Outdoor Fireplace & Fire Pit Maintenance

Be sure to keep undergrowth around the fireplace down. It’s not only a fire hazard, but can also deteriorate the outdoor fireplace itself.
If you chip the creosote off the inside of the chimney and its 1/8^th inch thick, it’s time for a cleaning. If it’s 1/4^th inch thick, you should not use your fireplace until it’s been cleaned otherwise you risk starting a chimney fire.
Creosote sweeping logs may help loosen creosote, but it is not a replacement for a thorough cleaning.
Use a broom to remove any leaves, partially burnt wood, or other debris. Dust off the mantle and hearth. If possible, remove any soot or ash that you may have missed by using an outdoor vacuum or a shop vac.
Dip a stiff-bristled brush into warm, soapy water or hearth cleaner before scrubbing the inside and outside of the fireplace to remove buildup. Spray areas of the fireplace with water as you clean to remove dirty water. You may also need to wipe the area with a clean towel to remove caked-on grime.
This job can also be contracted out to local landscapers or chimney sweeps.

If you are using your outdoor fire pit for cooking, be sure to remove any residue on or around the fire pit afterwards.
Remove spark screen and clean the screen with a stiff whisk brush. It would be best to use warm, soapy water. A wire brush may be required if extreme build-up is present. Hardwood ash combined with enough water to form a paste is also an effective cleaner.
Remove large debris such as large pieces of wood that have not been completely burned. These can be saved to be burned at a later time.
Scoop out ashes by first sweeping them to the center of the pit, and place them in a non-flammable container as coals can remain live for days or even weeks. Then inspect any drain or ventilation openings to be sure they have not clogged.

Before performing any maintenance on a gas fireplace or fire pit, be sure the gas valve is turned off.
If anything seems off about the unit, be sure to have it inspected by a professional, licensed serviceman. Contact your gas supplier regarding this.
If your gas fireplace has a fan, be sure that it is working properly.
Be sure that the ventilation system on any gas fireplace is working properly.
Follow manufacturer’s guidelines in terms of which cleaning solutions to use for the individual components of any gas fire pit or gas fireplace, otherwise you risk voiding your warranty.
Clean the glass on the doors of a gas fireplace every 1-2 months to prevent build-up of soot. Special glass cleaners for gas fireplaces are available in the fireplace accessories section.
Clean fake logs with a soft-bristled brush (available at most hardware stores) at least once every month.
Have your gas fireplace or fire pit inspected by a professional serviceman once each year. Failure to do so can result in possible injury.
The pilot light can be turned off during months with the fire pit or fireplace is not in use.