Adding a fire pit is a great way to expand your outdoor living area and create some comfort for those colder nights. There really is nothing like some quality family time around a warm fire pit, toasting marshmallows and telling ghost stories. As soon as you have a fire pit, it will quickly be the hot spot and focal point of your yard, so it will be important to maintain it regularly. Proper maintenance will be essential for keeping the area clean and safe and working properly all year round.
Easy Ways to Maintain Your Fire Pit
The most important thing to remember is to always put the fire out before walking away for the night. Never leave a fire burning in the pit unattended and make sure the ashes are cool before you go inside. Hot embers can spark a fire with the smallest breeze, so putting the ashes out is necessary. Once the ashes are cool, you can clean the fire pit to make sure it is ready for the next time you want to use it. By cleaning in thoroughly after each use, you will guarantee its longevity and keep it running like new each time. Ideally, you should wait at least one day after use before cleaning the pit.
Using an angled broom, you can sweep the interior of the pit. Always sweep in the same direction to keep the ashes from moving around and creating more mess. Remove all accumulated (and completely cooled) ash with a dustpan and dispose of it safely. After the ash is removed, you can use a damp rag to wipe out any excess ash that got left behind. You should also remove any soot buildup or left behind the food that can clog the burners and add permanent stains to the pit.
Look carefully around the perimeter of the pit to make sure no debris or ash escaped as these can be a fire hazard. Remove any tree branches, leaves or other materials that have migrated to the pit area so you have a clear space at least 10 feet in diameter around the pit. If some time passes between uses, be sure you check the perimeter again before using the fire pit.
If your pit has decorative pavers, be sure to seal them so as to prevent wear and tear. A thin coat of stone or concrete sealant is all you need; making sure that the product you use is designed to withstand heat. Resealing the pavers from time to time is important to make sure they stay protected. If you use the fire pit often, you will begin to see signs of wear and can apply the sealant as needed.
Final thoughts
A clean and well-maintained fire pit is important so that you and your family can enjoy it all year round. Neglecting a fire pit not only prevents you from using it but can make it a real safety hazard. A fire pit is a wonderful addition to any yard that adds to the aesthetics and overall value, so take care of it. A little work in between uses will leave you with a great fire pit to share stories and marshmallows over for many years to come.
