Fire Pit Care 101: Keep It Burning Bright

Why Proper Fire Pit Care Matters

A crackling fire under the stars—nothing beats the warmth and ambiance of a wood-burning fire pit. But to keep it in top shape, regular maintenance is key. A neglected fire pit can rust, crack, or even become unsafe. Fortunately, keeping yours in great condition is easier than you think. With a few quick steps, you can prevent rust, reduce cleanup, and keep your fire pit looking and working like new. Here’s how.

Table of Contents

• Fire Pit Maintenance Tips 
• Protect Your Fire Pit from the Elements 
• Remember to Empty Ashes Regularly 
• How to Remove Ashes Safely 
• How to Prevent Rust Formation 
• How to Clean Your Wood-Burning Fire Pit 
• Got Rust? Remove Rust and Stubborn Stains 
• How Often Should You Clean Your Fire Pit? 
• Choose the Right Fuel for Your Fire Pit 
• Know How to Extinguish Flames in Your Fire Pit 
• Final Thoughts 

Fire Pit Maintenance Tips

A well-maintained fire pit isn’t just about looks—it ensures safer, longer-lasting fires every season. Regularly taking care of your fire pit reduces the amount of deep cleaning you’ll have to do later and even prevents more serious damage. Every fire pit is different, but here are a few general maintenance tips:

Protect Your Fire Pit from the Elements

Exposure to rain, snow, and extreme temperatures can accelerate wear and tear. Luckily, protective measures go a long way to keeping your fire pit working like new longer.

• Consider using a weather-resistant cover to shield your fire pit from rain, snow, and humidity.
• If possible, store smaller, free-standing fire pits in a sheltered area when not in use.
• If you live in a particularly cold climate and are building your own fire pit, make sure the footers extend below the frost line or build on a reinforced concrete base to reduce cracking risks.

Remember to Empty Ashes Regularly

While you don’t need to remove ashes immediately after each use, it’s best to do so within a few days. Leaving ashes in your fire pit for long periods of time can trap moisture and corrode metal components over time.

How to Remove Ashes Safely

Always allow ashes to cool completely before scooping them out. Store the ashes in a sealed metal container, like a metal bucket with a metal lid, then store it away from flammable materials until you’re able to dispose of them. Ashes can be disposed of in compost or used in gardens to neutralize acidic soil.

How to Prevent Rust Formation

Rust can compromise the durability of metal fire pits. To prevent rust formation:

• Apply a high-temperature protective coating or oil to metal surfaces as needed.
• Wipe any moisture or debris off your fire pit after use.
• Use a weather-resistant cover when not in use.
• Store your fire pit in a dry area when possible.

How to Clean Your Wood-Burning Fire Pit

With regular maintenance, cleaning your fire pit shouldn’t be too big a hassle. To give your fire pit a thorough clean:

1. Let your fire pit cool completely. Hot embers = bad news with an increased chance of fire hazard and even injury.
2. Remove any ash or debris. You can use an ash scoop, your fire pit’s ash drawer if it has one, or even a trowel.
3. Remove and clean any removable parts, like a grate or liner. Scrub them with warm, soapy water, then rinse and dry.
4. Wash the rest of the fire pit. Scrub the main body of your fire pit with warm, soapy water, then rinse and dry.
5. Apply a protectant or sealer for extra rust protection —just be sure it’s safe for your fire pit’s material.

A few tips on cleaning your fire pit:

• Skip harsh or abrasive chemicals. These can damage your fire pit’s finish.
• Pick the right cleaning tool––Steel and stone fire pits can be scrubbed with a stiff-bristled brush or steel wool, while softer materials like copper can be cleaned with a soft rag or sponge.
• Check your manual for cleaning instructions and any restrictions your fire pit might have.

Got Rust? Remove Rust and Stubborn Stains

To remove rust or stubborn stains, mix white vinegar with water and scrub the area. The extra acidity will help dissolve the rust. For stubborn stains, make a paste with water and baking soda, then scrub to break down the stain. Rinse your fire pit and fully dry to prevent further rust. You may have to do this a few times for particularly stubborn stains.  

How Often Should You Clean Your Fire Pit?

• After Each Use: Remove large debris and check for excess ash buildup. 
• Weekly: Empty ashes and wipe down surfaces. 
• Seasonally: Deep clean your fire pit at least once per season, checking for rust or damage. 

Choose the Right Fuel for Your Fire Pit

There are a lot of fuel options out there, and not all of them are suitable for every fire pit. Some fuel sources can cause excessive buildup and can even damage certain materials. Here are some fuel types and how they might affect your fire pit. Remember, always consult your fire pit’s manual before using any type of fuel. 

• Seasoned Hardwood – Dense, slow-burning dry woods like oak, hickory, and maple produce high heat, minimal smoke, and little residue. This makes them ideal for long-lasting, clean fires that don’t clog air vents or cause excessive buildup. These hardwoods are a great choice for any fire pit. 
• Softwood – Lightweight, fast-burning woods like pine, cedar, and spruce contain more sap and resin, which leads to excessive smoke and a buildup of sticky residue that can shorten the lifespan of a fire pit, especially metal designs. 
• Treated or Painted Wood – Treated or painted wood contains chemicals that release toxic fumes when burned. Not only is this not healthy for anyone nearby, it also creates residues that can corrode metal fire pits and leave behind hazardous buildup that’s difficult to clean. 
• Lump Charcoal – Lump charcoal burns hotter and cleaner than charcoal briquettes, producing less ash. It’s generally safe for fire pits but can burn at extremely high temperatures, which may stress and weaken metal fire pits over time. 
• Charcoal Briquettes – Charcoal briquettes contain additives and binders that create more ash and residue than lump charcoal, which can clog air vents and requires frequent cleaning. Some also contain lighter fluid, which can leave behind harmful residues.  
• Fire Logs – fire logs are manufactured from compressed sawdust, wax, or other materials. They burn consistently and cleanly but can leave waxy residue in metal fire pits and should only be used if the manufacturer approves their use. 
• Fatwood – This is a type of softwood (typically pine) that is naturally high in resin. It ignites quickly and burns hot, making it great as a fire starter but not ideal for full fires since it leaves behind flammable deposits that require regular cleaning. 
• Pellets – Pellets are made from compressed wood or biomass fuel designed for pellet stoves, but they can be used in some fire pits with special grates or baskets. They burn efficiently with minimal ash but may not provide the same heat output as logs.  
• Natural Fire Starters – Kindling, dry leaves, and newspaper burn quickly without leaving harmful residues. This makes them safe for getting your fire started with most fire pits, but you’ll need a longer burning fuel to keep the fire going. 
• Accelerants – Accelerants should never be used with a fire pit and can be extremely dangerous, resulting in flare–ups that can damage your fire pit and, worse, cause serious injury. They also leave behind harmful chemical residues that can affect future burns. 

Know How to Extinguish Flames in Your Fire Pit

Extinguishing a fire isn’t too hard once you get the hang of it, but how you do it also affects the longevity of your fire pit. To keep your fire pit in top shape, use a snuffer or tightly fitted fire pit cover to cut off oxygen and extinguish the flames. Avoid dousing with water as rapid temperature changes can stress and weaken the metal.

Final Thoughts

Regular maintenance not only enhances performance but also ensures safe and enjoyable fires while creating the perfect ambiance all year long. By following these steps, you’ll extend the life of your fire pit and keep it looking great for years to come. Looking for the perfect fire pit? Check out our extensive collection of durable wood-burning fire pits at Ash & Ember for top quality designs at an affordable price.