10
Sep
They say good things last when you look after them. Take, for instance, fire pits. Serving as focal points and gathering spots, these outdoor features can look great and stay safe to use when you clean and care for them regularly.
The easiest way to keep your investment in good condition is to make cleaning part of the routine after every use. Once the fire has gone out, let the fire pit cool completely before touching or cleaning it. This is important for safety and also gives you a chance to deal with leftover ash and charcoal before they build up.
Remove excess ash and any larger pieces of charcoal or burnt wood, then use a brush to sweep away loose debris from the bowl or surface. You don’t need to give the fire pit a deep clean every time. The aim here is simply to clear away the leftovers and keep the surface tidy between fires.
If moisture gets into a pile of ash, it can create a damp, messy residue that is harder to remove later. A few minutes of basic care after each use can therefore make your next clean much easier and help keep the fire pit ready for its next gathering.
Cleaning isn’t the only part of looking after a fire pit. How you store and protect it between uses can make just as much difference. Like any piece of outdoor furniture, a fire pit is exposed to the elements that can cause damage over time. This is why you should consider getting a quality fire pit cover.
A good cover shields the bowl or burner area from rain, dirt, leaves and other debris when the fire pit isn’t being used and from UV rays that can cause paint to fade. Covers also shield your fire pit from insects and animals that seek refuge from the cold.
Rodents like mice and rats may find a comfortable place to live when it’s not in use. Once they’re cosy within the gas fire pit, they can eat through its rubber components and wires and fill it with nesting materials and faeces.
Covers come in different sizes, so choose one that matches the dimensions of your particular model rather than assuming a standard size will fit. Popular round fire pit cover sizes include around 600 mm, 800 mm and 1,000 mm in diameter. Some larger models can exceed 1,200 mm.
Square and rectangular units need a cover designed for their specific shape and dimensions. Ideally, measure the widest and tallest points of your outdoor investment before buying.
Material matters, too. Polyester and Oxford fabric covers are popular because they are lightweight, water-resistant and easy to handle. Heavier-duty PVC-coated or laminated materials can provide more protection where the fire pit is exposed to the weather. Feature-wise, look for covers with reinforced seams, elasticated edges, drawstrings or straps to help keep it secure in windy conditions.
One thing to keep in mind when using a cover is to never put it on while the fire pit is still warm. Let everything cool completely first, then remove any ash and debris before covering it.
Even with regular cleaning and a cover, an outdoor fire bowl will benefit from a more thorough check from time to time. Seasonal care is a good opportunity to give it a deeper clean, inspect its condition and decide how it should be stored when you’re unlikely to use it for a while.
This might be after the cooler months, during a long stretch of hot or wet weather, before heading away on an extended holiday, or when local fire restrictions mean outdoor fires aren’t an option. In these instances, you want to give your backyard investment some attention to prevent small issues from being overlooked while it sits unused.
Start by removing any remaining ash, charcoal and debris, then clean the bowl and other accessible surfaces according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid harsh cleaning products or abrasive tools unless they are suitable for the material, as they can damage protective finishes. Once cleaned, allow it to dry completely.
Next, inspect it from top to bottom. Look for rust, cracks, dents, loose fittings, damaged grates and signs of wear. Pay particular attention to areas exposed to heat, as repeated heating and cooling can affect some materials over time. For gas fire pits, check the visible hoses, connections and burner components for signs of damage and follow the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions.
If you’re putting the fire pit away for winter or another long period, choose a dry, sheltered storage area where possible. Clean and dry it thoroughly before covering or storing it, and keep removable components together so they’re ready for the next season. If it must remain outdoors, again, use a suitable weather-resistant cover and avoid allowing water to collect inside it.
By following these steps, you can keep your gathering spot clean, protected and ready for use. When the next season arrives, you will be able to set up quickly and enjoy warm fireside gatherings for longer.
