How to Clean Woodstove Glass

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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If you use a woodstove to heat part or all of your house, you know that the glass can often be in need of cleaning. Soot from a fire can build up on the glass and make it opaque, or foggy. There are a few methods you can use to clean the glass of a woodstove. Try them all and see which one works best for you.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step1

Clean woodstove glass with a mixture of water and ammonia or vinegar. Spray the mixture on and wipe clean with a paper towel. It might take some elbow grease and a few sprays with this cleaner to remove all the dirt from the glass depending on how thickly it is coated.

Step2

Dip a piece of wet newspaper into some ash and scrub the woodstove glass. This will take some effort, but is a great way to remove soot buildup. Wipe glass dry with a clean rag when finished.

Step3

Allow a fire to burn any soot and debris from the surface of the glass. Build a hot, clean fire and allow it to burn until the glass is cleaner. This method may not get the glass crystal clear, but it will help to remove a lot of soot buildup.

Step4

Scour glass with a piece of wet fine grain steel wool while the glass is still warm. Do not use anything too rough that can scratch the glass.

Step5

Use a cleaner specifically designed to clean woodstove glass. Most fireplace shops and home repair centers will carry these cleaners. Use according to manufacturer instructions.

Step6

Wash woodstove glass that does not have too much soot buildup with warm water and dishwashing liquid. Dry with a soft, clean cloth.

Tips & Warnings

Scrape hard to remove buildup from the glass with a razor blade before cleaning. Be careful not to scratch the glass.
Some woodstove manufacturers may require you to clean the glass with specific products or risk voiding any warranty.
If cleaning with regular glass cleaner, it is best to use this when the glass is cold.
If using a fire to burn off any soot on the glass, adjust the flue and air intake so the fire gets closer to or has direct contact with the glass.
Do not allow too much soot to build up on the glass. This will make it harder to clean. Clean the glass often to avoid such buildup.
Do not clean woodstove glass that is too hot. It is okay if the glass is warm, but do not attempt to clean the glass if it is hot.