13 Spring Cleaning Tips for Baseboard Heaters, Fireplaces and Stoves

Spring has finally arrived and for a lot of us, that means dreaded spring cleaning and the thorough cleaning of both inside and outside our homes that seems to take forever. That being said, the end result is usually pretty satisfying. Your home is ready for whatever spring and summer has to offer and with that big chore off our plates, it gives us all some much needed time to relax and enjoy the fruits of our labor.

When you are cleaning, it is important to remember to clean your electric heating appliances as well, like your baseboard heaters and fireplaces. Just because the warm weather is upon us and we may not need the additional heat source, doesn’t mean we shouldn't take care of them. Doing a quick and easy cleaning now, means less work in a few months when you need to use them again

Electric Baseboard Heaters

Baseboard heaters contain no moving parts; therefore little maintenance is required beyond a quick wipe down and vacuum cleaning. However, it is essential that the units not be operated with an accumulation of dust or dirt on the element, as this can cause a build-up of heat and eventual damage. So taking the time to clean the units is important, and since you are already cleaning everything else in your home, it is a great time to clean your heaters as well.

Here are some quick steps to a clean baseboard heater:

1. It is VERY IMPORTANT to ensure that the power has been turned off at the circuit breaker panel before starting any cleaning of your baseboard heater.
2. If your heater has been used recently, make sure you allow adequate time for the element and body of the unit to completely cool before touching it.
3. Remove the front cover to the heater, exposing the heating element.
4. Lightly vacuum the element, removing any dust or dirt build-up that may have occurred over time.
5. While you have the front cover off, give it a wipe with a damp cloth, both inside and out, making sure it is dry before replacing.
6. Once cleaning is complete, you can replace the front cover.
7. If you have more than one baseboard heater in your home, complete all the steps above before restoring power to the units.

Electric Fireplaces  

Here are some quick tips for cleaning your mantel and electric fireplace:

1. It is VERY IMPORTANT to remember to disconnect all power supplies before performing any cleaning or maintenance.
2. Never use abrasive cleaners on any Dimplex product as it can cause damage to the interior and exterior of the product.
3. Mantel surface cleaning: To remove dust, dirt, fingerprints, or other marks, wipe the exterior with a damp cloth. A mild detergent can also be used if required. To prevent any water spots from appearing, the surface should be completely dried with a lint-free cloth.
4. Fireplace surface cleaning: Cleaning the surface of the fireplace is easy - Simply use a warm, damp cloth, and lightly go over the painted surface. Never use abrasive cleaners or spray liquids onto any surface as this can damage the unit. If the fireplace has been used recently, please allow adequate time for the unit to cool down before cleaning any internal surfaces.
5. Front glass cleaning: As with most glass surfaces, dust can easily and quickly be removed by using a clean, dry cloth. To remove fingerprints or other marks, the glass can be cleaned with a damp cloth. For any stubborn marks, a traditional glass cleaner can be used. To prevent any water spots from appearing, the surface should be completely dried with a lint-free cloth.
6. Purifire™ Filter: Some Dimplex fireplaces are equipped with a Purifire™ Filter. This filter is reusable and washable. To clean the filter, gently tap it on a hard surface to dislodge any loose dirt or debris and then gently clean with water. We do not recommend using any soap or cleaning products on your filter.

Along with cleaning your electric fireplace, it is also a good idea to check to make sure the unit is in good working order. Remember to look for any lights that may have gone out over time. Light bulbs need to be replaced when you notice a dark section of the flame or when the clarity and detail of the log exterior disappears.

Need more information? 

If you have any questions about the cleaning or maintenance of your Dimplex product, please refer to the Owner or Service manual.