Pellet stoves are a great source of generating heat in your residential home, especially during the months of winter. There are several perks to having a pellet stove, and you can find out more about that in this article.
However, for your pellet stove to work to its full capacity and have an extended lifetime, you need to take proper care of it. It is essential to learn how to clean a pellet stove. Ensuring the unit’s cleanliness is a major part of pellet stove maintenance. You can hire a professional to clean your pellet stove or do it yourself. Keep in mind that cleaning a pellet stove is not a straightforward process since it consists of several components, and you must properly clean every single one of them.
Most individuals tend to use their pellet stoves regularly during winter, but they forget to clean them. Suppose you are interested in installing a pellet stove to keep you warm during winter, you can find out more about it here. It would be best to clean your pellet stove at least once every week to ensure that it operates effectively and efficiently. Although it is worth mentioning that how often you clean your pellet stove may also depend on the amount and type of pellets you use. This means that you could clean it after every fortnight if you do not use it regularly.
Parts to Clean
It would be best if you were thorough when you clean your pellet stove and ensure that you have polished all the components. Otherwise, you would have done zero work. Ensure that you regularly empty the ash pan or trash drawer before cleaning it along with, the stove’s looking glass, the burning pot, and the outer body or casing. Discussed below is a series of steps on cleaning a pellet stove.
Cleaning the Casing
It is vital to clean the outer casing at least twice per month. When cleaning your pellet stove, you will start by polishing the casing, also known as the outer body. You will need a dry cloth, water, and vinegar, which you will be using as your cleaning supplies. Listed below is a step-by-step guide on how you should clean the casing of your pellet stove.
Step 1
First, you will need to make a water and vinegar solution. Mix water and vinegar using a 2:1 ratio and pour them into an empty spray bottle. Add some liquid soap to the solution in the bottle, preferably use dishwashing soap. After doing this, close the bottle and shake for a minute to ensure everything is well mixed and ready for use.
Step 2
Ensure that the dry cloth you have is clean since you will use it to wipe the stove. Spray the solution in the spray bottle on the outer casing of your stove and use the rag to wipe the casing. Ensure that you are doing this simultaneously, and you wipe every inch of the casing.
Step 3
Next, you will need clean fresh water. The water should be in a large container since you will need to dip the cloth in it to wipe the residual foam or soap from the pellet stove. You can use the same piece of cloth or get a new piece of cloth.
Step 4
Allow your pellet stove to dry off completely. Avoid starting the stove before the water completely dries off.
Cleaning the Burn Pot
As discussed earlier, you are more likely to use your pellet stove frequently during winter, meaning that the burn pot will be frequently dirty. Ensure that you clean the burn pot every time you use a lot of wood pellets in the stove. You will need an ash vacuum cleaner for this procedure. Listed below are the steps you will follow when cleaning the burn pot.
Step 1
First, you need to start by opening the pellet stove door using the appropriate tool or your hands.
Step 2
Have the ash cleaner plugged into an electric socket, then get the vacuum near the ash pot. It is worth mentioning that the vacuum needs to be at least four inches away from the pot. Press the bottom and thoroughly clean it. Make sure you are using an ash vacuum cleaner and not a regular vacuum cleaner. You can easily find one online.
Step 3
Once you are done cleaning the ashes from the top part, take the burn pot out of the compartment. Utilize the metal cleaning rod that came with the pellet stove to clean the burn pot’s holes.
Step 4
Do not forget to clean the space holding the burn pot since a lot of ash usually accumulates here. Use the ash vacuum cleaner to clear this part. Once you are through, put the burn pot back where it usually sits.
It is worth noting that using an ash vacuum cleaner may not suffice when cleaning the burn pot. Ensure that you scrape the burn pot to get rid of the scale and carbon-build up. The best way to scrape it clean is doing that when the stove is still pretty warm.
Cleaning the Pellet Stove Glass
Most heaters especially pellet stoves nowadays are made with self-cleaning glass so that the glass will stay clean throughout. Even though the glass self-cleans, it would be best to clean the glass door at least once every month. You can use the regular glass cleaner in your home to clean the soot, soil, and dust that would have piled up.
Cleaning the Ash Pan
Make it a habit to routinely check the ash pan of your pellet stove, especially when you frequently use it. Whenever you find the ash pan full, safely dispose of the ash. Your pellet stove may not operate effectively and to its full capacity when the ash pan is not emptied. Below is the procedure you should follow in cleaning your ash pan.
Start by unlocking the ash pan’s key, then open the door. Note that some ash pans usually attach with a screw. If yours is one of those, use a screwdriver to open the door and take out the ash pan.
Once you take the ash pan out, dispose of the ash safely. Put the ash pan back to its original position and lock it.
Precautionary Steps
The above-listed are the steps you should follow when cleaning your pellet stove. As discussed earlier, you can either clean your pellet stove or have a professional come and clean it if you do not want the hassle of having to clean it yourself. Keep in mind that regularly cleaning your pellet stove ensures that it works to its maximum capacity. It would be best if you took specific cautionary measures when cleaning your pellet stove. Here’s a list:
- Ensure that the interior parts of the pellet stove are cold before you touch them
- Confirm that the pellet stove is off before you start cleaning
- Always wear hand gloves when cleaning to keep your hands safe and clean
- Ensure that you wear a surgical mask to prevent yourself from inhaling the fly ash
- Avoid cleaning on a windy day and instead, do it on a calm day
- Ensure a window is open when you are cleaning to allow proper ventilation
Suppose you do not own a pellet stove and are interested in learning more about pellet stoves and how much electricity they consume to make an informed decision. Click on the provided link.
FAQs
How often do pellet stoves need to be cleaned?
How often you clean your pellet stove is dependent on how frequently you use it. You may have to clean it every week if you use it regularly. Ideally, it would be best if you cleaned fortnightly or once every month. The type of pellet stove you have may also determine how often you have to clean it.
How do you deep clean a pellet stove?
Pellet stove maintenance involves deep cleaning every single component of the unit. This includes cleaning the vent pipes on the inner part and the outer part, outer casing, glass, and ash pan. You will need a brush to get rid of the ash that is accumulated in the stove pipe. Depending on the dirt, sometimes, a wire brush is required. You should also clean the fan and blower motor using a vacuum and paintbrush to eliminate all the dirt buildup. Lastly, check the gaskets and replace them if they are worn out.
Do pellet stove chimneys need to be cleaned?
Yes, your pellet stove chimney needs to be cleaned since it is similar to other combustion stoves. Ideally, your pellet chimney stove should be cleaned annually. Make sure you contact professionals to do this since it helps prevent your chimney from corroding, drafting problems, chimney fires, and it is also a chance for your chimney to be inspected.
What happens if you don’t clean a pellet stove?
When you neglect cleaning your pellet stove, it will not work effectively to its full capacity. Regularly cleaning your pellet stove ensures that it works efficiently and it also has an extended lifetime. Cleaning your pellet stove should be a routine practice.
