Since winter is almost around the corner, you should know how to put out fire in fireplace before bed.
A lot of families like to cozy up themselves using a fireplace.
They would usually gather around it as they read books and drunk hot beverages.
Fireplace plays a significant role among houses during this particular time of the year.
However, it can be dangerous if you were not able to put it out correctly.
Steps To Put Out Fire In Fireplace Before Bed
You wouldn’t want a mini fire kernel to pop up from your fireplace towards your carpet.
For that very reason, it is highly suggested that you put out the fire in your fireplace before you sleep or leave the house.
In extinguishing the fire in a fireplace, remember that it may take some of your time.
It is not a stove that you can turn off immediately.
You need to follow these steps on how to put out fire in fireplace before bed.
Step #1. Spreading out the embers
Now, you should get a fireplace poker.
Then, spread the embers and woods out; perhaps, a flattened mound is enough for cooling the fire.
In putting out the fire in a fireplace, you should not be throwing water on it as this will create so much smoke.
Furthermore, it will also make it more difficult for you to get rid of those ashes.
So instead, you should utilize a fireplace poker in spreading out its embers and wood.
Using a flattened mound can also help in cooling the fire.
Step #2. Scooping the ashes
It would help if you scooped the ashes from the bottom of the fireplace using a fireplace shovel.
Then it would help if you put the ashes over those embers and wood so that the fire will be smoothened.
Repeat this step deliberately and slowly until you fully extinguish the fire.
Step #3. Applying baking soda
You can then apply baking soda and allow the ashes to cool off.
The baking soda has sodium carbonate – an ingredient that is also contained in fire extinguishers.
But some people would use sand as an agent to layer to the fire.
However, this can make your fireplace messy.
Ensure that the fire is gone by waiting for a few more minutes and see if it will reignite.
Step #4. Remove the ashes
The next morning you can already remove those ashes in your fireplace.
It would help if you scooped them up and put them inside an ash container made of metal.
Then, store it somewhere safe – away from flammable objects outside your house.
More Safety Tips To Put Out Fire In Fireplace Before Bed
Aside from ensuring that the fire in your fireplace has been put out properly, it would help if you also kept in mind some other things.
This is to ensure that your house will not accidentally end up in fire.
Here are the tips to put out fire in fireplace before bed:
Tip #1. Inspect the fireplace properly before you light a fire
You need to make sure that both the fireplace and the chimney are properly inspected so that any potential fire accidents will be prevented.
Tip #2. Only use dry firewood
If you use wood that is damp or those that you collect nearby, it can create unpleasant odors or extra smoke.
Tip #3. Get a fire extinguisher ready
It would help if you kept a fire extinguisher near you to prevent any unintentional fire from becoming bigger.
Furthermore, it would help if you also learned to use it in case of an emergency.
Tip #4. Clean the ashes after they cooled off
Leave the ashes to cool off overnight since they remain hot after you put out the fire. Then, only clean them the next morning.
Ensure that any remaining ashes will all be cleaned up to ensure that they will ignite the next time you light a fire.
Tip #5. Ensuring that the chimney flue or damper is open
This ensures that the smoke will go up to the chimney and not spread through your house.
Tip #6. Opening the windows
Even if the majority of the smoke will head towards the chimney flue or damper, some of them might still go somewhere else.
So you have to open your windows while you are using your fireplace.
This is to ensure that the smoke will be kept out of the air circulation in the room is warm.
Things You Should Not Do
Here are the things you should do:
#1. Leaving the fireplace unattended when lit
Some ashes and sparks might pop up and cause fire damage.
So it would help if you did not leave your fireplace lit for long periods, especially overnight or when you leave the house.
This can damage the fireplace as well as increase house fire risks.
#2. Keeping flammable items nearby
Before you light a fire, remove all the decorations of the mantle.
This is to prevent the fire from catching on them.
#3. Using a vacuum cleaner in cleaning the ashes
You cannot easily tell if the ashes have live sparks.
If you use a vacuum cleaner, it produces air which will cause the spark to reignite.
So it would be best if you used appropriate tools instead.
This includes an ash shovel in cleaning up the ashes left.
It’s A Wrap!
You how dangerous it is to leave a fire unattended.
But once you know how to put out fire in fireplace before bed, you can sleep better without worrying about the possibility of a fire accident.