Old fire

10 years ago

We've just moved in to our new house. 18th century house with lots of jobs needing doing including this fire. Any ideas on how to clean it up, or is it beyond help?

Featured Answer

ephronymous

10 years ago

It is really just a matter of removing the clutter around the grate and giving it a good cleanup.

It is quite an interesting feature and will stand well on its own. I would remove all of the objects around it and clear out the grate. The modern stand of tools needs to be replaced with a simple set that matches the style of the fireplace. Not sure what the round item to the left is, but I suspect it might me a lighter of some sort. It and the jug seem to feel comfortable but the rest of the items need to be removed. As suggested above, a careful application of the appropriate blacking will do wonders, but even before that I would call in a chimney sweep to clean the flue and make sure it is in working order. Even if you do not plan to use the fireplace it is a good idea to know what the working status is.

I imagine this is meant for coal burning, though I would not take my word on that. I have a gas fire with imitation coals that "burn" quite realistically. You can get them at a fireplace shop and they do indeed look like coal. You could use those if you do not plan to light them, or even use real coal to fill the grate.

When I restored my fireplace and set in a coal basket I was lucky to talk to an old fellow who knew just how it should work. If you can't find good advice from a shop or chimney sweep then it would be fun to do do a little research at the library to find out how the fireplace was used and how it should look with proper accessories.

I think you will be pleased with the result.

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Comments (11)

Jane Murtagh
10 years ago
Hello Helen & welcome to your lovely new home! By cleaning up your fireplace I guess you mean that you just want to give it a bit of a spruce up and not rip it out and start again with an alternative configuration?? If this is so then really its quite simple, you just need to get some Zebra Blacking or any of the many heat resistant spray paints that are available specifically for logburners, stoves & hoods. Pop into a local fireside / logburner shop and they will keep stocks of it on hand or google Amazon for a postal order. Also I have found WD40 is good for cleaning the outside metal work of a logburner or log fire hood, if you just want to give it a bit of a wipe down. Be warned though, after you repaint it will burn off fumes on its first burn - take advice about how to do it as each paint system is slightly different and you will need to take the temperature up slowly. The first time I did it I set off my smoke alarms - it took a good 1/2 hour to burn off... it was a very noisy, smelly experience!! Good luck.
Helen
Original Author
10 years ago
Thank you for advice. Yes more of a spruce up than replace, it's a bit unloved at present but I think it will clean up well.
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rumpythen
10 years ago
I think it looks GREAT as it is!!!! Honestly please don't get rid of it!! If you replaced it with a log burner it would not have the same effect!!!! It's a fabulous fireplace. Just clean it up and light it
Helen
Original Author
10 years ago
Thank you. The clutter is just because we just moved in it was mainly how to clean the fire itself so thank you for advice on that. It is an open fire though currently doesn't have a basket. Chimney sweep already booked!
PRO
Dulwich Fires and Stoves
10 years ago
Hi Helen. I think youve done the right thing ,a sweep is the best first step.
PRO
Fireplace Products
10 years ago
Hey Helen,

Something else to consider if you do not plan to use the fire as it has no Grate, and would rather have it just for decorative use, consider a chimney ballon, or chimney umbrella. these simply slide up inside and either spring out or inflate inside and help to cut down the heat loss up the chimeny when the fire is not in use. let me inow if you want any more information on these.
Jane Murtagh
10 years ago
Hi Fireplace Products - I'm really interest in your idea of a chimney ballon - as I have a few chimney that are currently out of use. But my big paranoia is dry or damp rot and making sure everything can ventilate properly...... Would these devices still allow enough air to circulate?
Victoria
10 years ago
Try one of these, they are breathable.
https://www.chimneysheep.co.uk
PRO
Fireplace Products
10 years ago
Hey cre8ivelifestyle,

There are different models available, it also depends on how you have capped the top of your chimney, as your ideally want a pot caper with holes to allow air to move. Here are some links to the balloons/umbrellas:

http://www.fireplaceproducts.co.uk/flues/flue-accessories/chimney-balloons/

http://www.fireplaceproducts.co.uk/flues/flue-accessories/calfire-14127-chimney-sheep-draught-excluder/

http://www.fireplaceproducts.co.uk/flues/flue-accessories/chimella-chimney-umbrella/

Having tried all three products id suggest the Chimella is the best of the three. Hope it helps.
Jane Murtagh
10 years ago
Great advice - many thanks.

Old fire

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