--- title: "Is It Safe to Use a Fireplace I Haven’t Cleaned in Years?" description: "If your fireplace hasn’t been cleaned or professionally inspected in years, don’t light a fire until you’ve had it evaluated, say experts." date: "2026-11-15" modified: "2026-11-15" authors: - name: "Sandi Schwartz" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/sandi-schwartz.md" url: "https://www.bobvila.com/interior/how-often-to-clean-fireplace/" categories: - "Fireplaces & Chimneys" - "Heating & Cooling" - "Home Safety" - "Interior" --- # Is It Safe to Use a Fireplace I Haven’t Cleaned in Years? ![A man kneeling in front of a wood-burning fireplace holding a soot cleaning kit and a drill.]() *Photo: Fire-n via Shutterstock* A fireplace should be a source of warmth, comfort, and connection in your home, not a source of worry, says Chris Maxson, owner and CEO of [Acucraft Fireplaces]() in Big Lake, Minnesota. But it takes some effort and upkeep to ensure your family and home stay safe. If your fireplace hasn’t been cleaned or professionally inspected in years, don’t light a fire until you’ve had it evaluated. “Just because a fireplace looks fine on the outside doesn’t mean it’s safe to operate,” warns Maxson. Even when a fireplace sits unused, the chimney can develop obstructions from animal nests, leaves, and other debris. In addition, moisture intrusion, deterioration, and damaged components can create potential safety concerns. Whether you have a traditional wood-burning fireplace or a modern gas fireplace, you’ll want to understand [how best to clean and maintain it](). ## Cleaning helps fireplaces perform better and more safely. It’s not safe to use a fireplace that has been neglected for an extended period. In general, you should clean a wood-burning fireplace and the chimney once a year before you start using it. Likewise, gas fireplaces need cleaning once a year or as recommended by the manufacturer. Here are the reasons to clean fireplaces, according to Maxson: ### Safety Wood-burning fireplaces produce soot, ash, and creosote as wood burns. Creosote is highly combustible, and accumulated deposits can increase the [risk of a chimney fire](). Both gas and wood-burning fireplaces also rely on properly functioning venting systems to direct combustion byproducts away from occupied spaces. Obstructions or damaged venting can contribute to dangerous conditions, including carbon monoxide exposure inside homes. ### Performance A clean, properly maintained fireplace is more likely to operate as designed. On the other hand, excessive buildup, restricted airflow, and neglected components can interfere with ignition, combustion, and draft. ### Longevity Cleaning [a fireplace]() isn't just about making it look good. It's about making sure the entire system—including the components you can't see—is functioning properly. Preventive maintenance protects both your home and your investment. ![Man removes ash and soot from an open modern fireplace into a galvanized metal bucket.]() *Photo: Fire-n via Shutterstock* ## Cleaning and inspections go hand-in-hand. Maxson recommends that homeowners have their [fireplace professionally inspected]() at least once a year, even if they don't use it very often. “Cleaning removes buildup, while an inspection helps identify hidden issues that cleaning alone won't solve,” he explains. For wood-burning fireplaces, annual chimney inspections are essential. “A qualified chimney professional can determine whether sweeping is necessary based on creosote accumulation, soot, debris, and other conditions,” explains Maxson. “Homeowners who burn wood frequently may require additional cleaning during the heating season” for their fireplaces. The firebox also requires routine attention; ash. Remove ash as needed, based on the manufacturer's instructions, and keep the surrounding area free of combustible debris. [Gas fireplaces]() should also receive regular professional maintenance according to the manufacturer's recommendations, typically including an annual inspection. “Servicing may involve cleaning the burner and other components, inspecting the ignition system, and verifying proper operation and venting,” explains Maxson. ## Both wood-burning and gas fireplaces should be cleaned. Wood-burning fireplaces should routinely be cleaned to manage ash and creosote buildup. A professional [chimney sweep]() can remove accumulated deposits and evaluate the chimney for obstructions, deterioration, or damage. While gas fireplaces burn cleaner than wood-burning fireplaces in terms of ash and creosote production, that doesn't mean they're maintenance free, says Maxson. “Gas fireplaces can accumulate dust, debris, and residue,” he explains. “One of the biggest mistakes gas fireplace owners make is assuming that because there's no wood or ash to clean up, there's nothing to maintain.” ## This is what can happen if you use a fireplace that hasn’t been cleaned in years. The real danger is that many fireplace problems aren't visible until something goes wrong, says Maxson. “A chimney obstruction, damaged venting component, or [buildup of creosote]() can exist without any obvious warning signs, and that's why regular inspections and cleaning are so important.” Maxson warns about the following problems that can occur: - **Chimney fires:** In wood-burning fireplaces, [accumulated creosote can ignite inside the chimney](). Such fires can damage the flue liner and surrounding structures and, in severe cases, spread to other areas of the home. - **Carbon monoxide exposure:** Both gas and wood-burning fireplaces can [produce carbon monoxide](), and blocked or damaged venting, improper draft, or malfunctioning equipment can allow combustion gases to enter living spaces. - **Smoke entering the home:** Chimney obstructions or drafting problems can cause smoke to back up into the living space rather than venting properly. - **Equipment damage and costly repairs:** Neglected maintenance can allow minor problems to develop into more extensive damage involving fireplace components, chimney systems, or surrounding materials. ![The best fireplace screen shielding a grey stone hearth from a burning fire.]() *Photo: istock.com* ## Consider these additional fireplace safety tips. Here are some additional tips to keep in mind, according to Maxson: ### Install and maintain smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Every home with a fuel-burning fireplace should have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms installed in appropriate locations. Test them regularly and follow manufacturer recommendations for replacement. ### Burn the right type of wood. For wood-burning fireplaces, use properly seasoned, dry firewood. [Avoid burning]() treated lumber, painted wood, household trash, or other materials that can release harmful chemicals or contribute to excessive deposits. ### Keep combustible materials away from the fireplace. Furniture, rugs, blankets, decorations, and firewood should remain outside the manufacturer's required clearance areas. ### Use appropriate fireplace screens and barriers. Wood-burning fireplaces can release sparks and embers, while fireplace glass and exposed surfaces can become extremely hot. Proper screens and barriers help reduce the risk of burns and accidental contact. ### Dispose of ashes safely. Ashes and embers can remain hot long after a fire appears to be extinguished. Allow them to cool, place them in a covered metal container, and store that container outdoors on a noncombustible surface away from structures and other combustible materials. ### Know when to call a professional. Unusual odors, smoke entering the home, difficulty igniting a gas fireplace, abnormal flame patterns, visible damage, or unexplained soot accumulation are all reasons to stop [using the fireplace]() and have it evaluated. If you smell gas, leave the area immediately and contact your gas utility or emergency services from a safe location. ## Author Sandi Schwartz is an environmental author and freelance journalist with over 20 years of extensive experience communicating science-based information to diverse audiences in the areas of sustainability, home/garden, green living, nature, and wellness. Sandi began writing for BobVila.com in June 2022. ### Author social links [LinkedIn]() ## More - [How to Clean a Fireplace]() - [How to Clean a Chimney]() - [The Energy Efficiency Problem With Your Fireplace—and How to Shore It Up Before Winter]() - [How Much Does It Cost to Convert a Fireplace to Gas?]() - [11 Dos and Don’ts for Cleaning a Wood Stove]() - [The Best (and Worst) Types of Wood for Burning in the Fireplace]() - [10 Types of Fireplaces Every Homeowner Should Know]() - [How to Get Your Fireplace Ready for Winter]()