As the name suggests, stainless steel is a special kind of steel that does not rust, scorch or change color when exposed to heat. This makes it a very versatile metal to use in kitchen appliances and large appliances like cookware and stoves.
Because stainless steel does not caramelize or burn, it is very popular in cooking devices such as cookware and baking pans. These pans can get very hot if they are allowed to remain hot after being placed in the oven.
Because of its heat resistance, stainless steel cookware is best used w/o a pot holder to prevent burning hands. Once the pan is cooled, you can then take out the pots and dishes!
There are two main reasons why stainless steel liners need to be cleaned. The first is when they are new, when they are heated by the oven or cooked waaaay too long. The second is when they are dirty, because then they need to be cleaned w/adbraising liquid and/or paper dryer dust removed.
Contents:
Can I clean my stainless steel chimney liner?
Yes, you can clean your stainless steel chimney liner. There are several ways to clean your chimney liner. We suggest using a mixture of soap and water, making sure to leave the edges of the liner dry.
You can also use a wipes solution or a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to clean the liner. You can even heat it with a hot water bath and let the steam do the cleaning!
Lastly, you can thoroughly brush it out! This is the best method to use if you have some natural hair texture like ours Alan Does! This way, you are able to get all of the sharp parts of the aluminum out and prevent any buildup.
Should I clean my stainless steel chimney liner?
Most people think it is a lovely looking piece of steel and makes a nice backdrop for your fireplace. Adding a liner will save you from having to purchase and install one every year.
Many people are happy with how well the thermal mass works and that it is easy to put on and take off. However, there are people who feel that it needs to be cleaned more often.
Some feel that the copper minerals in the water system work their way out of the liner and into their water, creating poor tasting water. Others complain about the weight of the liner which can make it hard to remove or replace when necessary.
We suggest checking with your local fire department or department for regulations before using such a system.
What causes creosote build up?
When coal is heated, it begins to take on a brown color and a spicy smell. This is called burn completion or fire-going.
This process continues as the coal heats further, becoming more black and spicy. This is called flame growth or fire-moving. Both of these processes can make metal objects shiny and stickable.
Creosote is a oil that remains on metal objects after a fire. When a fire burns in earnest, this oil can build up and stick to the metal object. In this case, the cream could need to be cleaned off before it can be reused.
When creosote is removed from an oven liner, it should be done outside with nothing but your hands to prevent spreading any oil on you. Once creosote is removed, then washing the liner is necessary.
What are the best ways to prevent creosote build up?
Creosote is a potent oil-like liquid that can build up and stick to metal surfaces. Most metal objects are designed to hold a bit of creosote, making them difficult to avoid this way of cleaning your chimney.
You can prevent a lot of creosote by never using steel wool on your chimney, staying away from heavy fires while smoking your wood, and never putting anything hot or very large in the fire.
These tips will surely help prevent any tanked up creosote from building up. If you are still worried, then you should never use anything hotter than 200°F (93°C) when removing smoke deposits.
The only way to really clean creosote out of a fireplace is to use a proprietary blend of chemicals called cryroplus.
What are the signs of a damaged liner?
While stainless steel is a tough, corrosion resistant alloy, it can get sticky or heavy with dirt and grease. This can happen when a pan is left in the oven or dishwasher for a long period of time, or when items are placed in the dishwasher too soon.
We recommend allowing your liner to dry thoroughly before attempting to clean it. Once dry, a toothbrush and detergent can be used to scrub and finish the liner.
Smooth, even scrubbing is the best way to achieve the same results as using cold water and a brush. When washing with hot water alone, you are more likely to get steam burn bubbles or warping of the steel.
We also recommend not using harsh abrasive cleaners such as benzene because they can cause steel to rust faster. These substances can also cause wood chips and ashes to fall out of your chimney which could be harmful.
What should I use to clean my liner?
Most people recommend using a soft, damp cloth only. Some people suggest using a damp cloth and mild detergent only. Still others suggest washing with water and then drying with a warm dryer setting. All of these suggestions are welcome!
We recommend washing your liner at least once a year, if not more. This allows the liner to maintain its strength and protects your roof from chipping or breaking during heavy rainfall events.
yearly, if not more. This allows the liner to maintain its strength and protects your roof from chipping or breaking during heavy rainfall events. Most roofs require two cycles of cleaning – one with anticipation of how clean the roof needs to be, and one when it is clean!
– one with anticipation of how clean the roof needs to be, and one when it is clean! When washing your roof, make sure you use a sturdy brush or swab to get into all corners and below the edge.
Does cleaning increase the risk of creosote buildup?
Not if you know what to do with it. Most companies that market stainless steel chimney liners recommend their product be cleaned on a yearly basis. This helps ensure your chimney lining is up to date and functioning.
On average, products should be cleaned once a year on the anniversary of being purchased. By using a new one every year, you have fully invested in your product which is more cost effective over buying it once it has been used.
On the yearly cleaning, there should be some kind of lubrication applied to the liner to make sure it slides easily down the chimney. On mine, there was some liquid dish soap added to make sure it was clean enough for installation.
Smooth and flat surface area is key when cleaning a liner. Too much liquid soap or interference with other materials can create bubbles or creases in the liner which prevent movement down the chimney.
Are there any risks with having a stainless steel liner?
While stainless steel is an excellent material, it can be very expensive. Therefore, you should be careful when choosing one as your chimney liner.
baugh welded joints should always be checked before any fire is started. If they look fine, then you can leave them alone. These joints must be tight and not break apart over time.
When building a fireplace, make sure you have enough room to expand the firebox in the future. If someone wants to add a few blankets or some warm clothes during winter season, now is the time to do it!
Lastly, if you like keeping your chimney clean by sweeping out leaves and other debris from your fireplace, then know that it would take some time for that process to start working.
After about a month of usage, your fireplace would start cleaning itself by removing outdated combustion leaves and other debris.