The air dampener will be a small knob on the front of the cast iron stove, that you should pull outward to open. If the stove is still warm, use a piece of hooked metal to pull the air dampener open.
Before you begin scooping up the ashes, make sure that the fire is completely out, and there are no live coals. If there are still any red-hot coals, wait for them to cool and go out before shoveling them up.
It’s important to keep the can covered, as a slight breeze could lift ash and soot from the can and send it flying through your house. Once you’ve tossed the ashes, you can also pick up the newspapers that you initially spread on the carpet. Be careful not to spill any ash on the floor. Throw the newspapers away.
If it’s windy outside, wait for the wind to die down before you spread the ashes. Dormant embers may re-ignite in a strong wind.
Rust is especially likely to have built up if you’ve rested metal on the top of the cast iron stove. People often leave tea kettles on top, or use the heat of the stove to cook pans of food or raise bread dough. These uses will contribute to rust and grime on the stovetop.
Sand the entire outer surface of the cast iron stove. This will remove any marks or scratches made by the wire brush or by the coarse grain sandpaper.
To make the vinegar cleaning solution, find an empty spray bottle, and combine inside two parts water to one part vinegar, then add a small amount of dish soap. Shake the spray bottle, and the cleaning solution will be ready to use.
This product should be available at your local hardware store. If you’re having trouble finding it, speak to the sales staff and ask for their assistance. Glass cleaning solution contains ammonia, so be careful not to get any in your eyes. Do not inhale the solution.
You can find all of these products at your local grocery store or drug store. If you’re already at a hardware store shopping for the other necessary materials, you may be able to find vinegar and a spray bottle there as well. If there are any ashes in the cast iron stove, you can mix in a handful to your mixture before you wipe down the glass. The ashes make the glass noticeably shinier and reduce streaks. [10] X Expert Source Kadi DuludeHouse Cleaning Professional Expert Interview. 22 September 2019.
You’ll need to climb up on the roof for this step, so take the necessary safety precautions. Have a second person help you by stabilizing the base of the ladder while you’re climbing up. Avoid standing or walking near the edges of the roof, and don’t climb up on a windy day.
