Knowing how to clean the inside of an electric fireplace is really quite simple. These low-maintenance units don’t have a real flame. This makes cleaning them much easier than cleaning gas logs or wood-burning fireplace counterparts.
You won’t be dealing with the process of setting up or sustaining an actual fire, and you won’t have to clean out a past fire in order to start a new one. With a modern corner electric fireplace, the heat and flames are artificial, but it is still important to keep it clean so that it continues to look amazing and provide the warmth you desire.
While these fireplaces don’t require routine maintenance the way a wood-burning fireplace would, dust can build up in the inlet or outlet to the heater. Removing this dust periodically ensures your fireplace works properly and safely. That is why it is so important to learn how to clean the inside of an electric fireplace.
In this post, you will learn:
- Does Your Fireplace Need Cleaning?
- The Benefits of Cleaning an Electric Fireplace
- What is Inside of an Electric Fireplace?
- What Cleaning is Required?
- How to Clean Your Fireplace
Does your fireplace need cleaning?
These fireplaces don’t have real flame-like wood-burning fireplaces. This is why they don’t need a vent, and they won’t produce any harmful byproducts like carbon monoxide or creosote. The heat and fire you will enjoy are artificially created.
The flames you see are a result of light being reflected off of a set of rotating mirrors, an image projected onto a screen, or state-of-the-art holographic technology. Each of these methods creates the look of flickering flames.
These artificial flames don’t produce heat. The heat comes from a supplementary source similar to a space heater. The heater is integrated into the fireplace design, and it is either a forced fan heater or an infrared heater.
Because of how the flames and heat are created artificially, there is much less cleaning required than you would have with gas or wood-burning fireplaces or a wood-burning stove.
The benefits of cleaning an electric fireplace
There are several benefits to an electric fireplace over other types of fireplaces when it comes to cleaning and maintenance.
- You have access to an instant fire. Once your fireplace is plugged in, it can provide heat and the look of flames with the flip of a switch.
- You will have no ongoing maintenance to worry about. As long as you have a properly working source of electricity, your fireplace will function at 100% capacity.
- No vent is necessary. Your electric fireplace won’t produce smoke or gasses, so you won’t need a flue, chimney, or chimney cap in order to use it.
- There is no cleaning between uses. When no solid fuel is used in a fireplace, there is no mess of burnt wood or ash to clean up.
These benefits make this fireplace a hassle-free and user-friendly option when it comes to cleaning.
What is inside of an electric fireplace?
When it comes to learning how to clean the inside of an electric fireplace, it is important to know what you will find inside of the unit. These fireplaces come in several styles. The ones that first come to mind are the ones that look like traditional large electric fireplaces. There are also fireplace inserts that can be placed in an existing fireplace and ones that look like a wood-burning stove.
Inside of any freestanding fireplace, you will see two main components. This includes an LED light or a rotating light source that creates the realistic flames and the heating element and blower. There will more than likely be a lot of open space as well for ventilation.
You will find the controls hidden somewhere on the exterior of the fireplace. Manufacturers like to keep them hidden in order to maintain realism. Sometimes you will find them behind a panel under the mantel on a traditional design or behind a fake ash pan compartment door on the wood stove versions.
Behind the glass doors of the unit, you will find the artificial logs and a back screen where the flame images are projected. The back of the unit will have some type of back cover. This is usually made of metal.
The heater
Once you remove the back cover, you will see the flame effect parts and the heater. The heater will look similar to a space heater, complete with a blower to draw in cold air and blow warm air out.
The blower is a cylinder that has several metal fan blades that are controlled by a motor on the end of the cylinder. These fan blades push the air through the heater.
The other part of the heater is the coils, which you will see if you look into the vents on the unit. These coils will have a red glow after the heater has been on for a while.
Flame effects
Depending on the style of your fireplace, your flame effects will either have a light source and mirrors that rotate or an LED screen that creates the image of the flame.
An LED model works similarly to a TV when creating the image of flames. Wall-mounted fireplaces use LED effects. This keeps it from sticking out from the wall.
Freestanding fireplaces can use LEDs or rotating mirrors for their flames. Freestanding units are deeper in size and can handle either style of flame effect.
What cleaning is required?
