For owners of wood-burning stoves, the mesmerising view of flickering flames can quickly become obscured by stubborn, sooty stains on the glass door. A build-up of black deposits is a common frustration, often caused by burning wood with a moisture content above 20% or allowing logs to touch the glass. However, a remarkably simple and natural solution, shared by cleaning enthusiasts, promises to clear the grime in mere seconds.
The Desperate Plea for a Cleaning Solution
The powerful cleaning tip emerged when a homeowner, Adele Rowe, turned to the popular Mrs Hinch Army Cleaning Tips Facebook group for help. She posted a photo of her heavily stained log burner glass, confessing she had never cleaned it before and was now unable to see the fire through the thick coating. "What can I use that won't damage it?" she asked, sparking a flood of over 120 responses from fellow group members.
The Miracle Method: Ash and Damp Newspaper
Overwhelmingly, the community championed a hands-on, zero-cost remedy using two items readily available to any log burner user: the ash from the stove itself and some damp newspaper. Member Emma Daglish advised, "Use the ash from the burner on some dampened newspaper. Mine was filthy and it worked like a dream." This sentiment was echoed by many, including Jillian Morris, who noted that while she bought a specialist cleaner, "ash, water and newspaper are good to polish off the glass."
The technique is straightforward: dip a sheet of newspaper in water, dab it into the cold ash from the burner, and then rub it firmly over the glass. The mildly abrasive ash acts as a gentle cleaner, lifting the soot without scratching. Sarah Regan, who used the method professionally, warned, "You will get filthy but I promise your log burner will gleam."
Why This Natural Hack Works So Well
Commenters were adamant that this natural approach outperforms commercial products. Rachel Block stated, "Damp newspaper and ash. It'll bring it up in minutes. Cleaning products don't do the same job." Others, like Marie Rushton, emphasised the speed, calling it "a two-minute job" where "the black marks disappear leaving your glass spotless." The key is the fine texture of the wood ash, which provides just enough grit to scour away carbon deposits without the need for harsh chemicals.
For those concerned about mess, Tracey O'Mara suggested using kitchen towel, though she noted it "breaks down" more easily than newspaper. The consensus, championed by Chantelle Neal, was sheer simplicity: "Literally just use the ash, rub with newspaper and it will be clear in seconds!" This routine maintenance, performed when the stove is cold, ensures a crystal-clear view and keeps the stove looking its best with minimal effort and expense.
