Old Ash in Fireplace

[bobp333]

Hi,

I have a fireplace in my home, that I haven't used for several years. Today, I opened the glass doors and took a look inside. It has some old ash in it, maybe an inch deep, that I neglected to clean, and is somewhat smelly. Over all those years, I never noticed any smell while the doors were closed, and the doors do not form anywhere near an airtight seal. The ash looks kind of damp.

So now my question. How do I clean it? What precautions should I take? I was thinking of wearing one of those paper fiber masks, goggles, and gloves. I plan to gently sweep and scoop the major portion of it, and then vacuum the rest with a shop vac.

I'd appreciate any suggestions.

Thanks,
Bob P.

 

[blacktail]

Shovel it into a bucket. Dump it outside or in the trash. If it's been that long since the last fire then accidentally starting a fire isn't an issue.

Sent from my XT1080 using Tapatalk

 

[bobp333]

That's what I want to do. My reason for wearing a mask is concerns about mold. I figure it could give me some protection. I plan on doing it carefully so I don't kick up too much dust. Maybe I'm being overly concerned.

 

[Dix]

That's what I want to do. My reason for wearing a mask is concerns about mold. I figure it could give me some protection. I plan on doing it carefully so I don't kick up too much dust. Maybe I'm being overly concerned.

You are.

Welcome to the forums !!

I just shoveled out the PE, gonna dump the ash in the flowers beds when Murphy & I take our last border patrol this evening.

Ash = poor woman's lime

 

[Lake Girl]

Been spreading the pellet ash over the lawn, in the garden. Son borrowed some to spread on his boss' yard. The pine trees block sun, needles make the ground more acidic and the ash neutralizes the soil a bit. Sow grass seed. Repeat next year.

 

[kennyp2339]

I wouldn't worry about mold, just shovel it out and be done with it.