Simpson
A fire pit is a great addition to the outdoors of your home. It can give you a warm and comfortable place to hang out, even during colder seasons. Activities like backyard camping, making s’mores, and more can also become easier.
The fire pit can also be a beautiful addition to your backyard since they come in all kinds of aesthetic designs. For example, there are some fire pits made from metal, stone, or more. Nonetheless, it’s an investment that not only requires money but also time. This is because it’s important to learn about how to use it safely and how to maintain it so that it lasts.
Keeping your fire pit in tiptop shape will take several steps, and these steps can vary depending on the materials. For example, if you’re using a metal firepit, you’ll want to find more info on how to keep it from rusting. But to maintain your fire pit in general, here are some methods you can follow.
1. Be Careful With What You Burn
The first thing you need to consider when you have a fire pit is to make sure that you’re burning the right materials. Never burn rubbish and plastics since this can be toxic and dangerous to you and the environment. There are also certain kinds of wood that you don’t want to throw in the fire pit, such as pressure-treated wood and greenwood. Don’t use accelerants such as gasoline, lighter fluid, and alcohol because this is dangerous and can also discolor your fire pit. Only burn dry split wood, or what’s mentioned in the instruction manual.
2. Let The Flames Die Out Naturally
Another thing that people forget about fire pit care is to avoid using water to extinguish the fire. Instead, it’s best to let the fire die out naturally since dousing water on the fire pit can cause a sudden drastic change in temperature. This, in turn, can cause it to crack or become misshapen. But to be safe, it’s important to have a fire extinguisher close by in case of emergencies.
3. Shovel Out Ashes
While it’s tempting to just leave the ashes in the fire pit, it’s one of the things you should avoid. This is because ashes are acidic, and leaving them in the fire pit can damage the material, whether be it stone or metal. But to keep yourself safe, clean out the ashes after a day just to make sure that it’s cool so you don’t accidentally burn yourself.
4. Use A Fire Pit Cover
A fire pit can transform your outdoor space into an amazing spot for all kinds of activities, but it’s also important to understand that it will require extra care, too. You won’t always be using the fire pit, and when you’re not you’ll still want to make sure it’s safe. This is why using a fire pit matters since it can keep dust, debris, and water from getting into the bowl. If you can lift and store your fire pit indoors when not in use, it’s something you should definitely do, especially during winter or stormy seasons.
5. Clean It Regularly
While shoveling out the ashes helps keep the pit clean, it isn’t enough since remnants of ashes can’t be completely rid of. Instead, you’ll want to thoroughly clean it, and each process will vary depending on the material. Here are some ways you can clean up your fire pit properly.
A. Masonry Fire Pit
- Get rid of debris and ashes
- Make a solution from one-part muriatic acid and 9-parts water
- Scrub the interior using the solution
- Rinse out the fire pit with clean water and let it dry
B. Steel Or Metal Fire Pit
- Get rid of debris and ashes
- Rinse it down with water, it’s best to use a hose
- With a soap and water solution, wipe it down gently
- Rinse it out
- Set the bowl upside-down to dry it
C. Cast Iron Fire Pit
- Get rid of debris and ashes
- Clean the bowl with steel wool
- Rinse it with clean water
- Dry it thoroughly with a soft rag
D. Copper Fire Pit
- Get rid of debris and ashes
- Rinse it with water, use a hose if possible
- Clean it with soap and water
E. Gas Fire Pit
- Get rid of debris and ashes
- Clean the burners thoroughly
- Check the gas lines for safety
Depending on the kind of fire pit you have at home, it can be easy or challenging to maintain and clean up. This is why it’s essential to choose your firepit carefully and wisely since you can pick a stone or metal fire pit if you want something easier to maintain.
Conclusion
There are all kinds of fire pits to choose from, depending on the design, material, and size. But either way, each one will require certain steps to keep it looking new and well-kept. Only burn the right kind of wood and clean up the ashes when the pit has cooled down. After that, make sure that you clean and scrub it down using the correct method for the material.
