Log burner owners have discovered a simple, natural method to clean sooty glass using ash and newspaper. The technique, shared on the Mrs Hinch Army Cleaning Tips Facebook group, promises to restore clarity to glass doors obscured by deposits from burning wet wood or logs touching the glass.
One user, Adele Rowe, sought advice after her log burner glass became so coated that it was nearly impossible to see through. Over 120 responses recommended using damp newspaper dipped in ash from the burner itself. Emma Daglish said: “Use the ash from the burner on some dampened newspaper. Mine was filthy and it worked like a dream.”
Other members echoed the tip, with Jillian Morris noting that while she bought a commercial cleaner, “ash, water and newspaper are good to polish off the glass.” Sarah Regan advised: “Best thing is using damp newspaper and soot. You will get filthy but I promise your log burner will gleam.”
Rachel Block commented: “Damp newspaper and ash. It'll bring it up in minutes. Cleaning products don't do the same job.” Nicky White described the process: “Dip newspaper in the water and then in ash and then give it a good rub over the glass. Comes up like new.”
Marie Rushton called it “honestly a two-minute job,” while Chantelle Neal said the glass “will be clear in seconds.” Tracey O'Mara explained: “Dampen some newspaper, dab paper into the ash and rub over the glass quite hard. The ash mixture brings the black off the window.”
Regular cleaning is essential for log burner maintenance, as burning timber with moisture above 20% or allowing logs to contact the glass leads to stubborn soot buildup. This ash-and-newspaper method offers a cost-free, effective solution.
