Spring is here, bringing the perfect opportunity to revitalise your log store and give your log burner the tune up it deserves after a long winter. A little  maintenance at this time of year goes a long way, as keeping up with both log store and log burner maintenance will maximise overall performance and lifespan. So while you’re in the mood for a spot of spring cleaning to prepare for the months ahead, we’ve prepared the Ultimate Spring Cleaning Check List for your wood burner and your log store – with every step noted here and at your fingertips.

Let’s get started!

Spring Log Store Maintenance Guide

1. Clear out winter’s leftovers

After a long, cold winter with high winds and rain, there’s every good chance your log store’s accumulated quite a lot of leaves, mud, and debris. A clean, debris-free log store will mean that your firewood – particularly Ready To Burn certified kiln dried logs – will stay dry and optimise your burning experience. After all, there’s little point buying kiln dried logs if they’re only going to get wet and damp again.

Action Steps:

• Remove all muck and debris to prevent moisture build-up.
• Ensure optimal airflow so your firewood is sufficiently ventilated

2. Check for Log Store Dampness and Moisture

Excess moisture within your log store can spoil even the driest firewood. As we’ve discovered, it’s counterproductive to buy kiln dried logs if your log store is letting in water. Ready To Burn certified firewood with a moisture content below 20% is proven to burn cleaner and more efficiently than unseasoned logs, reducing dangerous creosote build-up and ensuring your log fires are able to burn at their very best.

Tips:

• Inspect your log store for signs of dampness or water pooling and repair where needed.
• Improve drainage or elevate your firewood stack to ensure it’s off the ground and ventilation is improved.
• Use a moisture meter to regularly check the moisture content of your firewood.

3. Organise, Maintain and Rotate Your Logs

A well-organised log store not only looks impressive but also helps you use the driest, most seasoned wood first with the lowest moisture content. Rotate your firewood regularly to avoid accidentally burning wet logs, and plan your next firewood delivery to ensure your log store is nicely topped up to avoid any firewood shortages when competition for supply is high in the winter months. 

Best Practices:

• Rotate your firewood regularly to prioritise older logs.
• Adopt a first in first out approach but always use a moisture meter to ensure only logs with a moisture reading of below 20% are burned.
• Use this opportunity to replenish your supply by checking out our firewood bundles.

4. Deep Clean Your Log Storage Area

After removing debris, sweep or vacuum your log store to eliminate dust and fine particles. Ensure everything dries completely before restacking your logs, especially if you’re adding a fresh batch of kiln dried logs.

Steps to Follow:

• For concrete or paved surfaces, a gentle wash using specialist cleaners can remove stubborn grime.
• Allow everything to dry completely before restacking your logs to avoid trapping any moisture.

5. Inspect Structural Integrity and Ventilation

While cleaning your log store, take time to check for any structural issues like broken slats, loose boards, or rusted fittings. Good ventilation is crucial to keeping your firewood dry and mould-free. Make sure vents are unobstructed, ensuring your logs remain well ventilated and ready for your next perfect log fire.

Key Reminders:

• Ensure all vents are free from any obstructions to maintain optimal airflow and prevent mould.

Log Burner Maintenance Tips

1. Cleaning Your Log Burner

After a long winter of keeping you cosy, your log burner deserves attention too! Remove any residual ash or soot that’s accumulated from the winter season using a soft brush and pan, and an ash vacuum if you have one, so you can continue to enjoy the benefits of Ready To Burn certified kiln dried logs – providing a clean, efficient and long lasting burn with low emissions.

Maintenance Tips:

• Remove any residual ash or soot from the winter season using a soft brush and pan, or a specialised ash vacuum if you have one.
• Wipe down the exterior using a professional stove care kit to ensure your stove looks its best.
• Clean the inside of the stove glass to safely remove soot, grease and tar that’s accumulated over the winter months.

Creosote build up as a result of not keeping up with annual chimney sweeping can combust and cause chimney fires.

2. Book a HETAS chimney sweep

A clean chimney or flue is critical for the safe, efficient operation of your log burner. Excessive soot and creosote build-up could lead to a chimney fire – endangering your home and your loved ones. So if it’s been over a year since your last professional chimney sweep, now’s the time to schedule one! 

We know money’s tight right now, but PLEASE don’t compromise on having your chimney professionally swept! 

Checklist:

• Arrange a HETAS registered chimney sweep for an annual service and inspection.
• Perform a test burn to confirm optimal airflow. If issues persist, adjust damper settings or consult a professional chimney sweep or contact your appliance manufacturer.

3. Schedule Professional Wood Burning Stove Maintenance

Before resuming regular use of your log burner, we strongly recommend arranging a HETAS approved servicing technician to inspect your log burner and carry out any necessary repairs. Faulty seals and worn gaskets can compromise your stove’s efficiency and allow harmful smoke to leak into your home. Inspect the seals around doors and access panels, and arrange to replace them if needed. These small steps can significantly enhance the energy efficiency and safety of your log burning appliance.

Benefits:

• Early detection of potential issues.
• Enhanced safety and efficiency, prolonging the life of your system.
• Reduced long-term costs and hassle. 

FAQ

Q1: How often should I clean my log store?
A: It’s best to clean your log store at the start of each season. Spring is ideal for removing winter debris and ensuring your firewood is dry and well-organised.

Q2: What are the signs that my log burner needs maintenance?
A: Look for residual soot, reduced airflow, smoke leakage, or any visible wear on seals and gaskets. Annual inspections by a HETAS approved servicing technician can help prevent these issues.

Q3: Why is it important to choose Ready To Burn certified kiln dried logs?
A: Ready To Burn certified kiln dried logs are sustainably sourced and have a low moisture content, below 20%, ensuring a clean, efficient and long lasting burn compared to burning wet logs. This reduces harmful creosote build-up whilst providing a high heat output. Burning wet logs simply means you’re using more wood, creating more harmful smoke, and not getting enough heat. In other words, burning wet wood is a false economy.

Q4: Should I schedule professional maintenance for my log burner rather than do it myself?
A: Yes. While DIY cleaning is always beneficial, a professional inspection by a HETAS registered servicing agent can identify potential hazards and extend the lifespan of your log burner.

For additional questions, feel free to visit our FAQ page.

Bringing It All Together

Quick Reminders for a Successful Wood Burner and Log Store Spring Clean:

• Keep a Maintenance Log: Record your cleaning tasks, dates, and any professional services instructed. This will help you track your progress and plan future upkeep.
• Make Safety A Priority: Always wear protective gear such as gloves and a mask when cleaning ashes or cleaning out debris.
• Stay Informed: Keep an eye out for more blogs – packed with handy log burning and maintenance tips to ensure your log burning experiences remain happy and enjoyable!

Burn it. Love it. Tag it! #FireUpTheFeelGood

Read more of our handy log burning blogs!