How to Clean Log Burner Glass (and Stop It Going Black)

How do I clean log burner glass?

These steps follow HETAS's advice.

1. Let the stove go cold. HETAS says glass cleaned straight after a fire can shatter, and Stovax says never to clean hot glass.
2. Dampen some newspaper. Scrunch a sheet into a ball and dip it in water so it's damp, not soaking.
3. Dip it in cold ash. Use the fine, cool ash from the bottom of the stove. It works as a very mild cleaner.
4. Rub the glass in circles. Work over the sooty areas, adding a little more ash if needed.
5. Wipe and dry it. Finish with a damp cloth, then buff the glass dry.

What if the marks won't come off?

Use a stove glass cleaner, or a ceramic hob cleaner with a non-scratch sponge. Charnwood recommends the same and says to avoid any abrasive cleaning products. If your glass has a printed pattern, Stovax says to wipe off loose soot first and use a gentle spray cleaner, not a slightly abrasive gel. Keep cleaner off the door's rope seal.

What should I never use on stove glass?

• Anything sharp, such as a scraper or blade.
• Abrasive pads, scouring powders or wire wool.
• Gel cleaners on printed glass.
• Any cleaner on hot glass.

Why does log burner glass go black?

HETAS says blackened glass comes from too little oxygen, which leaves sooty deposits on the glass and in the flue, and from burning wood above 20% moisture. Stovax says it happens when the fuel isn't burning cleanly, and lists running the stove with the controls closed, poor flue draw and unseasoned wood as causes.

How do I keep the glass clean?

• Burn dry wood at 20% moisture or less. See firewood moisture content.
• Keep the airwash open. It sweeps air down over the glass once the stove is hot. See log burner air vents explained.
• Let the fire burn hot after lighting and refuelling, before you turn the air down.
• Don't slumber the stove with the air shut down. See keeping a log burner going overnight.