Why You Need Wood Stove Maintenance
If you use your wood stove a lot, it needs some love.
Skip maintenance, and you could:
- Waste heat
- Spend more on firewood
- Risk a fire
- Break your stove
Let’s fix that.
Here are simple wood stove maintenance tips anyone can follow.
🔥 Easy Wood Stove Maintenance Tips
These quick tips will keep your stove running smooth and safe.
1. Clean Out Ash Every Week
Too much ash blocks airflow.
Scoop it out once a week, but leave a thin layer at the bottom—it helps with burning.
Use a metal ash bucket with a lid (embers can stay hot for hours).
2. Check the Door Gasket
That rope around your stove door keeps smoke in.
If it’s loose or falling apart, replace it.
We like the Rutland Gasket Kit—easy to use and affordable.
3. Wipe the Glass
Can’t see the fire?
Use a stove-safe glass cleaner (like Imperial Glass Cleaner) and a soft cloth.
No Windex or sprays—they can damage the glass.
4. Clean the Chimney
Creosote buildup can cause chimney fires.
Get a chimney sweep once a year.
Or use a Rutland Chimney Sweep Log every few weeks to help reduce buildup.
5. Check Fire Bricks
Look inside your stove—see those bricks?
If any are cracked or broken, replace them.
They help spread heat and protect the stove.
6. Test the Damper
Open and close all the vents and controls.
If they’re stuck, fix them before you light the stove.
💡 Extra Wood Stove Maintenance Tips Most People Forget
– Use Dry Firewood
Wet wood makes more smoke, less heat, and builds up creosote.
Only burn wood with less than 20% moisture.
Use a moisture meter to check.
– Get a Carbon Monoxide Detector
This is a must.
Wood stoves can give off dangerous gas.
Install a detector near your stove to stay safe.
– Have a Pro Check It Once a Year
Even if you’re handy, get your stove checked before winter.
A tech can find small problems before they get big.
Bottom Line: Don’t Skip These Wood Stove Maintenance Tips
These wood stove maintenance tips help your stove:
- Burn better
- Last longer
- Stay safe
- Save money
Need gear or replacement parts?
Check out our wood stove accessories section for the tools that make it easy.
FAQs – Wood Stove Maintenance Tips
How often should I clean my stove?
Once a week during use, and deep clean before and after winter.
Do I need a chimney sweep?
Yes! Once a year is best, or use chimney cleaning logs monthly.
Can I clean stove glass with regular cleaners?
Nope. Use stove-safe glass cleaner only.
🌟 Benefits of Following These Wood Stove Maintenance Tips
Let’s break it down: following these wood stove maintenance tips will help you…
- Burn wood more efficiently
- Save money on firewood
- Keep your family safe
- Avoid costly repairs
- Make your stove last longer
- Enjoy cleaner air in your home
- See those beautiful flames through clean glass
A well-maintained stove pays for itself—and then some.
🔁 Create a Simple Maintenance Schedule
Here’s a basic schedule you can follow:
| Task | How Often |
|---|---|
| Clean ash | Weekly |
| Wipe stove glass | Weekly |
| Check gasket | Monthly |
| Sweep chimney | Yearly |
| Replace fire bricks | As needed |
| Full inspection | Yearly |
Print this, tape it next to your stove, and thank yourself later.
Maintenance Tips
Q: How do I know when to replace the gasket?
If it’s loose, burned, or not sealing the door tightly—it’s time.
Q: Can I use water to clean my stove?
Yes, but only on the outside. Use special cleaner for the glass.
Q: What happens if I don’t clean the chimney?
Creosote builds up, and you risk a chimney fire. Always clean it!
Q: What kind of wood should I burn?
Dry hardwood like oak or maple. Softwood burns fast and makes more creosote.
Final Thoughts on Wood Stove Maintenance Tips
Don’t overthink it—just keep it clean, check the parts, and burn the right wood.
These wood stove maintenance tips will help you stay warm, safe, and stress-free all season long.
Need supplies?
We’ve got everything you need in our wood stove accessories shop—cleaners, gaskets, tools, and more.