How to Clean a Fire Pit

Fire pits come in different styles and sizes, and whether it is custom-built or made from a kit, all types should be properly maintained so that it can be used for a long time. It also should be regularly cleaned so that it would function safely and won’t look worn down from all the cooking, grilling, ashes, and fire. Your guests might not notice the grime or rust during evenings, but when morning comes, you don’t want your focal piece to have black soot or debris.

While there are similar cleaning methods for all kinds of fire pits, there are also some specific things you need to do depending on the fuel source or the material a fire pit is crafted from. It may sound complicated, but it becomes easier once you get the hang of it. This will also ensure that you get ideal results when grilling or cooking.

Here are some tips you need to remember when cleaning all types of fire pit:

Necessary Fire Pit Maintenance Tools

Before you start cleaning, you’ll need to have the right tools on hand. The following fire pit tools can help you easily to clean and maintain your fire pit so it’ll last for many seasons:

Broom :

• Dustpan
• Scoop
• Garden Gloves
• Storage Container or Bucket

If you own a wood-burning fire pit, you need to have a pair of tongs to remove larger debris and rearrange the logs. You will also need an ash scoop, metal bucket and can to remove ashes from the bowl. In addition to these handy tools, be sure you have a spark screen for safety and reducing charing as well as a vinyl or protective fire pit cover to use when the fire pit is not in use.

First Step to Clean Any Fire Pit

The first step of cleaning a fire pit is to make sure that all ash and debris is removed from the pit to prevent damage to the fire pit. Removal should be done properly and safely, because ash tends to smoke for some hours after the fire goes out in the fireplace.

1. Scoop the ashes out of fire pit in the day after the fire pit is used.
2. Have a metal can on-hand for properly dumping the ashes in.
3. Douse ashes with water after they are collected in the metal bucket or can.

Well, different kinds of fire pits require different methods of cleaning. Now we will learn about the easiest techniques for different types of fire pits so that this article comes handy to you!

How to Clean Stone, Brick or Masonry Fire Pit

Permanent pit installations serve as eye-catching focal points in any yard. They are very durable. They also can typically handle year-round weather conditions without a lot of maintenance, but, they still require occasional cleaning. You can clean your stone, brick or masonry fire pits following these steps:

Firstly, scrub the bowl using a stiff-bristled brush to remove large soot stains. To scrub the interior, you can use a solution of 1-part muriatic acid to 9-parts water. You can also dissolve 1/2 cup of grease-fighting dishwashing liquid in 2 gallons of hot water and use that solution. Wear protective gloves in hands, and scrub the pit bowl with this solution.

Finally, once the fire pit is clean, rinse with water and allow it to dry for 48-72 hours. A hose fitted with a jet stream nozzle is handy for giving the fire pit a thorough rinse. You can also apply a stone sealant that helps keep soot from sticking.

How to Clean Steel or Metal Fire Pit

Steel or metal fire pits are one of the most popular and versatile fire pit options available. To clean it, firstly, you need to ensure the ash and debris is removed from the bowl. You should use a dry scrub brush to remove any loose debris from both the interior and exterior metal surfaces. Then, spray it with a hose and lightly wipe with a soap and water solution. You can use a stiff-bristled brush to scrub all metal surfaces with a solution of 1/4 cup washing soda dissolved in 1 gallon of hot water. Finally, rinse the fire pit thoroughly with fresh water and turn the bowl upside-down to allow it to air dry.

How to Clean Cast Iron Fire Pit

Cast iron fire pits are a little tougher to clean than steel or masonry fire pits because they produce a natural top layer of rust which does not harm the fire bowl. However, if you want to get them clean and keep that dark, industrial vibe, use steel wool to clean the pit or bowl so that all kinds of ash and debris are removed. You should rinse off any soot, and dry the pit with a soft cloth.

How to Clean a Copper Fire Pit

Copper fire pits will naturally patinate over-time. Once used, your copper fire pit tends to accumulate a layer of soot. Firstly, you need to remove any ash and debris from your fire pit bowl. Then you should spray the fire pit with a hose and clean with soap and water.

If your copper pit is treated with varnish, you can simply use a soft cloth and warm water mixed with soap to remove soot from the metal body. If it’s untreated, prepare a natural cleaning solution of 1 cup salt to 1 gallon of vinegar or by cutting a lemon in half and sprinkle it with salt. Then use this to scrub the pit to prevent a patina from developing.

How to Clean a Gas Fire Pit

Although gas fire pits are low-maintenance and very easy to operate, they do require some cleaning in the burner and the gas lines. To clean a gas fire pit, firstly wipe down any flat surfaces on the pit with warm, soapy water. Then, check the gas line connections to make sure they’re leak-free. Finally, place your cover over the pit to keep it clean for the next soiree. You also need to keep the burners clean so that gas can properly flow through the burner.

If the fire glass needs spiffing up, firstly, put on some protective gloves and remove the crystals from the pit. After that, place them in a large bucket outdoors. Then, get rid of any broken pieces you find, and vacuum any glass dust from the bottom of the pit’s bowl.

Consequently, fill the fire glass bucket with water and a few squirts of eco-friendly dish soap. You can swirl the glass around in the soapy water to loosen any kinds of dirt, and then some of the glass needs to be poured into a colander. After finishing, rinse off each batch of fire glass with your hose and let it dry before you can store it or add it back to the fire pit. You can follow these steps any time if the fire glass starts to look dull or dingy to clean it.

How to Clean a Wood-Burning Fire Pit

Part of your wood-burning fire pit maintenance should include regular cleaning after each fire. These are described below:

You need to wait until the ashes in the pit are absolutely cool and be careful because they can stay hot for hours. You can check for a fire pit ashtray to remove ashes and debris. By using a small shovel or scoop, you can brush out the collected debris.

Put on some protective gloves in hands, and take out large pieces of wood that remain. Then, use your ash scoop to transfer all the dust and debris into your metal bucket. If you have a shop-vac, you can also use it to get out any lingering ash bits.

Remove your wood-burning fire pit's spark screen. This can be cleaned with a whisk brush and warm soapy water.

Remove the major pieces of debris. Look in your fire pit to check if there is any debris or large pieces of wood were left behind and did not burn. Once you've cleaned your fire pit, gather all the leftover pieces and set them back to light for next time you light up the fire pit.

To clean ashes, sweep the ashes to the centre of the fire pit and then scoop out the pile. Some fire pits will have a deeper recessed area at the bottom for ash collection so be sure to check for this. Make sure to scoop out any major chunks of ashes and put them in your non-flammable storage container or bucket.

Replace fire pit spark screen and cover. Once your fire pit has been cleaned, you should put the fire pit screen back in place and attach your fire pit's cover to protect it from animals or poor weather.

Wait... Last but not least, you should not throw away the cooled ashes and wood debris. Wood ash can be well used as an eco-friendly way to de-ice walkways during the winter months. It can be used for planting and potting and also can be used to create a strong cleaning solution to remove stubborn stains from linens and fabrics.

Conclusion

After reading the whole article, you may have understood that just some simple methods can help to make your fire pit clean. You can also take some safety measures like using a cover, storing your fire pit in a dry, sheltered location and using dry, seasoned hardwood in your fire pit. Cleaning the fire pit properly will give you an amount of satisfaction when you’ll be able to experience overwhelming moments near your fireplace, and it will make you more joyous, cheerful and relaxed.