Top Tips - How To Clean Your Fire Pit

Top Tips - How To Clean Your Fire Pit

Looking for a complete guide on how to clean your fire pit? Our step-by-step instructions will take you through the entire process safely and efficiently. 

Different types of material need specific care, and we will show you the best way to clean and maintain each one. 

• What will I need to use?

• When should I clean my firepit? 

• How do I clean different materials?

• What should I do with the ash?

We can't control the weather, but you can do so many things to protect your fire pits lifespan. By not looking after your fire pit, you run the risk of rust or a build-up of stubborn ash.

Cleaning and maintaining them regularly will be the key to your firepit lasting for years!

What Will I Need To Use?

Depending on your chosen firepit, these items might be useful to have at home ready for each clean. 

• Cloths / Rags / Old towels - You'll need one to clean, then a couple more to dry 

• Dish soap / Washing up liquid 

• Steel wool 

• White vinegar

• A hose pipe/bucket of water

• Gloves

• Shovel to discard any ash or debris and a heat-resistant bin. Please remember, never dispose of the ash in a plastic or cardboard container, not even when cooled.

When Do I Need To Clean My Fire Pit?

Never attempt to clean your firepit immediately after using it, as you will need to clean the inner and outer areas of your fire pit.

We recommend leaving it a few days before removing any ash or debris to begin the cleaning, as it will need to be completely cooled.

Clean Different Materials

How To Clean A Corten Steel Fire Pit

Corten steel and regular steel should be treated the same. However, regular steel will not develop the protective layer of rust.

• Leave the fire pit to cool

• Remove any ash or debris; use a small shovel

• Use hot soapy water and a soft cloth to wipe clean

• Rinse with a hose and allow the air to dry or wipe dry

• With corten steel fire pits, a rust layer will develop over time after exposure to weather. This protects the inside layer of steel; try not to remove this rust layer. It will give your pit protection and provide its own striking appearance

• Consider adding a layer of edible vegetable oil to mild steel fire pits. Apply with a paper towel. The oil will protect the metal surface from rusting

  For mild steel fire pits, treat any rust spots before they grow

How To Clean A Stone and Masonry Fire Pit

• Leave the fire pit to cool

• Remove any ash or debris using a shovel and brush

• Make a mix warm some soapy water

• Use a stiff-bristled brush to scrub clean 

• Rinse with a hose

• Leave to dry 

How To Clean A Gas Fire Pit

• Gas fire pits are low maintenance, but cleaning remains important 

• Disconnect from the gas supply before cleaning

• Remove any ash or debris that collects around the burner

• Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, which may damage stainless steel components

• Using soapy water, scrub the interior and exterior of the fire pit

• For hard-to-remove stains, use a mixture of vinegar and water

• Rinse with a hose

• Dry the fire pit thoroughly in the sun or with a towel

• Inspect the gas burners and ensure they are free of debris

• Use a small brush to gently clean if necessary

• Check the pipes and hose for any leaks and contact a professional if any identified

How To Clean A Copper Fire Pit

• Remove any ash or debris

• Spray with a hose 

• Use a soft cloth with some hot soapy water to clean

• Dry thoroughly with a clean, dry cloth

How To Clean A Cast Iron Fire Pit

• Remove any ash or debris

• Use steel wool to scrub clean

• Use distilled white vinegar and a soft cloth to remove a build-up of dirt or rust

• Dry thoroughly

• You can re-paint and re-seal to prevent rust

What To Do With Ash?

Wood ash can be disposed of in your garden once cooled completely. After around a week of storing in the heat-resistant bin, you can use small amounts in your compost pile.

This will add nutrients, balance out your soil as it becomes fertiliser, and you can also sprinkle on areas where you have slugs and snails to keep them away from your plants.

Wood ash is also recyclable from your garden waste. Coal ash is not and should be disposed of with general rubbish (once completely cooled). We recommend you check your local rules, which may differ by area. 

Looking after your firepit will really pay off in the long run. Maintenance and care will guarantee the longevity of your fire pit and give you years of enjoyment and memories.