Keeping your Stanley stove cleaner for longer

A multi-fuel stove can burn smokeless coal, wood or peat which is why they are sometimes referred to as solid fuel stoves. Multifuel or Solid Fuel stoves are now far easier and cleaner to use than ever before, as most have riddling grates to shake the solid fuel ash into the ashpan and airwash systems to keep the glass clean.

Our Stoves come in 2 different types of exterior  1) enamel which is a glossy vitreous enamel and 2) Senotherm or Matt Black.  We will show you how you can clean each of these along with the glass 

VITREOUS ENAMEL CLEANING

The vitreous enamel finish on your cooker is tough and hardwearing but should be treated with care.  General cleaning must be carried out when the stove is cool. If this stove is finished in a high gloss vitreous enamel, to keep the enamel in the best condition observe the following tips:

• Wipe over daily with a soapy damp cloth, followed by a polish with a clean dry duster.
• For stubborn deposits a soap impregnated pad can be carefully used on the vitreous enamel.
• Use only products recommended by the Vitreous Enamel Association, these products carry the Vitramel label. 
• Do not use abrasive pads or oven cleansers containing citric acid on enameled surfaces. Ensure that the cleanser manufacturer's instructions are adhered to.

Note: You only need to use a dry cloth on your matt black stove to remove any dust or dirt. Do not use any water on the matt black finish as this will cause it to rust. 

CLEANING THE GLASS OF YOUR STOVES

Typically the glass will clean itself when there is sufficient heat generated by burning fuel. If a build-up of creosote occurs on the glass it may be due to draft conditions, poor quality fuel or very low burning for a long time. Only clean glass when stove is thoroughly cooled.

To clean the glass inner surface, use hot water and a soapy cloth.  For stubborn stains use hot water and fine (grade zero) steel wool.

Some key tips on burning fuel in your stoves to stop the glass sooting up:

• The air wash is only effective on higher rates of burn.
• Poor grade or damp fuel will exasperate the condition.
• Slow burning will show this condition sometimes even with good fuel, normally when the draft is opened up it clears if the fuel is good. 

SOME HANDY TIPS TO KEEP YOUR STOVE LASTING LONGER

• Do not burn fuel with high moisture content, such as a damp peat or unseasoned timber. This will only result in a build up of tar in the stove and in the chimney.
• Burning soft fuels such as timber and peat can stain the glass. Regular cleaning will prevent permanent staining.
• Do not burn rubbish/household plastic.
• Clean the flue ways of the stove every month and ensure there no blockages. Please refer to your manual for instructions as they vary from stove to stove.
• Clean the chimney at least twice a year.
  Before loading fresh fuel into the firebox, riddle fully to remove all ashes this
• will allow better and cleaner burning.
• Never allow a build up of ashes in the ash pan, as this will cause the grate to burn out prematurely.
• Allow adequate air ventilation to ensure plenty of air for combustion.