CLEANFLUE NI CUSTOMER INFORMATION
Cleaning & Maintenance
Keep your system clean, safe and efficient
A well-maintained stove and flue system performs better and lasts longer. Regular care improves efficiency, reduces fire and carbon-monoxide risks, and helps protect the appliance.
WHAT TO CLEAN & HOW OFTEN
Wipe the exterior with a soft dry or slightly damp cloth. Use only non-abrasive products and keep air vents clear.
Clean only when cold using stove-glass cleaner and a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive materials.
Empty regularly without overfilling, only when the ash is completely cold. Use a metal container with a tight-fitting lid.
Arrange professional sweeping at least once each year to remove soot, tar and creosote build-up.
Check and clean air vents and controls, ensuring they move freely.
Check that it is secure, clear of leaves, nests or debris, undamaged and operating correctly.
RECOMMENDED CLEANING TOOLS
- Stove brush and shovel for ash and soot
- Ash vacuum for completely cold ash
- Cleaner specifically suitable for stove glass
- Soft, non-abrasive microfibre cloths
SIGNS IT’S TIME TO CLEAN
- Stove glass blackens quickly
- Poor heat output
- Smoke or fumes enter the room
- Strong tar or smoky smells
- Soot build-up in the stove or flue
- Bird nests or debris in the cowl
SEASONAL MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST
Sweep chimney and flue; check cowl and terminal; inspect stove body, door seals and glass; clean air vents.
A good time for servicing and repairs; inspect seals and rope; check wear and damage; keep the flue sealed from moisture.
Clean stove and flue before heavy use; check dry fuel supply; test controls and vents.
Remove ash regularly; check glass and vents weekly; burn the correct fuel and control the air.
Use dry seasoned wood below 20% moisture or smokeless fuel authorised for the appliance.
Allow the stove to cool fully before cleaning. Never use water on a hot stove or inside the flue.
Cleaning improves efficiency and can extend appliance life.
A clean system burns more cleanly, produces more useful heat and uses less fuel.
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CLEANFLUE NI CUSTOMER INFORMATION
FIREBRICK REPLACEMENT
WHEN CRACKS CAN BE MONITORED — AND WHEN TO TAKE ACTION
Firebricks protect the stove body from intense heat. Small cracks can appear over time and do not automatically mean the appliance is unsafe, but the bricks should be checked regularly.
What are stove firebricks?
Firebricks line the inside of a stove and are made from heat-resistant refractory material. They are consumable parts: repeated firing, cooling and everyday use can eventually cause cracking, thinning or damage.
Usually suitable to monitor
- Only a small hairline crack is present.
- The brick remains firm and securely in position.
- There is no large gap or missing section.
- The brick still shields the stove body.
- The appliance is operating normally.
Arrange inspection or replacement
- A brick is loose, broken, missing, crumbling or very thin.
- A large gap exposes the stove body.
- The stove body is distorted or cracked.
- Smoke is leaking into the room.
- Heat output or appliance performance has reduced.
Common causes of damage
- Repeated heating and cooling causing expansion and contraction.
- Impact from logs, pokers or other tools.
- Damp fuel or very rapid heating from cold.
- Normal age and wear.
Help the bricks last longer
- Burn dry, well-seasoned fuel.
- Let the stove cool naturally.
- Place logs in gently and avoid striking the bricks.
- Use the correct replacement specified by the stove manufacturer.
- Do not use ordinary cement or household adhesive.
Always follow the appliance manufacturer’s instructions. Firebrick shapes, materials and replacement methods differ between stove models.