While this type of fireplace is low maintenance, you do want to remove any dust from the unit. This keeps it looking great, and it helps keep the inlet and outlet of the heater from becoming blocked.
The main cleaning you need to do involves wiping the exterior down to keep it in good condition. The logs are generally located behind glass, so they won’t get as dusty as other areas.
If you have an electric insert in the firebox of your existing fireplace, you may need to dust the ember bed, but that depends on the unit’s design.
How to clean your fireplace
Even though there is very little cleaning needed, it is important to do it properly.
Turn the fireplace off
Before doing any form of cleaning, turn the fireplace off and unplug it from the electrical outlet. This is recommended in the owner’s manual.
If your fireplace is hard-wired into your home’s electricity, make sure it is turned off at the circuit box. If the electric fireplace has been used recently, make sure it has time to cool down before beginning.
How to clean the inside of an electric fireplace
It is not typically recommended to open up your fireplace. There are several electrical components inside. These delicate areas are best left undisturbed, but you may find that dust can find its way inside and interfere with the functionality of the unit over a long period of time. Always refer to your specific fireplace’s user manual.
Before you begin, make sure the fireplace is unplugged or shut off at the circuit box. When it comes to the interior, do not use a damp cloth. Instead, choose a dry microfiber cloth. You will also need a vacuum with a brush attachment.
The interior of your realistic electric fireplace consists of two main compartments. This includes the heater and the flame effects. Use your cloth to carefully wipe away any dust from the blower. Use the vacuum for more difficult buildup. Be sure not to use too much force and risk damaging the interior mechanics.
Your flame is created by mirrors connected to a motorized rod along with a light source such as light bulbs or LED strips. Remove dust from the mirrors and light source with a soft brush if you can reach them.
When it comes to the ember bed, use a vacuum to remove the dust. A soft brush attachment may be helpful. You can get the majority of the dust in this manner. Follow the vacuuming with your microfiber cloth. This will pick up the remaining dust.
Exterior cleaning
Your fireplace is an electric appliance, after all, so you don’t want to drench the unit with water. Avoid excessive use of water or liquid cleaning products when cleaning the exterior of the fireplace.
You are simply trying to remove the dust that may have built up over time. All you need to get rid of that dust or any marks from the outside of the fireplace is a slightly damp, lint-free cloth. Dip your cloth into the warm soapy water and ring it out as much as possible before using it.
Stay away from abrasive cleaners and harsh detergents. This is overkill for what you are removing, and using these products could result in you unintentionally scratching the surface of the fireplace.
Use your cloth to wipe the entire exterior and the ember bed firebox where dust could be noticeable. The ember bed is open on some models, while other versions have it behind a screen or glass doors.
The logs in the fireplace are typically hidden behind doors that can be closed. This keeps dust from settling there as much as it does in other areas.
You also need to wipe the inlet and outlet to the heater in your fireplace. Focus on removing dust from these areas as a safety precaution. Heating units are usually located at the base of the fireplace. On fan-forced heaters, you will find an inlet on the backside of the unit with the outlet on the front. If these areas become blocked, the air can’t flow through the unit properly. This could cause the fireplace to overheat and shut down. The most dust will be found at the inlet. This is where the air is drawn onto the heater.
Cleaning the glass
The average fireplace has a screen on the front of it that encloses the flame images. While most of the fireplaces are constructed from metal and plastic, the screen is often a glass panel.
You can use that same damp cloth you used for the exterior when it comes to cleaning the fireplace glass. Since the flames are artificial, you won’t have the soot and stains that you would find on a screen in a wood-burning fireplace.
You are again simply removing dust. Sticking with a damp soapy cloth ensures that harsh cleaners won’t be reaching the other areas of the fireplace. If you still see the dust on the inside of the glass, you need to remove the screen carefully. Use a mild glass cleaner to remove any water sports.
How to Clean The Inside Glass of Fireplace
Compared to a wood-burning fireplace, you don’t have to clean up any ashes out of the electric firebox you own because it doesn’t burn any wood. This can make the cleaning process a lot simpler and less messy. You’ll still want to clean the internal components to remove any dust or grime that accumulates over time.
