If you own a gas fireplace, then winter can be a real treat. There’s no feeling quite like it when it’s cold outside, but you are warm and snug with fireplace flames dancing and keeping you warm.
While gas burns cleanly, for the most part, a little cleanup is going to be required now and again if you want to keep things sparkly.
So, how do you remove white film on a gas fireplace?
With vinegar being one of the most common, there are a few methods that you can use to get your fireplace glass back into pristine, sparkling condition. Today we’ll talk about what that film is and what you can so that you are kept warm and so that nothing interferes with the ‘fireplace show’ that we all know and love.
Let’s discuss the white film and what it means to you!
What is the White Film on Gas Fireplace Glass?
That white film that you see is a sort of residual ‘fog’ that comes into play quite commonly with normal gas fireplace function. What happens is that you get a powdery, white film resulting from moisture in the gas during the burning process.
Over time this sticks to the glass and will require a little cleanup on your part. This is mostly an aesthetics thing, as your fireplace is still going to keep you warm, but it won’t look as nice if you don’t clean it, and it will build up over time.
What Causes White Film on Gas Fireplace Glass?
It is simply that moisture that we mentioned causes microparticles from gas additives to stick in a powdery white film that coats the glass over time. It’s harmless but unattractive, but happily, it is also relatively easy to clean. There are a few methods that you may employ with either specialized cleaning items or simply things around the house.
Let’s go over some methods which you may employ to get your glass back to shiny, like-new condition.
How do you Remove White Film from Gas Fireplace Glass?
Removal of this white film is going to require a little elbow grease and the right cleaning medium. You want something that isn’t going to scratch the glass, so while you might hear about other owners using things like a razor blade to scratch off the film quickly, we don’t recommend that.
While 9 times out of 10 you can certainly clean it quickly using this method, that remaining 10% chance of scratching your expensive glass is not worth it – especially when you have other means at your disposal that are less abrasive and much safer for your glass.
We’re going to detail the most popular cleaning methods in our FAQ below so that you may select the option that is the most time and cost-effective for you when it comes to maintaining your fireplace glass. Don’t worry, it only takes minutes, and the residue takes a while to build up, so you shouldn’t have to do this often.
If you are getting a black, sooty residue, you should contact a technician immediately. Gas fireplaces are designed to burn quite quickly, and sooty residue can mean that you have a serious problem with the fireplace that makes calling a repair technician a very good idea.
Normal operation should not produce soot in a gas fireplace, so this generally means something in the internals or on the burners that shouldn’t be there, which should be immediately addressed. However, if you only see the white film, then use the FAQ steps below, and you should be able to clear it right up!
FAQ – Cleaning the Glass on your Gas Fireplace
When cleaning your gas fireplace, you have many simple options that you can choose from, most of which may be done with items you already have in your house.
We’ll detail the most common so that you have a few options when it comes to getting your glass back to being film-free and shiny.
Can I Use Vinegar to Clean Gas Fireplace Glass?
Yes! Vinegar is a common and effective way to get that glass back to being bright and shiny in preparation for the winter fires to come. If you would like to clean your gas fireplace glass with vinegar, then use the following steps:
- You will want to fetch some vinegar and some ammonia so that we can make a cleaning solution for your fireplace glass. Mix 1 cup of vinegar with 1 tablespoon of ammonia and 3 cups of warm water.
- Pour this solution into a sprayer and spray it on the glass. Let is sit there for at least 30 seconds before you start to clean the glass.
- Using circular motions, clean the glass with a clean cloth or something soft like cotton. Have a few spare clothes with you to switch off as it gets dirty so that you can quickly get it cleaned.
- You may need to repeat the spraying process 2 or 3 times, but your glass should be quite sparkly and clean after that.
Can you Use Windex on Fireplace Glass?
You should not use Windex for cleaning your fireplace glass. It is simply not designed to clean the kind of buildup that you get on fireplace glass, so it is ineffective at best. If you don’t want to use vinegar, rather than using Windex, you can get some specialized cleaners for fireplace glass specifically designed for the task.
These will be a better fit, but whatever you choose, Windex should not be used for your fireplace glass.
Can you Use Magic Eraser on Fireplace Glass?
Magic Eraser works quite well when it comes to cleaning your fireplace glass. As it has some chemicals soaked into it, you should wear gloves to ensure that everything is safe. To clean with Magic Erased, get a container of water, your Magic Eraser, and some soft cloths nearby.
Give the glass a good rub down with the Magic Eraser, letting the suds sit for a few seconds before wiping them down with the cloths. Repeat as necessary until your glass is looking clean and shiny.
Can you Clean Fireplace Glass with Oven Cleaner?
If the buildup is extremely thick, you can use oven cleaner to clean your gas fireplace glass. While you don’t generally need it, there are occasions where the film might be thick enough, and in these cases, the steps for using oven cleaner may be applied. Just follow the quick steps below:
- Making sure that the glass is completely cooled, apply your oven cleaner and let it sit for the amount of time recommended on the packaging.
- Once that time has elapsed, wipe it down with a cloth or a convenient sponge to get off as much buildup as you can.
- Repeat the process as necessary until your glass is clean.
Wrap Up
Today we have discussed the dos and don’t when it comes to cleaning your fireplace glass. Remember, avoid products like Windex, using only cleaners specially formulated for your glass if you don’t want to go with vinegar or a convenient Magic Eraser.
Keeping your glass clean is something you should do regularly, but if it’s been a while, heavy-duty cleaning options like oven cleaner are certainly on the table. After you’ve got it clean, get in the habit of cleaning that resides at least once a month, and severe buildup will be a thing of the past.
Take good care of your gas fireplace, and your winters will not only be warmer, but you’ll have a beautiful fire to watch and an unobstructed view of it. It’s worth every minute that you spent cleaning!