Best Way to Clean the Boiler (Cosmetic)

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Eric Johnson

Eric Johnson

Mod Emeritus
Hearth Supporter
Nov 18, 2005
5,871
Central NYS
I have places on my EKO where leaking smoke has covered the beautiful powder coated green surfaces with ugly black residue. Not sure if there's a good way to clean this off, but it would be a nice addition to my annual spring maintenance routine. I've played around with gasoline and alcohol solvents, but they don't really work. Haven't tried citrus-based cleaner, but that might work. I did send my wife to the grocery store to pick up some "oven cleaner," (EZ Off, etc.) but apparently it's not sold anymore. I guess everyone has self-cleaning ovens these days, and that stuff probably contains some nasty ingredients.

So, is there any silver bullet, or do we just learn to live with the ugliness?
 
Simple Green and for really stubborn stains, fine rubbing compound and/or chrome polish. Those stains are surprising stubborn. Haven't tried it, but Comet cleanser may be good. I needed some light abrasive. Feels good to see it like new again.
 
Careful on oven cleaners, they will take paint off... Spoken from experience ...
 
Ash and water? I thought they still sold oven cleaner. Wally world used to carry the generic.
 
Dollar Tree carries " LA's Totally Awesome Oxygen Orange" . It works pretty good on my Econo's textured surface , I would think it would be great on a smooth surface. As soon as I spray it on, black runs down the panels. Their generic Simple Green is called "Mean Green" works OK but not as good as the orange stuff. Costs a buck and both are made in the USA.
 
Would glass cleaner for wood stoves work?
 
Eric Johnson said:
I have places on my EKO where leaking smoke has covered the beautiful powder coated green surfaces with ugly black residue. Not sure if there's a good way to clean this off, but it would be a nice addition to my annual spring maintenance routine. I've played around with gasoline and alcohol solvents, but they don't really work. Haven't tried citrus-based cleaner, but that might work. I did send my wife to the grocery store to pick up some "oven cleaner," (EZ Off, etc.) but apparently it's not sold anymore. I guess everyone has self-cleaning ovens these days, and that stuff probably contains some nasty ingredients.

So, is there any silver bullet, or do we just learn to live with the ugliness?
Click to expand...

Had the same thing with mine. Used Meguiars car wax (I think may have micro-abrasive polishing agents in it) and black residue came right off with absolutely no paint removal and the surface is now shiny and protected which is a win-win.
 
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KenLockett said:
Had the same thing with mine. Used Meguiars car wax (I think may have micro-abrasive polishing agents in it) and black residue came right off with absolutely no paint removal and the surface is now shiny and protected which is a win-win.
Click to expand...
I actually put a coat of wax on the entire surface about 3-4 years ago when new per Tarm Biomass recommendation.
 
Hmmm...might have to wax the BioWin. It still seems a little extreme though...
 
Definitely helps repel the fine dust and ash. With a fresh wax it can just be blown off.
 
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