There are a few steps to take when you want to learn how to clean the inside glass of an electric fireplace. Start by turning off your modern electric fireplace and allowing it to cool down for 10 to 15 minutes to avoid burning yourself on any of the parts. Turn off the power supply to avoid any electrical issues. Use a screwdriver to take off the access panel, which is typically in the back of the fireplace. It may also be in the front. Use a lint-free damp cloth to wipe down the inside fireplace glass, including the log set. Create a circular motion to effectively lift the dirt without scrubbing too hard. Don’t use any abrasive cleaners, which can cause damage to some of the parts. Opt for a cleaning solution that is natural and has gentle ingredients. If you use a small amount of glass cleaner or warm water on a paper towel, allow it to dry on the inside of the glass to prevent any water spots from developing. Use a clean cloth to dry the glass of moisture if you don’t want to wait too long. You can then secure the access panel back onto the fireplace with a screwdriver. Additionally, use a lint-free cloth to clean the front of the panel every few weeks to remove dust and streaks that form over time.
Aside from using a soft cloth, you can also use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove dust that has settled into small crevices in the fireplace. This is also a great time to perform an inspection on the different electrical components and blower to ensure everything is in good working order. A soft brush or duster will also clear away dirt without scratching the different surfaces.
Additional maintenance includes replacing light bulbs that no longer work. You can expect to replace the light bulbs every two years to keep the fire effects looking realistic. Use gloves while handling the parts to prevent your oil from transferring to the glass on each bulb. You can also read the owner’s manual for additional cleaning or maintenance tips for the specific model that you own.
How to Clean the Dust out of Fireplace?
Since there is no flame, cleaning the electric fireplace takes less time than other types of fireplaces such as traditional wood-burning fireplaces. You don’t need to invest many hours into the cleaning process, which makes the undertaking something you can manage even when your schedule is tight. You can still manage to go about the other activities that need your attention after spending a little time cleaning out the fireplace and eliminating the dangerous dust. There is usually a lot of dust that usually builds up within the outlet or inlet to the heater. You should remove this as regularly as possible to ensure that your fireplace works safely and efficiently.
Also, consider the following:
- Protecting yourself as you go about cleaning the fireplace: You can manage this by wearing a face mask or a surgical mask. The mask ensures that you do not inhale any of the dust and prevents you from getting distracted. You get to breathe freely and clean the fireplace without being in any hurry.
- Wear a face mask: You will be able to focus on the areas that you are wiping down, and as such, you can do a better job. The face mask also makes you feel confident about the entire adventure, and you will be able to do it without feeling like you are being hurried.
- Avoid inhaling the dust: Dust is not good for your health and whenever you wear the mask, ensure that you keep it on for the entire duration of the cleaning process. Please keep it on your nose and ensure that your nose and mouth are covered during the entire process. Do not lax the rules and wear the mask on your chin as you will end up inhaling a lot of the dust.
- Have your tools nearby: As you go about the cleaning processes, ensure that you have all the necessary tools nearby. Consult the owner’s manual for safe-to-use items. This will ensure that you complete the entire process in the shortest time possible and do an excellent job of it. Some of the fireplace’s internal portions will need to be opened to be accessed, and you should be ready to take apart some of the parts of the fireplace and later get them back together. A brush attachment, soft cloth, or a soft brush can also help dust the fireplace’s metallic components. This process should be simple and not complicated in any way.
More Things You Can Do While Cleaning The Fireplace
1. Towels and other clothes used for the wiping process should be available in plenty
This is to ensure that you do not use the same towel twice, and once it has gathered too much dust, replace it with another. This is what is known as actual efficiency and having a sufficient supply of towels is essential whenever you are cleaning your fireplace.
2. You should have a dustbin where you will deposit the used towels
This will ensure that you can do the cleaning in a shorter time and do it more thoroughly. You also keep your entire cleaning process more organized and target all the areas that need a thorough wiping of dust without running out of the required tools and accessories.
3. The inlet and outlet should be dust-free
As you go about cleaning the fireplace, ensure that these areas are well-cleaned. It would be best if you wiped off all the dust on these parts as they are some of the electric fireplace’s sensitive components. They are responsible for bringing in the air and taking out hot air, and whenever dust accumulates in them, their operational efficiency reduces.
