Spring Fireplace Trends: How to Refresh Your Living Room

The nights may be getting lighter in the UK, but temperatures are still sub-zero. 

As we crawl towards spring, homeowners around the country may be eager to prepare for the season. Spring is all about renewal: it symbolises new beginnings, as nature (and humans!) come back to life after winter.

You might even start plans for the big spring-clean, whatever tasks that means for your home. But if your fireplace has been working overtime to keep you warm this winter, don’t forget to give it some TLC. 

Here’s how to refresh your living room for warmer weather. (If you have yet to invest in a home heating appliance, don’t wait! We’ve got industry-leading electric fires and gas fires at unbeatable prices).

1. Give your fireplace a dusting 

All season long, your fireplace’s exterior will have accumulated dirt from a range of different sources. Even if you keep a very tidy home, it won’t stop dust particles, hair and even stains from aerosols from collecting on your glass front. 

Too much of this may obscure your view of the flames (whether you own an authentic wood-burning stove, LED-powered electric fire or gas fireplace). 

So, to begin, make sure that your fireplace is off and completely cool. Using a soft, dry cloth or a feather duster, gently wipe down all accessible exterior surfaces, including the mantel, surround, and hearth. 

For areas with stubborn grime or soot stains, you may be able to use a slightly damp cloth. But avoid excessive moisture, especially on materials like brick, stone and wood, because this can lead to discolouration. 

2. Schedule an appointment with a registered gas engineer 

If you have a gas fire and haven’t had an inspection in 12 months, it’s time to check this off your spring-cleaning to-do list. 

This annual visit will see a registered gas engineer conduct a thorough examination of your gas fire, checking for potential issues such as gas leaks, blockages, or wear and tear that could compromise safety. 

They will also assess the integrity of the flue and ventilation systems to make sure any harmful gases are being properly expelled. 

Neglecting these checks can have serious consequences, as faulty gas fires pose risks, including gas leaks, fires, explosions, and carbon monoxide poisoning. Schedule your annual test in spring, and enjoy peace of mind for the rest of the year! 

3. Remove excess ash from the firebox 

While having a thin layer of ash in your wood-burning stove can help your next fire ignite more quickly, allowing too much ash to accumulate can prevent proper airflow. 

To safely remove it, make sure that the fire has been inactive for at least 24 hours (the embers should have cooled completely). Even after this period, it’s important to treat the ashes as if they may still contain residual heat (because they might!) 

Then, using an ash shovel, carefully scoop the ashes into a heat-resistant metal container with a tight-fitting lid. Store this container outside, away from your home and any flammable items, until you're certain the ashes are entirely cool.

4. Check carbon monoxide detectors

Every home needs a carbon monoxide detector, regardless which kind of fire they own. Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas that can be lethal if undetected.

Carbon monoxide is produced by the incomplete combustion of fuels in appliances such as gas fires, boilers, and wood-burning stoves. Without proper ventilation, CO can accumulate and lead to serious health risks. 

These may include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and confusion, which can escalate to unconsciousness or even death with prolonged exposure. Use the start of spring as an opportunity to develop a detector testing routine. 

At least once a month, homeowners should test them at least once a month. Most detectors are equipped with a test button; pressing and holding this button should trigger the alarm. 

6. Clean around your fireplace 

As a responsible fireplace owner, you not only need to keep your fireplace clean, but the room itself! If, over winter, items like newspapers, books, curtains, and furniture have crept closer towards your fire, it’s time to rearrange. 

You can start by removing loose debris from your hearth with a vacuum or broom. Wipe down surfaces with a lightly dampened cloth to really clean the surface. 

Regularly check the area for any items that could pose a fire risk and rearrange accordingly. By being diligent and organised, you can keep your appliance running without a problem. 

Shop for great deals on fireplaces with Fires2U!

Home heating appliances play a big part in our comfort all year long. Through autumn, winter and into spring, we rely on them to keep our homes warm. If you’ve yet to invest (and want to wait out the UK’s cold spring in warmth, shop with Fires2U.