If you’re
lucky enough to have an open fire at home, you’ll know just how enjoyable it is
for the entire family to huddle around and soak up the cosy, warm atmosphere.
However, anyone who owns an open fire will also tell you that they require a
little extra TLC than the alternatives to ensure it burns brightly, safely and
efficiently. Every open fire should be accompanied by a few key accessories,
which not only look decorative and attractive but also offer functionality too.
Tools
Fireplace
tools are essential for making sure your fire burns properly when it’s in use,
as well as keeping it clean afterwards. You’ll need pokers to prod the logs and
stoke the fire whilst it’s burning, as well as pair of metal tongs so that you
can add extra logs and reposition them without harming yourself. If your fire
doesn’t have an in-built vent, a bellow is handy to get some air into the
blaze. Finally, you’ll also need a shovel and broom for clearing the hearth
from ash and dust.
Ash bucket
After
cleaning your fire, you’ll need somewhere convenient to dispose of the ashes. A
decorative metal bucket provides the perfect receptacle- it needs to be metal
as it will hold hot ashes and embers. It should also have a tight-fitting lid
so if it’s knocked over, the ashes won’t spill all over your carpet!
Fireplace grate
Depending on
the style of fireplace you have, you’ll also need a fireplace grate. The job of
a grate is to hold the wood in place and allow air to circulate underneath the
fire, which in turn makes it burn better and for longer. An alternative to a
grate is a set of decorative andirons, which can be found in various different
designs and styles.
Log holder
If you use
your fireplace regularly, you’ll want somewhere to stack your logs that’s easy
to access for lighting a cheery blaze whenever you wish. There are plenty of
different styles available, from rustic wicker baskets to contemporary, metal
log holders. You probably also have a log store outdoors- this should be a
cool, dry place that’s off the ground to ensure the wood doesn’t get damp.
Screen or guard
Having a
fire screen or guard is essential for ensuring your fireplace is safe. It will
stop sparks and embers from spitting into the rest of the room, which reduces
the risk of a house fire igniting. A fire screen is a particularly vital
accessory if you have young children or pets. However, fire guards can also be
an attractive design feature, adding a unique style to your fireplace whilst
also offering practicality.
Using your trusty fire tools and accessories to
look after your fire is crucial for day to day maintenance, however, when it
comes to a deep clean or repair, you’ll need the help of the experts. At
Milborrow Chimney Sweeps, we provide professional chimney cleaning services
across Sussex, Kent and Surrey, ensuring our customers can enjoy their open
fires safely at all times. If you require
expert chimney services, give us a
call on 01342 717 900 or email us at flueologist@btinternet.com.
