Having a fireplace in your home is a big perk, and many people will specifically look to purchase a home that has a fireplace in it. But if you've never had a fireplace in your home before, you might not know what fireplace accessories you need to give it the proper care. Wood-burning fireplaces in particular need regular cleaning and attention, and you need the right tools to complete this task. This article will tell you what items you need to have on hand so that you can properly care for your fireplace. Fireplace Insert The first thing you need for a wood-burning fireplace is a proper insert. Though you could feasibly just toss wood directly into the fireplace, the fire won't burn as well as it would with an insert. An insert is a grate or rack of some kind that you stack the wood on, which raises it off the base of the fireplace. This allows oxygen to flow all around the fire, helping it to burn brighter, hotter, and longer. Most fireplaces should have an insert already installed, but if yours does not, or if the existing insert is damaged or falling apart, then you'll have to find a replacement. These are fairly simple to find, as they don't have to fit any specific requirements. As long as the insert can fit into the fireplace, then it should work just fine. Poker Though most people know what a fireplace poker is, and they'll recognize them if they see them, many don't know what the true purpose of the poker is. It's not just for prodding the burning logs to get some fun sparks to jump off of them. It is a tool that can be used to safely push more fuel into the fire, or adjust the existing wood pile so that it burns more evenly. Sometimes, the stacked wood can collapse during burning, and it wall fall in such a way that it does not allow oxygen into the fire. This can kill the flame quickly. A poker lets you move the logs around without having to touch any of the logs with your hands so that you can help get more oxygen into the fire and keep it burning. Shovel You should also purchase a small shovel for cleaning out your fireplace. As wood burns, it will leave piles of ash and charred wood at the bottom of your fireplace. Eventually, this will pile up so that it is practically impossible to build a fire. You should clean out your fireplace after every fire, and a fireplace shovel is the best tool for doing this. It is small and has a long enough handle that you can safely scoop out any hot coals. Dump all these in a bucket designated for fireplace refuse. Mix the coals and ash with some water and let it sit for a while before throwing it in your trash can. This will ensure there are no hot coals left that could cause a trash fire. Brush You will also want a brush to help with cleaning out your fireplace. The shovel won't be able to get everything, and if you want to get your fireplace completely clean, you'll need to have a small brush to sweep out the remaining ashes. The brush can also be used to clean up any ashes or embers that fall onto your hearth or the floor surrounding the fireplace so that you can ensure your home stays neat and clean. These 4 fireplace accessories will help you keep your fireplace in good shape so that you can stay warm all winter long.
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