If I'm being honest, for most of the year, I completely forget about my log burner. It sits there throughout summer while I get on with everything else, and then, as soon as the temperature drops, I expect it to spring back into action without so much as a complaint.
As it turns out, that's not quite how it works. My log burner needs to undergo a few checks after months of being left unused, before it's safe to light again. It's not the most glamorous item on my autumn to-do list, but I'd rather do a little maintenance now than risk an expensive repair, or worse, a chimney fire, later in the season.
So, I spoke to stove experts to find out what needs checking before lighting my first fire of the season, and how to get my log burner ready for autumn. These are the four key steps they recommend you take.
1. Sweep the chimney
"The first thing to do is have your stove professionally serviced and swept," says Jon Butterworth, director at Arada. "Aim to organise it at the start of autumn if you haven't already had it done this year. This will result in your stove working efficiently and safely, whilst preventing the build-up of soot in the flue or chimney."
How often a chimney really needs sweeping will come down to how often you're burning wood. If the answer is 'regularly' then once a year is likely not enough. "We'd recommend scheduling a chimney sweep twice a year," adds Adam Oldfield, director at StovesAreUs. "Without regular maintenance, flue liners can corrode and chimneys can accumulate creosote and other highly flammable products of combustion, increasing the risk of a chimney fire."
Jon Butterworth is Managing Director of Arada Stoves, one of the UK's leading suppliers of log burning stoves and has a wealth of experience in supplying and installing them.
2. Dusting down
The interior of your stove
It might seem counterintuitive, but a spotless firebox isn't the goal. "It can actually be more beneficial to leave some ash in place, as dry wood will burn a lot better on its cinders," explains Jon Butterworth. "That's not to say you should leave it months, though – when a large pile of ash starts to appear, just clear away the top inch or so. A small wire brush is helpful for difficult-to-reach areas, such as the roof of the firebox chamber."
For the glass door, all three experts point to the same low-cost method. "Clean the door glass by dipping a damp cloth in the wood ash and wiping it gently – there's no need for any specific glass cleaning product," says Jon.
Phil Wood agrees: "The tried-and-tested ash and water method, combined with a little elbow grease, is all you really need."
The exterior of your stove
"Give the exterior a wipe with a lint-free cloth or clean shoe brush, but avoid using water or a damp cloth," says Jon. "There's no need to clean it after every use – it's more about keeping it looking its best as a focal centrepiece year-round."
This complete kit brings together everything you need to keep your log burner looking its best. The Stove Glass & Metal Cleaner tackles built-up residue on glass and metal, while the Stove Restorer revives that classic matt black finish.
3. Home fire safety checks
Servicing the stove is only half the job. The safety equipment around it needs checking too – and it's worth thinking about fireproofing your home more broadly while you're at it.
"Checking your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors should be part of your ongoing home maintenance," says Jon Butterworth. "It's also a good time to clean the sensors with the soft brush attachment of a vacuum cleaner."
UK government guidance recommends testing alarms monthly, but he suggests stove owners should be even more vigilant: "If you have a battery-operated alarm, change the power source once a year, or invest in a 10-year alarm, and replace older detectors once that lifespan is up."
These wireless interlinked smoke alarms are designed to sound together across every room, with spoken voice alerts naming the exact location of danger. They're easy to install without wiring, and simple to expand room by room.
4. Check stove components
While many reputable stove bodies will come with a lifetime guarantee, some consumables will eventually suffer wear and tear. According to the experts, each autumn it's worth checking the following components:
Door rope
Broken or split seals affect airtightness, diminishing the burn and making lighting difficult. "You should check that your stove door rope is still maintaining a tight seal by doing an easy test," says Jon Butterworth. "Perform the paper test – close the door on a strip of paper and try to pull it out. If it slides out easily, the seal isn't tight enough and the rope should be replaced before the heating season."
Liners/fire bricks
"Fire bricks can sometimes get accidentally scraped or gouged during a lifetime of use, or through over-exuberant use of fireplace tools when adjusting lit logs in the fire chamber," says Jon. "Damage may eventually cause them to crack and crumble, at which point they should be replaced, since they can no longer protect the stove body from damage under high temperatures."
