Hello!

Hi mums, I have a Coonara wood heater and haven’t cleaned it out yet because I am worried that I will make a big mess of the old burnt wood and soot. Trying to avoid a mess as I have a little one in the house. Would love some tips on how to do this with minimal mess. Thanks.


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  • How good is a wood heater! I love mine. I have a large heater and use a small handled, but wide mouth shovel to remove the old ash and wood from it. I keep an old aluminium bucket next to the heater (in a blocked off area) where each time I light it, I scoop out a shovel full or two. I use a scourer and water on the glass to get it pristine, it doesn’t scratch as it is toughened glass.
    I also have an old dustpan and brush used only with the heater, if it is all cold, then I use it to sweep around the heater and I vacuum if it looks like it needs it.
    My mother-in-law has a combustion heater and brought on of those lovely group of implements (often seen on movies) which has a small shovel type thing, broom etc and uses that for hers.


  • I open all doors and windows. Place container for ashes right in front of heater door and place the ashes in it very slowly and carefully. I gave read of someone who wets the ashes first. I didn’t think this helped much as it was still dry and dusty on the bottom


  • Good luck .. and when you find a way can you let me know thanks


  • Place strong plastic on the floor in front of the heater and then anything that spills will be on the plastic and cleanly disposed of. Vacuum the ash residue so the area is totally cleaned. If it is a large heater with a chiming, I suggest you get a qualified Chimney Sweep come and clean. If the chimney is not cleaned, it can cause an internal fire when it is lit next winter. If the heater can be moved, have it taken outside and cleaned.


  • good luck with that lol. I woul,d imagine it would make a mess, unless you put plastic on grund around it and put socks on you could throw away.


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