The Unlikely Product You Can Use To Clean Your Fireplace Doors

Few things in life can match the contentment of cozying up in front of a wood-burning fireplace during the cold winter months. However, the resultant soot and smoke will get the glass doors dirty in no time. A dirty door won't just detract from the hearth's beauty and elegance but also interfere with its ability to radiate heat, reducing its efficiency. Luckily, you can use ammonia to clean your fireplace doors. This unlikely product is a powerful cleaner and efficient at loosening stains. Since it evaporates fast, it won't leave streaks on your glass door.

However, before you begin, be sure the fire has completely died down. After all, ammonia is flammable at varying concentrations, so you don't want to take any chances. Then, wait for the glass to cool down before removing the door. This will ensure that the grime you remove doesn't make its way inside, negating all your hard work and making it necessary to clean the fireplace. You can even carry the door outside, like to your garage or garden, to keep your interiors pristine. To avoid intensive cleanup of the outdoor space afterward, don't forget to place a cloth (an old one will do) underneath. Nonetheless, this hack can still work even if it's not feasible to remove the door.

When starting, put on a pair of gloves — both rubber and disposable ones will do — to protect your hands, and grab a spray bottle. Next, combine 1 tablespoon of ammonia with 1 cup of vinegar and 3 cups of warm water. Given that ammonia evaporates quickly, adding water to the concoction will prevent it from diffusing before you can scrub the surface. On the other hand, vinegar will add an extra punch to the mixture. Once the cleaning solution is ready, spritz it onto the dirty fireplace doors and leave it undisturbed for 30 seconds to a minute, depending on the level of grime you're dealing with. Once time is up, get a clean cloth (paper towel and newspaper work, too) and rub it against the glass surface to get rid of the dirt and stains. Keep rubbing the glass till the stains are gone.

If you're dealing with incredibly stubborn stains, get a damp melamine sponge and leverage its abrasiveness to remove all burn marks from the fireplace glass doors. Remember to move the cloth and sponge in circular motions to avoid scratching the surface. After the door is spotless, use another dry, clean cloth to wipe away any residue before attaching it back. To maintain the door's shine and make it easier to radiate heat, don't forget to clean it every week, especially during periods of high use.