Whenever you have them cleaned out and all the dust eliminated from them, you will be ensuring that nothing ever interrupts or restricts the flow of air into and out of the fireplace. The heating element gets to receive the freshest air from the outside, and it can do a better job with this kind of airflow.
An unrestricted airflow also ensures that you can cover the most expansive space floor possible, and you will be able to cover more square feet when you have all the inlets and outlets from your fireplace cleaned out. At the end of the cleaning process, your heating element is well-ventilated, and the blower can perform to its best and give you the kind of services you could be expecting from them.
In addition to the air inlet and outlets, there are other portions of the fireplace that need cleaning, and you should ensure that the dust on them is appropriately cleaned. The display screen, for instance, should be adequately cleaned to ensure that you can view the fire effect and the dancing flame effects without the effect being affected by the dust. The accumulation of dust makes the fireplace display less effective for making the correct impression on the audience, and your family might experience less than pleasant experiences.
You should thoroughly clean these surfaces to ensure cleaner and more vivid displays. It would help if you never ignored these places as they add to your home’s overall clean look and feel. Whenever you are cleaning the fireplace of dust, you should appropriately clean the displays and the projection screens. You must adequately wipe down the front of the glass panel with a glass cleaner and the rest of the fireplace exterior. You must adequately clean all the components of the fireplace.
4. For the electric fireplace insert, you should also clean the ember bed
This is also a good opportunity for you to change the electric log inserts. You must clean up all light bulbs as you maintain the fireplace. These are the glowing logs supplied in varied styles and when you are cleaning the fireplace, ensure that you upgrade the style of the fireplace gas logs. This makes it easier for you to make your fireplace look better, and the hassle of the appearance upgrade will be something that you will be thankful for.
How Often Should You Clean the Fireplace?
It would help if you cleaned the electric fireplaces several times a year and whenever you feel that their performance is slowing down. A lag in the performance is a likely indicator that there is a dust buildup in the fireplace. You can make use of this opportunity to change up the appearance and working efficiency of your fireplace.
Scheduling maintenance checks on the electric fireplace insert also indicates when there has been a massive accumulation of dust that needs to be cleaned out. This also ensures that you check on the rest of the fireplace components and whether they are working as you would have expected them to work.
Operational efficiency is essential for your fireplace, and in those seasons when it has been idle for a long time, you should always clean out the dust before you can resume using the fireplace. Long seasons of unused means that wind will not have blown the accumulated dust anywhere, and before you even think about turning on the fireplace, ensure that you get rid of the dust first. Dust and grime are fire hazards and should be gotten rid of.
General Precautions
Here are some of the things that you should watch out for as you prepare and go about cleaning your fireplace of the dust that has been settling on it over time. First, ensure that you switch off the electric heater and disconnect the cord from the power supply. Also, give the heater a bit of time to cool completely before cleaning it.
1. Get rid of all flammable materials close to the fireplace before cleaning
For the external surfaces that are dusty, wipe using a damp, lint-free cloth that has been rinsed in warm water. You should avoid using any harsh detergents and abrasive cleaners for your cleaning solution. This is an Important Fireplace fact.
2. You should also avoid spraying with any liquids
Wipe off all the water spots and grime that are formed by the dust mixing with water. Do not submerge the fireplace in liquid or water, which can cause damage to the sensitive electrical components embedded within the appliance. It would help if you did not use a damp cloth for the inside of the firebox but applied a dry cloth, duster, or a vacuum cleaner. This will ensure that the components’ working and operational integrity inside the electric fireplace are thoroughly cleaned. The internal compartments are sparkling clean and in good operational condition.
The Danger of Ignoring Maintenance for Your Electric Fireplace
Staying for long periods without maintenance runs and inspections on the state of your electric fireplace makes them less effective. They do not provide you with the service you require, and ignoring maintenance can lead to them not being as functional as possible. The fireplace also stops running and heating your home as well as it should.
The dust buildup causes the inside of the fireplace to be rusted, and the abrasive dust eats into the electrical components, which can lead to that instant spark that can cause a fire in your fireplace.
