Spring cleaning season has brought with it a surge of British households on a mission to spruce up their fireplaces, with nearly 3,000 searches for ‘fireplace cleaning’ in the last month. However, many might be making crucial blunders that could damage their hearths rather than keep them gleaming.

Before you embark on tidying your fireplace, be warned: some favoured ‘cleaning hacks’ might be causing more harm than good! Imaginfires, specialists in bioethanol fireplaces, have teamed up with professionals like Daniel Vasilevski, director of Bright Force Electrical, to debunk the most prevalent fireplace cleaning myths and reveal the one trick that actually delivers results.

Fireplace cleaning myths

Olive Oil & Cooking Sprays

If you think using olive oil will give your fireplace a lustre, nothing could be further from the truth. Although some advocate the use of olive oil or cooking sprays to achieve a glossy finish, they can leave a sticky residue that attracts truckloads of dust. Over time, this greasy layer can make your fireplace look dull and become a serious fire hazard.

Burning potato peels or aluminium cans

The misconception of burning potato peels or aluminium cans for a cleaner fireplace also needs to be extinguished. Despite claims that suggest throwing potato peels or aluminium cans helps ‘clean’ the fireplace, these practices only create hard-to-remove residues and sharp debris and often emit toxic fumes that can potentially damage your fireplace and majorly affect the indoor air quality of your home.

Vacuuming ash

A fire hazard in disguise. Standard vacuums are not designed to handle fine ash, which can obstruct the motor or, even more dangerously, suck up concealed embers, creating a significant fire risk. To avoid this, always scoop ashes into a metal bucket and, if needed, use a specialist ash vacuum.

Magic kitchen ingredient that works

Despite all the things listed that don’t work – there is one surprising kitchen ingredient that works wonders, all the while smelling amazing.

The common magic kitchen ingredient for effective fireplace cleaning is actually damp coffee grounds. Indeed, that leftover morning brew should be your new best friend!

Sprinkling damp coffee grounds over cool ashes prevents dust from going airborne while sweeping. The cherry on top? It leaves behind a subtle, lightly roasted scent, instantly giving your fireplace a fresher scent.

With traditional fireplaces, however, comes soot, dust, and endless cleaning.

If you’re considering a transition from traditional fireplaces and are seeking a no-mess, no-stress option, bioethanol fireplaces could be an ideal choice. They burn efficiently, emitting no soot, ash, or smoke, which means you wouldn’t be stuck in an endless use-and-clean loop. 

Mike Rawles, Customer Services Director of Imaginfires, has commented on the efficiency of bioethanol fireplace models, stating: “Switching from traditional fireplaces to bioethanol models offers a cleaner, more modern aesthetic and significantly reduces the effort required for maintenance. Bioethanol fireplaces are virtually soot-free, meaning no more tedious ash and soot cleaning after each use.”

He also shared some easy tips for the maintenance and upkeep of a bio fireplace, advising: “To maintain your bio fire’s elegance, we recommend simple cleaning practices: Use a mild cleaning solution and a non-scratch scourer to keep surfaces spotless, and polish stainless steel components gently to preserve their shine.

“A soft, humid cloth works perfectly for wiping down the exterior panels. Regular maintenance ensures your bioethanol fireplace remains in top condition, prevents spills, and guarantees safe operation. With these easy steps, you’ll enjoy the beauty and warmth of your fireplace with minimal effort.”

Cleaning hacks for a bioethanol fireplace

Glass cleaner: Ditch chemical sprays – mix equal parts water and white vinegar to achieve that streak-free shine.

Gentle cleaning: Using a microfibre cloth with mild soap will help remove dust from your fireplace without scratching its surface.

Brighten stainless steel: A dab of gentle cleaner will keep your bio fireplace looking brand new.

So, think again before you grab that olive oil or start burning potato peels! Adhering to these expert-approved tips will result in a cleaner, safer, and gleaming fireplace.