thick cast iron is used to make many indoor wood-burning stoves.It will need to be cleaned from time to time because it is effective at containing a fire and providing heat indoors.The interior of the firebox can become coated with ashes and smoke after every use.To clean the stove's exterior, you can use a wire brush and sandpaper.
Step 1: In front of the stove, place an old newspaper on the ground.
If you scoop the ashes out of the stove, they will fall onto the ground.Cleanup will be much easier with a newspaper.As you spread the newspaper, open the air dampener so that any ash stuck to it will fall into the fire.Pull the knob on the front of the stove out to open it.Pull the air dampener open if the stove is still warm.
Step 2: The fire box has ashes in it.
The front of the cast iron stove has a glass door that you can open to scoop up the leftover ash.The ash should be put into a metal bucket.If there are no leftover ashes in the firebox, you will be able to start your next fire much more quickly.Make sure the fire is out and there are no live coals before you start removing the ashes.Wait for the red-hot coals to cool before shoveling them up.
Step 3: The can should be covered.
After shoveling the ashes out of the fire, put the lid back on the ash can.The can should be set on a non-flammable surface.If there are still live coals in the ash, you should let it sit for at least 48 hours before you dispose of it.Ash and soot can be lifted from the can by a breeze, so it is important to keep it covered.You can pick up the newspapers that you spread on the carpet after tossing the ashes.Ash shouldn't be spilled on the floor.The newspapers should be thrown away.
Step 4: The ashes should be thrown away.
When the ash bucket is full, you need to empty it and dispose of the ashes.You can spread the ashes out on the ground if you live in a rural area.If you have a compost pile or garden, you can toss the ashes on top of the soil.Wait for the wind to die down before you spread the ashes.A strong wind can reignite embers.
Step 5: Use a wire brush to remove rust.
Depending on how old the stove is and how much rust and grime has built up on its outer surface, it may take some serious scrubbing.The wire brush should be applied to the top of the cast iron stove.If you rested metal on the top of the stove, it is more likely to build up Rust.The heat of the stove can be used to cook food or raise bread dough.These uses can contribute to rust on the stove top.
Step 6: Sandpaper can be applied to the exterior of the stove.
If you want to clean the outside of the cast iron stove, you can use a toothbrush and wire brush to remove the rust and build-up.The first thing to do is use a coarse grain sandpaper.It is possible to get a more fine-grained sandpaper, even one as fine as 400-grit.The stove is made of cast iron.This will remove any marks or scratches made by the wire brush.
Step 7: The stove should be wiped down with a cleaning mixture.
After sanding the stove, you can use a cleaning solution to clean any smudges of ash or dirt on the exterior surface.To clean the cast iron stove, spray the solution across the surface and wipe it clean with some old rags.The stove should be dry before the next fire.Combine two parts water to one part vinegar in a spray bottle and add a small amount of dish soap to make the cleaning solution.The cleaning solution will be ready to use if you shake the spray bottle.
Step 8: Purchase a glass cleaner.
It can be difficult to clean the blackened glass doors on a cast iron stove.A glass cleaning solution that is specifically designed to clean wood stove front doors is the best product to use.Use the wet rags to wipe the glass door clean after spraying the product onto a couple of old rags.You can get this product at your local hardware store.Speak to the sales staff if you are having trouble locating it.Don't get ammonia in your eyes if you use the glass cleaning solution.The solution should not be breathed in.
Step 9: There is a mixture of water and soap.
If you want to use a non-toxic cleaning solution for the glass door, you can purchase an empty spray bottle.Add a squirt of regular dish soap to the mix of two parts water and one part clear vinegar.Put the ingredients in the bottle.You can use old rags to clean the glass after spraying the solution onto it.All of these products can be found in your local grocery store or drug store.If you are shopping at a hardware store for the other necessary materials, you may be able to find a spray bottle as well.If there are ashes in the cast iron stove, you can mix in a few to make a mixture.The ashes make the glass shiny.
Step 10: The chimney cap needs to be cleaned.
If left long enough, tar can accumulate at the top of the chimney and cause a fire.To keep the top of the chimney clean, you need to access the flue via the roof.Remove the chimney cap and use a chimney brush to clean the creosote.If you have creosote on the chimney cap, brush it off.You have to climb up on the roof to do this step.A second person can help you fix the base of the ladder.Don't climb up on a windy day if you are standing or walking near the edges of the roof.