Fire pits are an excellent addition to a backyard or patio because of how elegant and cozy they are. They’re perfect for any occasion and party or a relaxing evening under the stars. Fire pits are available in different shapes and sizes and add a great look to your outdoor space.

The best part about fire pits is that they are easy to maintain and clean. Cleaning them well is the key to ensuring that your fire pit stays in excellent condition, functions correctly and safely all year round.

So, whether you have a gas or wood burner fire pit or made from metal or durable stone, we’ll show you how to clean out a fire pit. 

Necessary Tools Needed for Cleaning

Here are some of the tools you will need to clean out your fire pit, depending on its type.

• Tongs for rearranging the logs
• Ash scoop to remove ash
• Metal bucket
• Spark screen for safety and reducing charring
• A vinyl or protective fire pit for when you are not using the fire pit
• Soap or chemical cleaner

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Clean Out Your Wood-Burning Fire Pit

Wood burning fire pits are perfect for bonfires and campfires because of their famous campfire smells. However, maintenance and cleaning need to be done with some precaution. For example, you must ensure that you are beginning your cleaning once the logs and ash have entirely cooled down; this takes at least one whole night.

Once the logs have cooled down, here is what you have to do:

· Scoop Out the Ash   

Put on your protective gloves and remove the burnt logs that remain while using the tongs to move and rearrange the logs.

· Place it in a Metal Bucket

Then, use your ash scoop to remove all the debris, dust, and ash from the pit and dump it into the metal bucket.

· Dispose of the Ash

You can send the ash you have accumulated in the metal bucket to waste management facilities or dump it in your garbage can. You can also reuse the ash in your garden to keep out all the slugs, snails, and bugs.

How to Clean Out a Gas Fire Pit

With a gas fire pit, you don’t need to worry about any ash or dust residue when cleaning. Nevertheless, here are some steps you can follow in cleaning out your gas fire pit.

· Remove all Debris

Manually take out any leaves, sticks, or debris from the burner pan and fire glass or rocks after each use.

· Clean the Fire Glass

If the fire glass needs some cleaning, wear protective gloves, and remove the crystals from the pit. Throw away any broken pieces you find and then vacuum any glass dust from the bottom of the fire pit. Swirl the glass in soap and water to remove any dirt. Then clean each batch of the fire glass with a garden hose.

· Place the Fire Glass Back

After you have completely dried them off, carefully place the fire glass back into the pit.

How to Clean Out a Copper Fire Pit

When you use a copper fire pit, they naturally build up some soot within them, which must be thoroughly cleaned. Here’s how you can do that:

· Scoop Out Ash

Wear your protective gloves and use a scoop, take out all ash, debris, and dust from the bottom of the fire pit.

· Wash the Fire Pit

Spray the fire pit with a garden hose to completely clean it.

· Thoroughly Clean

Using soap and water, or a chemical cleaner, take a washcloth and thoroughly clean the inside of the fire pit.

How to Clean Out a Steel or Metal Fire Pit

These are the most popular types of fire pits because they are the easiest to maintain since they are durable. But, they do require occasional cleaning. To clean them, all you need to do is remove the ash, wash the bottom of the pit, and let it air dry before you can use it again.

How to Clean Out a Cast Iron Fire Pit

A Cast iron fire pit is slightly more challenging to clean out than a steel fire pit because they develop a layer of rust over time. However, by following these steps, you can efficiently clean out your cast iron fire pit.

· Scoop Out Ash

Using a scoop, take out all the ash and debris from the fire pit.

· Scrub the Pit

By using steel wool, scrub the bottom of the fire pit. Make sure you are not too harsh as that may create scratches.

· Wash and Dry

Rinse the pit with some water or through a garden hose, and then dry it off.

Fire Pit Maintenance Tips

Here are some maintenance tips you can follow to ensure that your fire pit lasts for many seasons to come.

• Check all tighteners and other hardware each season or at least once a month before using the fire pit and tightening them whenever needed.
• Do not use petrol or gasoline when lighting fires as they can damage the fire pit.
• Never use water to put out a fire in the pit as that can damage the surface of your fire pit. It is best if you let the flames subside naturally.
• If possible, store your fire pit in a dry and sheltered area to protect it from rain or harsh winter weather conditions.
• Only use dry and splitting wood to burn a fire in your wood fire pit and not any other trash as that may release toxins.
• Regularly shovel and scoop out ash from the pit

So that wraps up our guide on how to clean out a fire pit; with his simple steps, you’ll have a long-lasting fire pit. Gather your tools and get started!