Cleaning Multi-Fuel Stoves

Multi-fuel stoves use a variety of burning materials to create heat. There have been a number of changes to the stoves making them easier to operate and clean when it is time to perform regular maintenance.

Emptying Debris and Ash

It is recommended that you empty the ash bin on the wood burning stove at least once a month.  This is a good way to prevent a buildup of ashes in your stove to keep it running efficiently. Most stoves have the ability to shake the ash into the stove where it will fall in the ash pan. This will give your stove the ability to get proper air flow while it's in use.  Emptying the ash pan once a month will ensure that it does not become clogged with ashes.

Keep the Ash

Many people keep the ashes near the stove. Adding the ash to the fire is a great way to cool off your stove quickly and effectively. A metal can stored near the stove is a good place to keep your ashes.
 
Professional Chimney Sweeps

Performing the maintenance on your multi-fuel stoves can be handled by a professional chimney sweep. It is a good idea to have the stove and chimney checked out once or twice a year to be sure that everything is functioning properly.  The chimney sweep will check out the multi-fuel stoves thoroughly as well as the chimney. This prevents the buildup of materials in the chimney that can cause smoke disperse in your home instead of outside of the chimney.

The Importance of Preventative Maintenance
In multi-fuel stoves, you must take some time to thoroughly check out the fuel lines as well as the safety devices on the stove. If your stove uses gas lines, you should be sure that the lines are kept free of blockages to keep the fuel from getting to the stove.
 
Keeping your multi-fuel stoves clean and well maintained will provide your family with hours of heat and comfort during the cold winter months.  The multi-fuel stoves are a wonderful alternative for emergency situations when you lose power to your other heating source in the home. There are many people who keep this type of stove in the home to have on hand when there is a power outage. Just be sure that the stove is kept in good repair and cleaned when it is not in use so that it will be available to you in an emergency situation.
 
Professionals are available to help you keep multi-fuel stoves clean and in good condition. Plan to have the stoves cleaned and checked out once a year to be sure that it is in good shape for the coming cold season.