Why regular cleaning of your pellet stove matters
Regularly cleaning your pellet stove is essential for efficiency and safety. Combustion residues such as ash and soot can accumulate in the combustion chamber and flue, reducing performance and increasing the risk of failure.
Risks from lack of maintenance
- Ash build-up: This can block airflow and reduce combustion efficiency.
- Dirty glass: Infrequent cleaning reduces visibility and detracts from the beauty of the flames.
- Premature wear: Parts wear faster if the stove isn’t cleaned regularly.
Recommended cleaning intervals
To ensure optimal performance, clean your pellet stove at appropriate intervals. Here are the recommended frequencies:
Daily cleaning: What you should do every day
For daily use, do the following (always when the stove is off and ash/glass is cold):
- Use an ash vacuum or a brush and ash shovel: Remove pellets that build up around your stove.
- Clean the glass promptly if it becomes black: Use a suitable damp sponge and/or glass cleaner. Highly effective dry-cleaning sponges also exist.
- Empty the ash bin every three days: Vacuum out accumulated ash to prevent blockages.
Weekly maintenance: Weekly tasks
- Clean the walls of the combustion chamber: Use a soft brush to remove ash deposits. Dust the appliance and hearth.
- Check the air ducts: Ensure they’re not blocked. Use a handheld vacuum to clean ash from the hearth, firebox and residue. Try not to let the pellet hopper become completely empty.
Monthly or seasonal maintenance: Important checks
- Clean the flue: Check it’s clear if using the stove regularly.
- Clean the pellet hopper every three months. Vacuum out any pellet dust present in the hopper that could affect your stove’s functioning with a suitable pellet ash vacuum cleaner. Always consult your manual for specific guidance.
- Hire a professional: for a full annual service and chimney sweeping (once or twice a year depending on use and manufacturer instructions), especially before winter.
How to thoroughly clean a pellet stove
Thorough cleaning involves several steps to ensure proper functioning and avoid breakdowns.
Accessories to use
For effective cleaning, it is recommended to use:
- A ash vacuum cleaner.
- A wire brush.
- A soft brush or paintbrush.
- Special glass-cleaning products that don’t damage the surface, such as Dixneuf microfibre sponges.
They help keep your fireplace area clean and organised.
- Use a specific damp sponge or glove and, if needed, a suitable stove glass cleaner. We recommend a double-sided glove or sponge: one rough side for scrubbing and one microfibre side for wiping.
- Avoid abrasive products that could scratch the glass. Use tools designed for cleaning stove glass.
Cleaning the flue
Have the flue inspected and cleaned by a professional during annual sweeping to avoid chimney fire risk.
Signs your stove needs immediate maintenance
Some signs should alert you to the need to clean your stove:
- Excessive ash production.
- Unusual smoke or burning smell.
- Reduced efficiency: The heat output seems to decrease despite normal use.
Find the best products to use
Regular maintenance of your pellet stove will ensure it remains efficient and lasts longer. Simple steps like cleaning the glass and ash will optimise performance. For a full service, call a professional. At Dixneuf, you’ll find all necessary cleaning tools available through our network of resellers.
