For homeowners who want to bring people together in their backyard, a fire pit is a great addition to your space. When kept properly, these open fireplaces are perfect for enjoying meals with friends, having drinks, or simply unwinding under the stars after a long day. Luckily, fire pits are extremely easy to maintain and can give your family years of enjoyment when kept clean. We’ve compiled a comprehensive owner’s guide that will show you how easy it is to keep your fire pit in tip-top shape.

First Things First: Safety

While starting a fire in your backyard might seem less dangerous than tending to a flame indoors, there are still some major safety measures that every homeowner should follow. Like with all equipment related to fire and heating, it’s essential that homeowners never cut corners or troubleshoot problems themselves. Failure to comply with necessary safety measures can lead to health and safety hazards for you, your family, and others in your immediate area.

Here are the biggest safety tips every fire pit owner should follow:

• Know the correct place to install your fire pit: Fire pits require open spaces with plenty of airflows; therefore, never install one indoors or in other closed-off areas of your home. A backyard is a perfect place to have a fire pit if you’re aware of any nearby hazards. These include trees, which should never hang over a fire pit to prevent any accidental fires. The same applies to low-hanging plants and flammable materials. Check your owner’s manual to see the recommended clearance to combustibles.
• Don’t skip on reading the owner’s manual: Starting a fire comes with responsibility, therefore it’s important that you know how to properly operate and clean your fire pit. Most models can be cleaned with just soapy water and a washcloth, and harsh chemicals should be avoided unless approved by the manufacturer.
• Ditch the accelerants: Tending a fire takes attention and we suggest you practice patience for your safety’s sake. Never use accelerants like alcohol, lighter fluid, or gasoline to start your fire. This can quickly lead to you losing control of your flame while damaging your fire pit as well.
• Don’t use plastic materials: All plastic materials in and around your fire pit will melt and damage your pit’s surface. Melted plastic is also extremely difficult to remove and releases toxic fumes when in contact with fire.
• Always cover your fire pit when it’s not in use: Place a cover over your fire pit to prevent wear and tear from weather. This also keeps out dirt, water, and debris, which can also damage your fire pit. For those in cold climates, it’s recommended that you keep your fire pit in a dry, sheltered place for optimal protection. Lastly, only cover your fire pit once it has completely cooled.
• Keep your home & family safe: Never leave your fire pit unattended while it’s in use and make sure to keep small children at a safe distance. It’s also crucial that you keep a fire extinguisher or water nearby in case of an emergency.

Now that we’ve covered the general maintenance and safety rules of fire pits, we will discuss specifics on the two main variations on the market today: wood-burning and gas.

Wood-Burning Fire Pit Maintenance

Wood-burning fire pits are great for those interested in achieving a natural bonfire look. Here are some general safety and maintenance tips when using these models:

• Know your wood: Wood-burning fire pits always call for dry, split wood to fuel its fire. Owners should always avoid pressure-treated wood because of its health hazards. Burning this material releases several toxic and harmful fumes into the air, and it can pose several health risks to you and your family. Burning pressure-treated wood has also proven harmful to the environment.
• Always choose a natural fire starter: When it comes to starting up your fire pit, use natural kindling like leaves and twigs.
• Extinguish your fire properly: Owners should avoid extinguishing their fire pit with water since the rapid change in temperature can lead to cracking or weakening in your pit’s surface. For a quick fix, use clean sand to smother your flame without drastically lowering your pit’s surface temperature.
• Safely store your ashes: Allow your ashes to cool overnight by spreading them out in a thin layer across your pit. The next day, use a metal shovel to scoop out your ashes and safely dispose of them in a metal bucket with a secure lid. This way, you can prevent any scattering or accidental fires from igniting. Spark screens are also a great tool for keeping sparks and embers from flying out.
• Clean up your outdoor kitchen: Homeowners who are interested in using their fire pit for cooking purposes can use a cooking grate to prepare their food. It’s important to always thoroughly clean your great to avoid food build-up and residue on both your grate and pit.

Gas Fire Pit Maintenance

Gas fire pits offer a more contemporary look to your outdoor space, but they require regular inspection and certain safety regulations. Here are some general safety and maintenance tips when using these models:

• Operate in a safe space: Always ensure that your fire pit is nowhere near combustible materials or flammable liquids while in use.
• Get inspected: Fire pit owners must have their equipment regularly inspected to ensure that everything is secure and clean. This applies to gas burners, gas lines, connections, hoses, and Owners should also have their gas supply inspected by a licensed professional at least once a year.
• Keep it clean: Vent openings and your fire pit’s surrounding areas should always be clear of debris and dirt. Other materials, like dirt and bugs, can block the flow of gas to your fire pit and ignite a fire. Check your vent openings regularly for the build-up and ensure they are not obstructed. Lastly, wait until your fire pit has completely cooled before cleaning.
• Avoid solid fuels: Gas fire pits should always run on gas. This means that solid fuels, like plastic, food, trash, or natural kindling, should never be used. Burning these materials can damage both your burner and fire pit, but also spark large fires that could become difficult to control. Unlike wood-burning fire pits, owners can never cook on gas fire pits. Food residue will damage your burner, which can be costly to repair.
• Keep it dry: If your gas fire pit is wet from rain, do not try operating it right away. Drain the water from your fire pit and allow it to completely dry out before starting a fire. This applies to the pit’s media as well.

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