How to Remove Ash From a Wood-Burning Fireplace

 It is important to ensure adequate access for cleaning and maintenance of the fireplace stove or chimney and the chimney from the moment of installation if they cannot be cleaned from another location.

The fireplace/stove is a high-quality product and no fundamental defects are expected during standard operation. It is important to check and clean the stove/fireplace and chimney regularly and carefully, always before and after the heating season.

How to Remove Ash From a Wood-Burning Fireplace

    All cleaning and maintenance work should be carried out only when the stove or fireplace is completely cold.

It is very important to inspect and periodically replace worn parts, especially those that are known to require periodic replacement (parts that come in direct contact with fire, such as chamotte plates, seals, deflectors, etc.).

    A cracked chamotte plate does not affect the function and lifespan of the product, as long as it does not come off completely. Samota boards must also be replaced if they are completely damaged by tearing. Read the user manual when replacing the fire brick boards.

    I recommend that you replace the seal on the doors and glass, depending on their condition and the degree of use of the stove and hearth, ideally each season. However, it is necessary to ensure that seals are not burned, damaged, or damaged. Weak seals lead to uncontrolled ignition of the air and lead to unregulated combustion. Long-term thermal stress caused by overheating can lead to permanent damage to the structure of the fireplace/stove.

If the glass seal is damaged, the sealing and expansion function is compromised and the windows may break.

When using chemical cleaning agents, avoid contact with the seal to prevent degradation.

The manufacturer is not responsible for damage caused by the use of chemicals.

1. How often should the ashes be removed from the fireplace/stove?

    The main rule is to always remove cold ash from the combustion chamber grill. I recommend emptying the ashtray when it is half full, to prevent the pile of ash from getting too close to the grill and damaging it due to overheating. At the same time, ash can limit the flow of air needed for combustion. It is best to empty the ashtray when it is completely cold, ideally while preparing for a new heating cycle. Cleaning an ashtray or heating units without an ashtray can also be done by using an ash vacuum cleaner with a filter for finer dirt particles.

    And what do I do with the ashes themselves? Wood ash contains minerals and can be placed in a compost bin or used as fertilizer in your garden. This only applies to wood ash that has not been chemically treated. Before emptying the ashtray, make sure it does not contain hot residual fuel that could cause a fire in the trash. Some types of stoves or fireplace inserts have an ashtray located in a basin under the grill, without the option of lateral removal. In this case, the ashtray can only be removed when the heating unit is not in use and is cold. Access to the ashtray is possible after lifting the grill.

2. How often should the fireplace/stove be cleaned?

    Stoves and fireplaces must be cleaned at least once a year, after the heating season; in the case of a more intense operation throughout the year, they must be cleaned more frequently, as necessary. Of course, it mainly depends on how often you use the stove/fireplace. All work must be carried out only when the stove or fireplace insert is completely cold. When cleaning, it is necessary to remove the sediment from the combustion chamber and into the combustion chamber.     

    After the end of the heating season, remove the freely placed deflectors, in order to facilitate access to the area above them, in the direction of the chimney. Remove the deflector from the ceiling and gasket, clean it, and vacuum all the dirt and residual ash from the combustion chamber, as this material can absorb moisture and then cause corrosion.

    Cleaning (except glass) is done without water solutions - for example, you can use a vacuum cleaner or a steel brush. After cleaning, close the stove/fireplace. Modifications to the heating unit are not permitted.

If you have any questions or would like to help with advice, feel free to leave a comment and I will answer as soon as I can. 
    Thanks!