According to National Fire Protection Association requirements for heating appliances maintenance is essential and adds to your fireplace’s longevity and how much service it will provide you. Please do not ignore this and ensure that your fireplace gets the service that it deserves. This will keep it built up for longer and keep you warm, comfortable, and cozy.
How to Clean Out an Electric Fireplace
If you are cleaning your fireplace, there are several methods that you can use. Unlike conventional fireplaces, you will not need to worry about chimney sweeping or removing ash that has built up over time, which can make the job much easier and faster. However, you will need to make sure that you thoroughly remove dust that has built up on the inside and outside of the product with a slightly wet cloth or paper towel.
However, there are other techniques that you can make use of when you’re cleaning your new fireplace. For instance, you may want to consider wiping the buttons down with a disinfectant. This can get rid of any germs that have accumulated on them from people touching them. Not only is it a good idea to do this on the interface of your heater itself, but it’s also a good idea to clean off the remote this way.
If you are cleaning an electric fireplace in your bedroom, it’s usually best to use a cloth that’s slightly damp on the top and exterior of the fireplace. However, it is very important to not clean the grate with a cloth that has any moisture on it. If the water gets on the electric fireplace insert, it can create a serious electrical hazard.
Also, it’s best to avoid using a damp cloth on the thermostat. This is because of the electrical devices within the mechanism. However, you can use a vacuum cleaner on this surface. In addition, it’s important to avoid using anything with moisture anywhere near the power supply.
Do not clean light bulbs with anything that has moisture, which is also due to the potential electrical hazard. Also, it can leave water spots that interfere with the look of the flame.
Always Read The Owner’s Manual
Most electric fireplaces are fairly low maintenance. However, that does not mean that you do not need to carefully read the instruction manual and buying guide. Reading these documents will give you important information about how to clean it, such as what type of screwdriver to use when you’re removing the grate over the coils. This is an important part of the process.
Dust and debris on the coils can potentially create a fire hazard, which is why it needs to be immediately removed. However, this will mean taking off the safety grate that covers them. First, you need to make sure that the fireplace is off and not plugged in.
Then, you will need to remove the screws that hold them in place. After you do this, it’s important to clean them with a cloth that is completely dry and will not leave any lint behind. Not only is this essential for preventing fires, but it’s also a crucial part of optimizing the energy efficiency of your fireplace.
Do not use a scrubber to clean your new fireplace, which is because this could strip the paint off of the surface. Instead, using a small amount of warm water on a cloth is a better way to clean the exterior of your fireplace. If you are wondering whether or not you can use glass cleaner, the answer to that question is yes. You can use glass cleaner, but only use it on glass surfaces.
If you are wondering whether or not you should use a soft duster or brush attachment to clean off your electric-powered firebox, the answer to that question is yes. There is no danger of a dry brush causing any sort of electrical hazard. Just make sure the fireplace is off before you begin cleaning it.
However, a conventional dust brush can be just as effective as using a damp cloth, and it’s often even more effective. Keep in mind that these products are designed to remove dust, which is exactly what you’ll need to do if you’re wondering “How to clean out an electric fireplace?”. Also, cleaning it with this tool will be quick, which greatly reduces the hassle.
Ideally, you should always use a lint-free cloth to clean your fireplace. This is very important. Lint can potentially be flammable, which means that it’s a dangerous situation if it gets on any electrical components of your fireplace heater.
If You’re Wondering How To Clean Out Electric Fireplace, It’s Important To Avoid Abrasive Cleaners
Some cleaners are far too harsh to use on our fireplaces or any electric fireplace, which is because they are very abrasive on surfaces. This can lead to damage to the paint, and it may be damaging to the wood or metal structure of the fireplace itself. Make sure that the cleaner that you use is designed for the type of material that your new electric-powered firebox is made out of.
If you are choosing a cleaner for your electric fireplace, there are several different options to choose from. However, you will usually have to use different types of cleaners for each part of your fireplace. For instance, glass cleaners should be used on any glass doors. However, this type of cleaner is not ideal for other areas of the product. Also, you’ll need to know exactly what the exterior of your new fireplace is made out of.
Many MagikFlame products have a wood exterior. If you are cleaning wood, it’s important to avoid getting it too wet. Any cloth that has moisture on it should only be very slightly damp, and it’s important to use only wood cleaner. This will ensure that the stain is not stripped off of the wood. Also, it will help to ensure that the wood itself is preserved.
