Bioethanol fireplaces are celebrated for their sleek design, ease of use, and eco-friendliness. But even the cleanest flame deserves a little love. Today, we’re sharing our top bioethanol fireplace maintenance tips to help you keep your fire looking at its best and ensure it operates safely year after year.

Why bioethanol fireplace upkeep matters

One of the biggest benefits of owning a bioethanol fireplace is its lack of mess. Unlike wood or coal fires, bioethanol produces no ash, soot, or smoke. There’s no chimney or flue needed, so you don’t need to worry about regular sweeping or ash disposal. But just because the fire itself burns clean doesn’t mean you should ignore the fireplace. Dust, fingerprints, and discolouration can build up over time and compromise the look and safety of your fireplace.

By regularly maintaining and cleaning your bioethanol fireplace, you ensure that your fire functions safely and efficiently. A few minutes of attention each week prevents bigger issues from occurring that could shorten the lifespan of your fire. Regular checks also give you peace of mind in knowing that your fuel box, surfaces, and accessories are all in safe working order.

Deep clean the surfaces and exterior panels

Although bioethanol leaves no smoke stains, everyday dust will naturally settle on the surface of your fireplace, which could dull its sleek finish. Here’s how to restore your fireplace’s sparkle:

• Dust the surface every week using a soft, dry duster or the cushioned brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner. This prevents dirt from scratching the surface.

• Gently wipe the exterior panels with a soft cloth that has been lightly dampened in warm, soapy water. A single drop of washing-up liquid is all you need. Then, wipe the panels dry with a microfibre cloth to avoid streaks.

• Avoid harsh products like polishes, waxes, or chemical sprays. These often leave a residue that can discolour your fireplace when exposed to heat. Instead, just use warm water and mild detergent.

Give your fuel box a little TLC

The fuel box, sometimes called the burner, is the most important part of your bioethanol fire. This is where the magic happens and the liquid burns into a vibrant, clean flame. As the fuel box plays such a central role, it deserves special care:

• Check the fuel box for any cracks or warping before every use. Although our burner boxes are double-lined for extra safety, routine checks will ensure that nothing goes unnoticed. 

• Once the fuel box is completely cool, wipe it with a non-scratch scourer that has been dipped in warm, soapy water. If there are any tougher marks, try using a stainless-steel cleaner to restore its sleek finish – but always test in a safe spot first.  

• Pour your bioethanol slowly and carefully into the box and never go above the maximum line. This prevents fuel from spilling over the sides and makes the most of the protective design built into our burner boxes.

• Never use your bioethanol beyond its expiry date. Out-of-date fuel may burn poorly or give off nasty odours. Always store your bioethanol in a clean, dry place and check each bottle before use.

Read our FAQ for more information on how to properly maintain your bioethanol fuel box. 

How to deal with spills and discolouration

Our patented ‘no-spill’ fuel box eliminates the risk of your fuel spilling out of the burner while in use. However, if you accidentally spill any bioethanol while refilling your fuel box, it’s important that you act immediately:

• Mop up any bioethanol spill with a paper towel or soft cloth. 

• Ensure that the surface is completely dry before striking a flame. You should never light a bioethanol fire if even a trace of liquid remains outside the burner.

Over time, you may find that some light marks appear inside your fireplace, particularly on the underside of the top panel. This is usually harmless residue from heat exposure. If you spot any discolouration, wipe it gently with a soft sponge and mild detergent to restore the surface. 

These small steps will keep your fireplace looking at its best and ensure that every flame dances safely.

Making bioethanol fireplace maintenance simple

Fireplace upkeep should never feel like a chore. At imaginfires, we’ve designed our bioethanol fireplaces to be very easy to clean and maintain. A quick wipe here, a short check there, and you can experience the joy of real flames without the stress or hassle that comes with traditional log burners. 

Explore our range of bioethanol fireplaces and get ready to bring that real flame feeling into your home.