New Year, Clean Stove: The 15-Minute Detox Your Log Burner Needs

Author: J&H Logs Team Category: Guides & Tips

December is the busiest month for a wood burner. Between festive family gatherings, cold snaps, and those lazy "Twixmas" days on the sofa, your stove has likely been running non-stop.

Now that the decorations are down, you might notice the toll it’s taken: blackened glass, a grate full of clinker, or perhaps the fire just isn’t drawing as well as it did in November.

A dirty stove isn't just unsightly; it’s inefficient. Ash buildup and poor seals mean you burn through logs faster for less heat.

Give your stove a "January Detox" with this simple 4-step maintenance routine. It takes 15 minutes, costs nothing, and will make your fuel go further for the rest of winter.

1. The Deep Ash Clear-Out

Usually, we recommend leaving a small bed of ash (about 1 inch) to help kiln-dried logs burn. But after a month of heavy use, that bed is likely too high, blocking air vents.

• The Task: Wait until the stove is completely cold (ideally the next morning). Remove all the ash this time.

• The Check: Look for "clinker"—hard, stony lumps formed by impurities in coal or unseasoned wood. These block airflow.

• Expert Tip: Once the grate is clear, use a vacuum (with an ash attachment) to suck up debris from the corners. Then, put a thin layer of clean ash back down to help your next fire light.

2. The "Ash Trick" for Sparkling Glass

Is your stove window brown or black? You don’t need expensive chemical sprays to fix it. In fact, the best cleaner is already in your stove.

• The Method:

  1. Take a piece of damp kitchen roll or newspaper.

  2. Dip it into the fine white wood ash you just cleared out.

  3. Rub it gently in circular motions over the blackened glass. The ash acts as a mild abrasive that cuts through soot without scratching the glass.

  4. Wipe clean with a fresh damp cloth.

• The Result: Crystal clear glass for zero cost.

3. The Vital "Paper Test" (Check Your Seals)

This is the most important check you can do. The rope seal around your stove door compresses over time. If it fails, air rushes into the stove uncontrollably (over-firing), which wastes wood and can warp the metal.

• The Test:

  1. Open the stove door and place a piece of standard A4 paper (or a banknote) across the seal.

  2. Close and latch the door.

  3. Try to pull the paper out.

• ** The Verdict:**

  • Paper tears or holds tight? Your seal is perfect.

  • Paper slides out easily? Your seal is worn out. You need to replace the rope (a simple DIY job) to stop wasting heat.

4. Don't Forget the Baffle Plate

The baffle plate sits at the top of the firebox (blocking the direct route to the chimney). It catches the most heat and soot.

• The Task: If your stove design allows, gently slide the baffle plate forward or down. Brush off the pile of soot/fly-ash that has likely gathered on top of it during December. This debris can insulate the plate and prevent heat from radiating into the room.

A Clean Stove Deserves Clean Wood

Now that your machine is running at 100% efficiency again, don't clog it up with wet wood. Moisture is the number one cause of dirty glass and blocked flues.

Keep your stove performing its best with our Ready To Burn Kiln Dried Logs.

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