4+ Ways To Clean Your Brick Fireplace’s Glass Doors

It is easy to neglect your fireplace’s glass doors- especially when it is working okay and not too smudged.

Cleaning is the easiest way of keeping it in good shape and to enjoy the beautiful colors of the fireplace. It is a DIY exercise that does not require professional expertise.

There are several ways you can get it done. Check out our guide to cleaning gas fireplace glass if you’ve got a gas fireplace!

How to Clean Fireplace Glass

Let us look at each method:

Tools Needed:

• Microfiber cloth/newspaper/paper towel
• Vinegar
• Ammonia
• Ash
• Hot water
• Spackling knife/razor blade
• Water spray bottle
• Bowl/bucket
• Toothpaste

1. Using Ashes

Wondering what to do with fireplace ashes? It is actually the simplest of all cleaning methods. The cleaning ingredients are already available since you use the ash from your fireplace and some water. Before you start cleaning, always make sure the fireplace glass has cooled down. Proceed with cleaning as follows:

1. Use your spackling knife or razor blade to remove build-up if any. This step will help make the cleaning process easier.
2. After removing build-up, use the ash from your fireplace to make a cleaning paste. Mix it with a little water and make a consistency of your preference.
3. Using your newspaper or microfiber, clean your fireplace glass using the paste in circular motions. Ensure the paste covers all the glass and repeat the process if need be.
4. Rinse off the ash paste using a wet microfiber cloth. Do it thoroughly to ensure no streaks are left. You can also use a water spray bottle to spray water on the glass and dry it with a paper towel or newspaper.

Tip: when using a spackling knife or razor blade to remove build-up, use them gently to avoid leaving scratches on your glass.

2. Using Vinegar Solution

This is another homemade cleaning solution that is made from simple ingredients. You will use ammonia, vinegar, and warm water to make the concoction.

1. Use 3 parts warm water 1 part vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of ammonia. Mix the ingredients well.
2. Put your cleaning solution in a water spray bottle and spray it on the glass. Allow it to sit for about 30 seconds before you begin cleaning.
3. Use a clean microfiber cloth to scrub the soot in circular motions. The dirt will start becoming loose. If the dirt persists, repeat the process about 2-3 times or until when the glass is clean.
4. Check to see if there are any streaks after you are one cleaning. If any, use a clean microfiber cloth/paper towel to buff it clean.

Tip: vinegar solution is a multi-purpose cleaning agent that can be used to clean other surfaces include kitchen equipment.

3. Using Commercial Cleaners

These are good for use when your fireplace does not produce ash, or when the stains are so stubborn and require a heavy-duty cleaner.

1. While using these cleaners, be careful because they can make you do a lot of work. It is because they form streaks after cleaning, which adds more work.
2. Spray the commercial cleaner on the glass. Make sure you cover all the parts to allow easy cleaning. But, if the dirt has accumulated to build-up, use a razor blade or the spackling knife to get rid of the excess.
3. Allow the cleaning agent to sit for about 30 minutes before you start cleaning. It allows it to react with the dirt and make it loose and ready for cleaning.
4. Use a clean and cloth to wipe the commercial cleaner after 30 minutes are over. We recommend using a microfiber cloth because it does not leave streaks behind.

Tip: when using commercial cleaners, those that contain silicon are a great choice. These do not leave streaks after cleaning and offer a lasting solution. That is, they create a barrier that makes frequent cleaning unnecessary.

4. Wiping Off

You will need warm water, a newspaper, or a clean cloth. You can use cold water but warm water making cleaning easier because it loosens the dirt fast.

1. Start with wiping the glass with a dry cloth to remove the excess loose dirt
2. Soak a newspaper or cloth in warm water and start wiping the haze off. Start with the door (outside) going in (the glass). It helps with avoiding re-doing the work. That is, if you start with the glass and finish with the door, it can make your glass dirty and make you re-do the work.
3. Rinse your cleaning cloth often while cleaning to make sure you don’t leave dirty stripes.

Tip: always use circular motions when cleaning your glass. It helps not to skip some parts and clean your glass well.

4. Using Toothpaste

Yup! That’s right. It looks like an odd cleaning method but works just fine. You will need a soft brush to use with this cleaning agent, like how you use it with the teeth. Toothpaste can help with removing tough stains, fogging and scratches. It is a mild cleaning agent.

1. Use a clean cloth to apply toothpaste to your fireplace glass. Ensure you have covered all parts with the paste.
2. Allow the toothpaste to rest for about 15 minutes before you start doing anything.
3. Wet the brush with some warm water and start scrubbing your glass slowly and in circular motions.
4. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove foam and dirt. Warm water works better than a cold one.
5. Dry your glass using a paper towel, newspaper, or microfiber cloth.

Tip: when using a newspaper to clean/dry your glass, discard it and take a fresh one when it starts getting dark. Do this to avoid leaving dark print on your glass.

When was the last time you cleaned your fireplace glass? Perhaps you didn’t know you can clean it yourself without contracting a cleaning professional. Consider one of these tactics and see the transformation your glass will undergo.

Cleaning it also make it more efficient. Have your fireplace ready for use during winter by ensuring its glass is clean.

Eugene Duke

Hi, my name’s Eugene Duke and I love sitting by my fireplace reading a book and sipping on an adult beverage. Do you have a fireplace in your house? I’ll help you figure out the best type and style of fireplace for your home.