Keeping your glass clean on a wood burner

That clear view of the flames is half the pleasure of a stove — so blackened glass is a common frustration. The good news: it’s almost always about air and fuel, not the stove itself.

Keep it clear

Most stoves have an “airwash” — a stream of air drawn down over the inside of the glass to keep soot off. It only works if you give the fire enough air and burn dry wood.

• Burn properly dry wood (under 20% moisture)
• Don’t shut the air down too far, too soon
• Get the fire good and hot before turning it down
• Wipe cold glass with damp kitchen roll dipped in cooled ash

Do those and the glass should stay clear for far longer between cleans.