
How to Clean and Refresh Your Gas Logs
With a little determination and the proper supplies, tidying up your gas logs can be quick and easy!
Gas logs are the heart and finishing touch for any gas fireplace. While natural gas and propane are clean burning fuels, your gas log set will still require occasional cleaning! Dirt, dust and even pet debris can dull the appearance and hinder overall fireplace functionality overtime. Every 2-3 years it is recommended to refurbish your gas logs for maximum performance. With a little determination and the proper supplies, tidying up your gas logs can be quick and easy!
PRE-CLEAN PREPARATIONS:
First, turn off the gas before beginning. Double check that your pilot light has completely gone out. Give the fireplace some time to sit if it has recently been used. This will ensure all components have cooled down and any remaining gas can fully exit the piping.
Prior to proceeding with physically removing the logs, locate your owner’s manual or snap a quick photo of the log’s placement inside the fireplace. This will assist in reassembly later on.
DISASSEMLE:
Next you can disassemble the logs and carefully remove the burner. Place your gas logs on a tarp, cloth or take them outside. This will aid in avoiding any soot transferring to or soiling other areas of your home or flooring. Remove any glass/rock, sand and embers from inside the fireplace. This can be done with a vacuum or by scooping up the media with a small shovel or garbage bag.
CLEANING YOUR GAS LOGS:
Once disassembly is completed, you can start cleaning the soot and dust from your logs! We suggest that you perform this cleaning outdoors as to avoid any unnecessary messes within your home. The easiest way to do this is with a shop vac including a HEPA filter. Using the brush attachment on your shop vac, gently clean each log. If you do not have a shop vac on hand, a great alternative is a small handheld horsehair broom or other soft broom. When using a broom, gently sweep back and forth across each log. Repeat these steps until each log has been thoroughly cleaned!
CLEANING YOUR FIREPLACE:
Finally, you can now clean the inside of your fireplace! Using your shop vac, clean out any residual dirt or dust. Be attentive to all corners and remove any cobwebs. Most gas fireplaces have glass panels that cover the front, these are also prone to dirtying over time. Keep in mind that household glass cleaner, oven cleaner, or other harsh chemicals are not safe to use inside your fireplace. It is recommended to use a specialty fireplace cleaner in lieu of any other household cleaning products. Clean the inside and outside of the glass following the product instructions.
INSPECT YOUR FIREPLACE:
Before reassembling your logs, take a close look at the gas connection. It is essential to inspect all components in addition to cleaning the gas logs. Check for any kinks in the wiring and that all connections are tight. In compliance with most manufacturer warranties, it is suggested that all vital components be inspected by a certified professional. These components include the pilot, gas valve, thermocouple/thermopile, burners and wiring. Technicians can also verify that your gas fireplace are venting properly.
REASSEMBLE:
Lastly, put your fireplace back together! If your unit requires a remote control, go ahead and replace the batteries. Using your manual as a guide, replace the burner, sand, glass, lava rock and embers. While consulting your manual or referencing the photos taken earlier, arrange the newly polished logs in their proper places. Once all components are returned to their proper locations, you may turn the gas back on.
You’re all done! Now you can admire your sparkling fireplace until your next clean.