August 2, 2021 4:13 pm
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An outdoor kitchen is an investment that pays dividends, both in terms of how you entertain and by increasing your home’s overall value. Keep in mind that outdoor kitchens aren’t exactly maintenance free and that you should be prepared to put in a bit of elbow grease to maintain the appearance and function of all the features in your backyard cooking and eating space. Read on to learn all you need to know about how to clean your outdoor kitchen. Give your fireplace some attention The first step to remember when maintaining your outdoor kitchen is to keep your outdoor fireplace tidy. While it can be tough to keep a fireplace spotlessly clean, it should at least be free from debris. If you have a traditional woodburning outdoor fireplace, regularly remove ashes, and leave them in a metal container until you’re sure they’re completely cold. You should also take steps to maintain and sweep out the chimney at least once per year. It’s best to contact a chimney care company to ensure that your fireplace chimney is clean and ready for safe operation. Keep countertops clean Outdoor kitchen countertops are typically made from natural materials that hold up well in... View Article
July 19, 2021 4:13 pm
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If you’ve been asking yourself, “Why does my fireplace smell?” you’ll find that there are several potential causes of the problem. Luckily, there are also some very effective solutions that eliminate smells and allow you to use your fireplace safely. Here’s a basic guide to help you determine why your fireplace smells as well as strategies for how to clean a smelly fireplace. Common causes Knowing why your fireplace smells is the first step in getting rid of the odor. While it’s always best to get a professional opinion from an expert, here are some of the clues that can point you toward the cause of a smelly fireplace: Animals or insects in the chimney: It’s not uncommon for animals to get stuck in a chimney and die. As you might expect, this can cause a horrible odor that can make its way into your home. Bees and other insects can make themselves at home in a chimney, too, causing your fireplace to smell and even affecting your allergies. Soot and creosote buildup: Without regular maintenance, a fireplace can start to smell simply from general use due to soot and creosote. These elements form from the smoke of a fire.... View Article
July 9, 2021 6:39 pm
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If you’re looking to improve your home while reducing your carbon footprint, consider installing a more clean-burning fireplace. There are many different options for environmentally-friendly fireplaces, including electric and gas options. Even wood-burning fireplaces don’t have to be that bad for the environment when operated correctly. Read on to learn about a few eco-friendly fireplaces and how they can improve the look and feel of your home: Ethanol fireplace: Ethanol fireplaces are not only one of the most environmentally-friendly options, but they are often inexpensive and easy to use. As their name suggests, these fireplaces use ethanol to produce heat, but no smoke or odor. These types of fireplaces are also safer and easier to relocate than most others. Ethanol fireplaces come in a variety of different sizes and designs, so it’s easy to find the perfect one for your home. You can also use them both indoors and outdoors. The main disadvantage with ethanol fireplaces is that it can be difficult to find a good spot to store the ethanol. Wood-burning fireplace: It’s no secret that wood-burning fireplaces can be bad for the environment. They create smoke that can contribute to smog and other pollution in the air. There... View Article
June 25, 2021 6:39 pm
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Wood-burning, gas and electric are just a few of the great types of fireplaces available these days. Finding the best type of fireplace for your home might take some time, but it’s important to make the right choice. You’ll hopefully be sitting around that same fireplace for years to come. Consider speaking with an expert in residential fireplaces to help you choose the perfect one for your home. Wood-burning fireplace Wood-burning fireplaces are the most common type for a reason. They look great and provide plenty of warmth to your home without using any energy. Despite this, there are several cons to owning a wood-burning fireplace as well. These types of fireplaces are actually bad for the environment and require a high amount of maintenance. Not only that, but wood-burning fireplaces can also present a major safety issue. Electric fireplaces You can find electric fireplaces all over the place these days. Many homeowners prefer electric fireplaces because they’re cheap to install and easy to use. They don’t require constant cleaning or venting. Electric fireplaces also eliminate the possibility of a fire spreading throughout your home. They are amazing pieces of technology that come in many different styles, so it’s easy... View Article
June 1, 2021 2:04 pm
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Maybe you’re a pro at dusting and vacuuming, but cleaning your fireplace has you stumped. When it comes to fireplace cleaning in Seattle, WA, you’re not sure how to approach the task. Use the following simple guide to get a fresh, clean fireplace in Seattle, WA. How to clean a wood-burning fireplace For wood-burning fireplaces, follow these seven steps. Depending on frequency of use, you may want to perform this task weekly or monthly: 1. Protect your surroundings: Before you start digging into the ashes, protect the area around the fireplace. Cover any carpeting and furniture that is nearby. Old sheets work great. Also, wear gloves and work clothes that you don’t mind staining with fireplace soot. 2. Gather supplies: You’ll need a lined trash can and extra bags to dispose of the fireplace waste. Make sure these are handy. 3. Clear away the debris: Consider how often you use your fireplace. If the use is infrequent, birds may have invaded the flue and built nests in this space. Start your fireplace cleaning in Seattle, WA by using a broomstick to remove any nests. You may need to do this from the rooftop. 4. Clean the firebox: Once you’ve removed... View Article
