firing the stove for the first time subsequent to applying the paint, open a window as the paint will give off a smell as it cures during the first firing.

Note: You only need to use a dry cloth on your matt black stove to remove any dust or dirt. Do not use any water on the matt black finish as this will cause it to rust.

Cleaning glass on stoves

What you need

Got it	Get it
		Soap
		Cloth
		Fine steel wool
		Paint
		Dry cloth

Typically the glass will clean itself when there is sufficient heat generated by burning fuel. If a build-up of creosote occurs on the glass it may be due to draft conditions, poor quality fuel or very low burning for a long time. Only clean glass when stove is thoroughly cooled.

To clean the glass inner surface, use hot water and a soapy cloth. For stubborn stains use hot water and fine (grade zero) steel wool.

Some key tips on burning fuel in your stoves to stop the glass sooting up:

1.	The air wash is only effective on higher rates of burn.
2.	Poor grade or damp fuel will exacerbate the condition.
3.	Slow burning will show this condition sometimes even with good fuel, normally when the draft is opened up it clears if the fuel is good.

Some Handy Tips to Keep your Stove Lasting Longer

1.	Do not burn fuel with high moisture content, such as a damp peat or unseasoned timber. This will only result in a build up of tar in the stove and in the chimney.
2.	Burning soft fuels such as timber and peat can stain the glass. Regular cleaning will prevent permanent staining.
3.	Do not burn rubbish/household plastic.
4.	Clean the flue ways of the stove every month and ensure there no blockages. Please refer to your manual for instructions as they vary from stove to stove.
5.	Clean the chimney at least twice a year.
6.	Before loading fresh fuel into the firebox, riddle fully to remove all ashes this will allow better and cleaner burning.
7.	Never allow a build up of ashes in the ash pan, as this will cause the grate to burn out prematurely.
8.	Allow adequate air ventilation to ensure plenty of air for combustion

Visit your local Topline store for more advice, tips and insights.

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Cleaning and Maintaining your Stove

Vitreous Enamel Cleaning

Refreshing the Paint Finish on a Matt Black Stove

Cleaning glass on stoves

Some Handy Tips to Keep your Stove Lasting Longer

Visit your local Topline store for more advice, tips and insights.

Stay up-to Date

Like us on Facebook

Watch us on YouTube