Cleaning Up Around The Stove

[whenley]

I am looking for a better way of cleaning up the mess around the stove and on the hearth. You know, minor dirt from logs, small flakes of bark, minor ash spillage from shoveling the ashes out. Presently I use a small "Dustbuster" handheld vacuum. It vacuums up most of the small stuff, but the filtration leaves a lot to be desired. You can see a lot of fines spewing out the exhaust. I realize ash will go through about any filter except a HEPA, but there has got to be something better than this Dustbuster. Also, the Dustbuster exhaust is not directed away very well and can blow the debris around if you aren't careful. A brush and dustpan doesnt work very well on the brick hearth.

I have noticed in the Pictures Forum some beautiful fireplaces and hearths. I can make mine look like that too - for about a half-day.

So Whats the Solution?

Thanks in advance,
Worth in VA

 

[babalu87]

The "shovel" and brush in the fireplace tool kit
Damp rag

Damp rag gets everything from the nooks and crannies

 

[wg_bent]

http://www.grizzly.com/products/G0508 :cheese:

 

[Hokerer]

If you've got $200 to burn (pun intended) you could try this...

(broken link removed to http://www.plowhearth.com/product.asp?section_id=0&department=0&search_type=normal&search_value=vacuum&cur_index=&pcode=211)

 

[Willhound]

The "shovel" and brush in the fireplace tool kit
Damp rag
Damp rag gets everything from the nooks and crannies

Yep, that seems to work best for me too. Small short sweeping strokes to keep dust down. By using the one from the fireplace tool kit it kinda forces you to go slow and easy. I also find it easier to do this a couple of times a day as I'm filling the stove, vs. waiting for a big mess. The wet rag gets used a couple of times a week or whenever I take out the ashes, depending on how bad it gets.

If you've got $200 to burn (pun intended) you could try this...

(broken link removed to http://www.plowhearth.com/product.asp?section_id=0&department=0&search_type=normal&search_value=vacuum&cur_index=&pcode=211)

Gadzooks! I see it says "Warm" Ash vaccuum......That could take anywhere from 3 days to a week if you're going to use it right in the firebox like they show in the picture. Loose stuff around the hearth, maybe, and even then I think I'd throw it outside or empty it just to make sure.
The missus decided that the little broom was too slow and started pushing the Hoover around the hearth a while back. I freaked and threatened to cut the cord off, and then calmed down and patiently explained how even one semi-hot coal could smolder in there for days before taking off, especially with the odd assortment of dog hair and other flammable junk in the paper vaccuum bag.

I guess that's why I always seem to be the one cleaning the hearth now..... :red:

Willhound

 

[zogboy]

I use an old shop vac that is made from a metal 5 gal bucket.
I run an old vac hose from the pool and set the vac outside.
That takes care of the flyash problem and the old vac really get
all the dust out.

 

[whenley]

I have an old shop vac/extension hose for outside that I use for major clean ups. My need is for ongoing tidying around the outside of the stove itself. Mostly wood dirt, etc. Hate to dig out the wifes cannister vac just for that. I need something I can run for 30sec to just 'neaten up' a bit. That would sure make the wife happier. Maybe the Dustbuster is the best solution. Brushing doesnt work so well on the brick hearth, too much texture from the morter and rough brick.
I have never tried the damp rag trick, sounds messy, but I may give it a go for the small ash dribbles.

 

[Sandor]

Using 12 x12 Smooth granite tiles, with small - non sanded grout lines for the hearth, makes for easy cleanups with the damp rag method.

Love the brick look, but that pesky cleaning issue....