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A wood-burning stove provides a smoky aroma and charred flavor to food, and is a unique kitchen addition to any home. With the smoldering fires comes haze and soot that covers the wood stove glass, causing your wood-burning stove to look dirty and grimy.
In this article, we'll present the step-by-step process on how to clean wood stove glass using common household tools and ingredients. Your wood-burning stove glass will look shiny, crystal clear, and you can enjoy watching the fire crackle inside your wood stoves!
What You'll Need
Because you are dealing with ash, smoke, and sooty residue, you'll need effective cleaning solutions to get the job done. Various types of burning wood, as well as wet wood, release oils that can make the soot build up sticky. An acidic cleaner should do the job to get the muck out of your wood stove glass.
Vinegar is acidic enough to clean wood stove glass, but gentle enough that it won't damage your wood stove. Alternatively, you can use a wood stove glass cleaner to clear the grime from glass. A window cleaner should work just as well, but look for food-safe alternatives or formulas that won't leave flammable residues behind.
- Wood stove glass cleaner OR
- Vinegar and water solution OR
- Window glass cleaner - choose a food-safe option that won't leave flammable residue
- Dish Soap
- Sponge or Old towel
- Old newspaper or Paper towel
- Gloves
- Mask
- Eye protection
How to Clean Wood Stove Glass: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Wood-burning Stoves
First of all, you will want to make sure your wood stove and wood burner glass is completely cool before you start cleaning it. The glass can shatter with thermal shock as cold cleaning solutions are placed on heated glass. This may cause cracks in your wood stove glass, or even shatter the glass door entirely.
Before you start cleaning, you need to don a pair of gloves, protective eyewear, and a mask to avoid inhaling the soot, which may be harmful to your health, and irritating to your eyes, respiratory system, and skin. Take extra precautions when cleaning soot and ashes.
Step 2: Remove Excess Soot Build Up
Use your dry newspaper or paper towel to clear as much soot from the wood burner glass. Use disposable materials to wipe away any loose soot to make it easier for you to clean up the remaining ashes later on. This will also expose the layers of soot underneath for the cleaning solution to remove later on.
Step 3: Apply Cleaning Solution
Apply your preferred cleaning solution on the wood stove glass. If you're using the homemade version, add equal amounts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, and liberally spray the cleaning solution all over the dirty wood stove glass. Let the solution sit to break down the oils, and dissolve the debris on the glass door.
After the solution has sat for at least 10 minutes, take your damp sponge, cloth, or damp newspaper, and start cleaning the wood stove glass in a gentle, circular motion. Apply more cleaning solution as needed, and wash or replace your cleaning cloth as you go. The glass door of your wood stove should look clear.
Step 4: Wash the Glass Door
Wash the glass doors of your wood stoves using a damp cloth with a few drops of degreasing dishwashing liquid. This will break down the oils, and prevent them from making your wood stove glass sticky. Wipe the glass door with soapy water, and rinse by wiping away the excess dish soap with plain water.
Step 5: Wipe Away Solution, and Repeat
Wipe away any remaining solution, and repeat the process if necessary. Use a dry cloth or paper towel to dry the glass, and let all the excess moisture evaporate before using the wood stove as excess moisture may cause burning firewood to burn unevenly.
Keeping Wood Burner Glass Clean
Do you notice if your wood stove glass keeps getting sooty, or can't seem to keep those glass doors clean? Here are a few tips you can follow to prevent black glass, and keep your wood stove glass clean longer!
- Use well-seasoned wood or dry wood when using your wood burner as these create less soot and oils compared to wet wood.
- Clean wood stove glass frequently to prevent soot build up from settling on the glass surface.
- Avoid using abrasive cleaners and tools to clean wood stove glass as these may cause scratches to form on the surface for soot to settle in, making it more difficult to clean these away later on.
- Check your air vents for proper ventilation. Sooty glass happens when there isn't enough air circulation in your wood stove, causing fuel to burn improperly.
- Avoid using Windex or other ammonia-based cleaners on your wood stove glass as these may leave residue that may emit harmful fumes when heated up.
Create a Cozy Home
Luce Home cleaning services will make home maintenance and upkeep easy, simple, and convenient for every homeowner! Our professional cleaners will create a cozy, clean environment for you, so you can relax in the comfort of your own space.
Contact us today, and let's schedule your next cleaning session!