The answer to this question depends on whether or not the metal surface is painted. If your fireplace is made out of unpainted metal, it’s possible to use an ordinary metal cleaner on it. Though, these products can be somewhat abrasive. So, it’s important to not use them on a fireplace that’s made out of anything else.
Check the label of any metal cleaner that you’re using to ensure that it is compatible with a painted surface, if your electric fireplace is painted. If it isn’t, you’ll still need to make sure that the product you choose is compatible with the type of metal that your fireplace is made out of.
If you are looking for a new fireplace, MagikFlame offers some of the best products on the market. Not only do we offer 30 different flame settings to pick from, but we also have gotten excellent reviews from our customers and have years of experience in the industry. However, these are not the only advantages of our products. Here are a few other important things to know about our brand:
You Can Actually Touch The Fire
Unlike a genuine fireplace, you will not get burned if you touch the flames. That’s because they do not actually create heat. They’re simply a simulated LED display, but they look incredibly real.
There are several important advantages of choosing a MagikFlame product. If you want to have highly realistic flames, we’ll have what you’re looking for. Also, you will be able to change the setting easily, and we offer 30 unique flame settings that feature crackling log sounds. This is not something that most of our competitors offer. Furthermore, MagikFlame offers products that are incredibly powerful. In fact, everything that we offer generates 5,200 BTUs. This is enough to heat a large room.
While many people use our products for supplemental heating, they can be used as a main heat source for a small room. This is not the case with many other products. Furthermore, we offer, wall-mounted, and freestanding fireplaces. Therefore, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.
Not only will you be able to choose from many different fireplace styles, but you will be able to pick out a unique color for your products. We offer products that are made of both wood and metal. This can allow you to get the right look for your unique living room or den, which can create a very comfortable ambiance in your home.
Maintenance Tips
Electric fireplaces are the easiest to clean of all, making electric fireplace maintenance straightforward. For effective electric fireplace maintenance tips, start by sucking up any dust with a vacuum-cleaner attachment. Follow that with a soft, dry cloth to get any dust the vacuum cleaner cannot reach from the internal and external components. Clean the glass with a soft cloth and glass cleaner. Finally, dampen a cloth with warm water and use it to wipe down the firebox.
You do not need to do this full cleaning that frequently, only when you see visible dust on the fireplace. Units with heater have no risk of combustion. They cast direct heat on objects in the room through light. Thus, there is no combustion. Still, you want to clean it to make it look nice.
Once a year, you want to inspect your fireplace. Unplug the fireplace. Look over the exposed electrical components to be certain there is no lingering dust. Check the inlet and outlet from the heater for dust. Check the light bulbs, but as energy-efficient LED bulbs, they will last an average of 10 years. Also clean the heater itself with a vacuum cleaner attachment or a soft, dry cloth. Use a soft brush attachment to clear the heater outlets and remove dust from delicate areas inside the electric fireplace, such as the blower, mirrors, light source, and ember bed. That’s it. Even the deep cleaning is simple and can be done in a few minutes.
Electric fireplaces are a top choice for ease of cleaning and maintenance. Mostly, just treat them as you would any other art or piece of furniture in your living room or bedroom. The most complex task you need to take on is changing lightbulbs.
In conclusion
Knowing how to clean the inside of an electric fireplace will allow you to enjoy the look and feel of real flames within your home for years to come. While these fireplaces require little maintenance, you may need to clean them from time to time.
The cleaning process is simple when compared to the work a wood or gas fireplace requires. You won’t be dealing with the removal of creosote or grime that a real flame can create or have to hire a professional to clean a damper and chimney. You can avoid the harsh chemicals and stick with nothing more than a clean cloth for much of the cleaning.
Be sure to turn the fireplace off and unplug it before beginning. Start with a cloth and soapy water to wipe down the exterior. When cleaning inside of the unit, carefully use a dry cloth and your vacuum to gently remove dust from the blower, ember bed, and light bulbs.
After cleaning the unit thoroughly, your fireplace maintenance shouldn’t require much more than going over the piece with a duster once a week to keep it looking and functioning beautifully.
