Cleaning is a part of maintaining your fire pit. You clean your wood-burning fire pit by removing the burnt waste and debris, while in the case of the gas fire pit, the gas pipe and surroundings are cleaned. Therefore, cleaning and maintenance are comparatively more manageable in a gas fire pit than in a wood-burning fire pit.
How to Clean Fire Pit When Not in Use
Taking care of your fire pit is not complicated. First, ensure your fire pit is clean and free of leaves, rocks, and bugs. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean your fire pit when not in use; we have also mentioned the case for different types of fire pits.
How to Clean Wood-Burning Fire Pits
STEP 1: Removing debris and waste
The main thing you should do to clean your outdoor fire pit is to get rid of the trash. If your fire pit is not in use, there is more chance of dry leaves and debris stocking there. Even after the fire is out, ashes can stay hot for days or even weeks. As soon as the ash and cinders are cool enough to handle, scoop them into a metal can with a lid using leather gloves and a trowel. Also, your fire pit will be ready the next time you want to spend a cozy night by the fire.
Depending on your fire pit type, there are a few different ways to do this. But you will need to remove leaves, sticks, ash, and anything else that does not belong in your fire pit. It can be helpful to use a vacuum cleaner.
STEP 2: Clean the surface and bowl
We have described two types of material here;
Metal surface cleaning:
First, use a dry scrub brush to remove any loose dirt or dust on the inside and outside metal surfaces. Then, use a stiff-bristled brush and 1/4 cup of washing soda dissolved in 1 gallon of hot water to scrub all the metal surfaces. Finally, rinse the fire pit well with clean water, and do not forget to clean the grates and screens.
To clean a fire pit made of steel or copper, remove all the ash, dry-brush the inside, and then wipe it down with soapy water. Make sure there is no standing water, as this can cause many metals to rust. After removing the ashes from a fire pit made of iron, scrub the basin with steel wool. Finally, wipe it down with a cloth dampened with hot water.
Stone or masonry surface;
Fire pits made of stone can be a stylish addition to any backyard garden. Mix 1/2 cup of dishwashing liquid that fights grease with 2 gallons of hot water. Use this solution and a scrub brush to clean all surfaces made of stone or masonry. If you want to clean the fire pit well, a hose with a jet stream nozzle will come in handy.
STEP 3: Dry and cover the fire pit
The most important and last phase of cleaning is to dry it completely and cover it. You should dry the fire pit completely; any sitting water will do massive damage to the fire pit. It takes 48-72 hours for a fire pit to dry completely. And putting a cover after drying is beneficial for protecting the fire pit.
How to Clean Gas Fire Pits
STEP 1: Clean the fire pit
Gas fire pits usually do not have any waste or debris removal hassle. So cleaning the body parts and internal machines are essential. You can wipe down the fire pit’s surface, body, and wall(not the fuel holes) with a light cleanser solution and check if any food left over is stuck. You can also use a vacuum cleaner.
STEP 2: Checking gas pipelines
It is better to check the gas or fuel lines and gas clogging. This will also prevent any disaster that may happen due to carelessness.
STEP 3: Wipe and cover
To preserve the cleaned state, wipe it with a dry cloth and put it on a cover.
How to Maintain a Fire Pit When Not in Use
Fire pits are a great addition to any patio, providing warmth on cool evenings and a place to laugh and share memories. And this happiness source needs perfect maintenance to stay in service for an extended period. In this section, we have described both wood-burning fire pits and gas fire pit maintenance needs;
Maintaining a Wood-Burning Fire Pit When Not in Use
Clean once every three weeks;
Fire pits need a maintenance cleaning every three weeks when not in use. Even if you use a cover, it will acquire air humidity, and it may start the process of rusting. So, cleaning and getting rid of dust accumulation is a great way to increase the life span of the fire pit.
Covering and storing:
This is one of the essential tasks to cover the fire pit when not in use. Covering a fire pit will give you protection against outdoor rust and rain. It is better to store the portable fire pits when not in use.
Repair or maintenance check:
Check your fire pit for cracks in the bricks or the metal bowl. If there are significant cracks, you might want to have them fixed or replaced. Creosote should be cleaned off as often as possible. This happens when you burn wood, which is very flammable.
[You might also like: Best fuel source for a fire pit]
Maintaining a Gas-Burning Fire Pit When Not in Use
Clean once every three weeks
Cleaning the gas fire pit is not a big deal; however, gas fire pits need basic cleaning, such as wiping down and surface cleaning.
Gas line and clogging check
When not in use gas line may get clogged due to dust, or any insect may harm it; checking it is a great way to avoid accidents. Also, it is better to cut off the fuel line completely when you are not using it. Before you use your fire pit each season and at least once a month, check all the screws and other hardware and tighten as needed. Also, check any connections to a propane tank.
Covering or storing
When the fire pit isn’t being used, this is one of the most important things to do. Covering a fire pit will protect it from rust and rain outdoors. The portable fire pits should be removed when they are not used.
Is the Cleaning and Maintenance of Gas and Wood Burning Fire Pit the Same?
No, the cleaning and maintenance of gas and wood-burning fire pit are not the same. As the gas-burning fire pit does not produce any debris or waste, it is straightforward to clean and maintain gas burning firepit. However, wood-burning fire pits have a waste product that is difficult to maintain.
Few Questions Related to this:
Should you cover a fire pit when not in use?
Yes, putting a cover on the fire pit is mandatory when not in use. Any fire pit needs a fire pit cover to keep things safe. Once your fire pit gets cold, a protective cover will keep rain, sun, and animals from getting in. In addition, a protective cover will make your fire pit last longer by stopping rust and discoloration.
How Many Months Can I Leave My Fire Pit Without Using?
Fire pits can run for more than 30-40 years if proper care is ensured. So, if you maintain it properly, you can use it even after 2-3 years.
Should I pour water on my fire pit to Dispose of the Ash?
Yes, you can pour a little water if you want to dispose of the ash; however, we do not recommend it because it will get rusty if the fire pit is not dried up properly. Instead, use a scoop, spade, or shovel to take the ashes out of the fire pit if you want to clean. Place the ashes in a small metal trash can or another empty metal container with a lid.
