How to clean an electric fireplace: A complete guide for 2023

Electric fireplaces have become a popular alternative to traditional wood stoves for their ease of use and low maintenance.

However, just like any other household appliance, electric fireplaces need to be cleaned to keep them in good working condition.

In this article, we will discuss the steps and best practices for cleaning an electric fireplace, as well as why it is important to do so.

In a hurry? Here’s our quick step guide for cleaning an electric fireplace, for a more in depth guide on each step, continue reading!

1. Turn off the fireplace and unplug it from the electrical outlet.
2. Remove any loose debris, such as dust and dirt, from the fireplace using a vacuum or a soft brush.
3. Clean the exterior of the fireplace with a damp cloth or a microfiber cloth. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or rough cloths, as these can damage the surface.
4. Wipe down the heating element and the surrounding area with a damp cloth.
5. Clean the glass or Plexiglass front by wiping it down with a glass cleaner or white vinegar and a soft cloth.
6. Clean the wall mounted control panel and buttons with a damp cloth.
7. Reassemble the fireplace and plug it back in.

How often should you clean your electric fireplace?

While electric fireplaces are low maintenance compared to traditional fireplaces, they still require cleaning to ensure they operate safely and effectively.

The frequency of cleaning depends on several factors such as usage rate, dust accumulation, and type of electric fireplace.

It is recommended to clean an electric fireplace at least once a year as a minimum, or as needed depending on usage and dust accumulation.

For fireplaces used frequently, it may be necessary to clean them more often.

Dust and debris can accumulate on the surfaces, causing the fireplace to function less efficiently and potentially pose a fire hazard.

Steps on how to clean an electric fireplace

Step 1: Turn off and unplug

Every electric fireplace user guide will tell you to turn off and unplug your fireplace if you are going to be cleaning or doing maintenance on your fireplace.

If your electric fireplace is hardwired into your electrics then be sure to isolate the supply to your fireplace from your fuse box.

Step 2: Cleaning the exterior of electric fireplace

It’s important to clean the exterior of an electric fireplace for both aesthetics and safety reasons.

A clean fireplace not only looks better but it can also prevent the build-up of dust, dirt and other debris that can obstruct the vents and cause a potential fire hazard.

Depending on the type of electric fireplace you have, your ember bed will either be out in the open or behind a glass screen.

If, like many modern electric fireplaces your ember bed is behind a screen, there will be much less build up in little nooks and crannies, making the exterior clean an easier job.

1. Begin by dusting all surfaces with a soft, lint-free cloth. Ensure to get into all the crevices and the inlet/outlet vents.
2. Get a damp, lint-free cloth that has been rinsed and thoroughly squeezed out in mild, soapy water. You don’t want the cloth to dripping wet. We must remember this is an electrical appliance that may be damaged by excess water.
3. Gently scrub anywhere that is exposed, ensuring you focus on the inlet/outlet vents as these are notorious for dust build=up and is the main reason for electric fireplace failures/errors.
4. Dry all surfaces thoroughly with a clean, lint-free cloth.

Step 3: Cleaning the glass of an electric fireplace

Many electric fireplaces feature a glass screen, and if yours has one you will probably find that, while there are no dirty fume stains that you would find with a gas or wood fire, there are dirty marks, finger prints and dust build up.

If you notice that the interior of the glass does need cleaning, you will need to remove the screen.

We have a guide on how to remove the glass on an electric fireplace if you don’t know how to do this.

1. Mix a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, or for convenience we use Aunt Fannie’s Glass & Window Cleaning Vinegar Wash.
2. Spray the solution on the glass and let it sit for a few minutes.
3. Use a soft cloth or paper towel to wipe the glass clean, making sure to get into all the corners.
4. Dry the glass thoroughly with a clean cloth.

Note: For tough stains, you can add a small amount of baking soda to the vinegar solution. Avoid using abrasive materials like steel wool or scouring pads as they may scratch the glass.

Step 4: Cleaning the interior of the electric fireplace

It’s not usually recommended to clean the interior of an electric fireplace due to all the electrical components housed within.

However, if you are having problems with your fireplace or you have noticed an excessive amount of dust build-up inside, there may be no other option.

If this is the case then ensure your electric fireplace is unplugged from your outlet and never use a damp or wet cloth on the interior.

Instead you should:

• Use a dry, lint-free cloth to remove dust. Repeat if necessary until the interior is dust free
• Use a vacuum

For the ember bed and heating element, we recommend using a vacuum to remove the majority of the dust, taking care not to cause damage to the heating component.

Once you have removed the majority of the dust you can remove any remaining debris with a dry, lint-free cloth.

For the flame effect components including any mirrors and bulbs or LED strips, we recommend cleaning with a dry, lint-free cloth.

How to clean an electric fireplace – Conclusion

By following these simple steps, you can keep your electric fireplace in top condition and ensure that it continues to function properly and look great.

Regular cleaning is an important part of maintaining your electric fireplace and will help extend its lifespan.

Additionally, a clean fireplace will improve the overall look of your room and provide you with a warm and inviting atmosphere.