Fireplaces, Heating Stoves, Flues and Chimneys - soot from our gas log fireplace

We keep getting "soot" on the wood and stone around our gas fireplace. How do I prevent this from happening? Is there a good product to clean this with? I bought something at Lowe's that they said would clean it, but it did not. I ended up just repainting the wood, but it's only been 4 months and it's filthy again. I would really like to keep it from happening if there is a way.

llstaffo,
I just ran my hand across the underneath side of my mantle,
no soot at all after one year. We use LP. Maybe you've either got some dirty gas or your burner needs adjustment.
Maybe Tom's got the answer.
fred

I'm not familiar with gas fireplaces but for a good qaulity cleaner you can go to your local woodstove dealer instead of those big home supply centers - I'm sure they will have a proffessional quality cleaner that will work much better.

I just talked to a guy today about this. He told me that improperly placed logs causes sooting. Maybe it was set up wrong, or perhaps you moved them?
Just a thought.

Hello: llstaffo

This condition your describing should not be happening. All the prior posted possibilties mentioned may exist. The condition may be a symptom of an incorrectly drafting chimney or improperly adjusted burner, etc.

Cleaning the soot only to have it return is not going to solve the problem. The exterior soot is an indication of a problem. Cleaning the soot is not the solution. It's simply masking the real problem.

The damper may not be fully opened or set correctly. There may be a vent cap restriction on the chimney, if there is a vent cap or spark arrestor installed, etc. You may need to have the chimney professionally inspected and cleaned.

There is always the possibility the internal size of the fireplace is too small for the size of the fire your building in the fireplace.

There could be an intake air flow problem in the room or entire house. The air entering the fireplace to support combustion and existing up the chimney has to enter the room or house some how. Try leaving a window slightly opened in the room nearest the fireplace.

Regards & Good Luck
Gas Appliances Forum Moderator
Tom_Bart........"Fast, Fair, Friendly & Highly Proficient"......:D
TCB4U2B2B.....Company Enterprises.
Energy Conservation Consulting Services & Gas Appliance Diagnostics and Technician Services.

Hi,

I have the same problem as llstaffo. We just moved into a new house and there's soot on the white mantel piece from the gas fireplace. While I will check Tom's wonderful suggestions, I still need to clean the area, hopefully without repainting. I bought the chemical dry sponges that many online places recommend, but it didn't work. (I used it dry, per the directions, perhaps I used it wrong??) Anyone have any great recommendations? Many thanks in advance.

Hmmmm, I have the same sooting problem. I need to check out the chimney, and the nent cap on the chimney. Will let you know what I find.:(

Moderator Note:
Thanks Mike for your posting too. It brought another thought to mind. Check the dampener for free movement, be sure it's fully opened and clear of any obstructions at that location also.

Forum Host & Moderator
Tom_B