Glass and glass clips
"Just as with checking the integrity of the door rope seal, any air gaps here will also result in a huge deficit in your stove's performance and should be remedied," says Jon. "Check that the glass clips are still retaining a tight grip on the door glass, and look out for cracks. If a stove has any perforations or cracks in its door glass, or other unintended air gaps, it shouldn't be used until the offending components are replaced."
Additional seasonal stove care
It's also worth checking moveable components like air sliders regularly to ensure free movement, and lubricate with a water-repelling corrosion inhibitor during long periods of non-use.
Think about how your stove is left between uses too. "Leave the air inlets open to allow air movement through the stove, or even leave the door ajar," says Jon Butterworth. "This prevents moisture and condensation forming inside the stove and chimney. Check your user guide to see whether you can remove the throat plate and store it separately in a dry place."
Getting to grips with how your log burner's air vents actually work more generally will also make a noticeable difference to how efficiently it burns once the season gets going.
Why is it important to maintain your log burning stove in autumn?
"With the arrival of autumn and temperatures inevitably starting to drop, September is the opportune time to inspect your heating system and plan for any maintenance or repairs before peak usage," explains Adam Oldfield. "With chimney fire incidents traditionally spiking between January and March, taking action in early autumn ensures your appliance runs safely and at peak efficiency when you need it most.
"Alongside sweeping, check your stove's consumable parts like stove glass, rope seals, firebricks, and baffle plates for signs of excessive wear like cracks and warping. By carrying out these checks, you can spot any potential issues before they turn into expensive problems and extend the lifespan of your stove."
Phil Wood, UK managing director at Contura, adds that the real issue for most homeowners isn't knowing what to check, but getting round to it: "One of the biggest log burner mistakes homeowners can make is lack of upkeep between seasons. A little care and regular maintenance will ensure your wood burning stove continues to work efficiently."
Phil is managing director of Contura Stoves (UK) Limited. He has worked in the fireplaces, fires and stoves industry since 1985.
When to call a professional
"There are various telltale signs when your chimney needs a professional clean, including burned wood smells when the fire is not lit, poorly burning fires, excessive smoke and blackened glass," says Phil Wood. "If you experience any of these issues, book a maintenance check and sweep with a professional. Checkatrade lists reputable companies across the UK, so look for HETAS and/or Sweep Safe accreditations."
It's worth looking into what a chimney sweep typically costs before you book, as prices vary more than you'd think depending on your chimney type and location.
Tips for lighting your first fire of the season
Once everything's cleaned and swept, resist the urge to load up the stove straight away. "Start with a small fire, using fewer logs or just kindling, to gently warm the fire chamber, metal and flue," says Phil Wood. "This avoids 'shocking' the stove components and helps prevent cracking."
This matters even more if there's been a sudden cold snap, since lighting a fire in an unheated flue too aggressively can cause smoke to back up into the room rather than draw properly.
I learned the hard way that burning wet, unseasoned wood is ineffective and harmful. It burns poorly, creates excess smoke, damages your flue and blackens the glass. If your stove has never quite kicked out the heat you expected, fuel moisture content is usually the culprit.
"Use kiln dried or seasoned hardwoods with a moisture content of less than 20%," advises Phil Wood. "Look for the Woodsure 'Ready to Burn' label, which guarantees a moisture content between 12-20%."
There's now a ban on the retail sale of unseasoned wood in the UK in volumes under 2 cubic metres, so smaller pre-packed bags carrying this logo are an easy way to know what you're getting. Bring the wood into the home to dry out further before the cooler, wetter months arrive, and you'll need fewer logs for the same heat too, which is no bad thing for the wallet.
With its woven wicker design, this log store suits a Scandi or minimalist look, and separate sections keep your logs and kindling neatly divided.
With its sleek iron frame, this log stack suits a modern or industrial look, and its minimal design keeps logs neatly stacked and within easy reach.
Once your stove's clean, serviced and ready to go, it's worth thinking about how to get the most out of it too. Our guide to the best stove fans explains how they circulate heat around a room and cut down on cold spots.
