General Chat

Hi Everyone, I had a coal fire installed back in November and it's been really, really, really lovely (but even more lovely than that really!!). However, the time has now come to consider cleaning the front grate (the black cast iron bits that hold in the coal) - does anyone know how to do this? I do clean it down every day when I clean out the ashes (with a damp cloth) but it's now tarnished with the constant heat and wondered if there was a specific product (I'm thinking the old fashioned black leading here) and would be grateful if anyone has any tips? Many thanks in antipation really!! Kim

Marigolds, Zebbo and a very old brush !!! Do it on loads of old newspaper - a messy job! jay

I think that a fireplace shop would be able to advise you. Probably the one that you got it from. I was about to say black leading until I finished reading your message:)) Chrissie

get a man to do it

Hi Kim We do ours with something from B&Q and I think it is still based on the old fashioned black leading but you paint it on. Sorry but can't remeber exactly what it's called at the moment. Cheers Kaz

try googling how to clean cast iron fire grate it gives some companys that sell products

Hello, Mrs Beeton here. In answer to your problem…… oh yes page 1529 1lb common asphaltum (aromatherapy shop) Half pint of linseed oil 1 quart of oil of turpentine Melt the asphaltum and gradually add the other ingredients. Apply with a small painter’s brush and leave until it dries. No cleaning is necessary. Just dust every day and occasionally brush with a dry black lead brush. Be sure not to do this when the fire is lit. Should you require instructions on preserving bright grates or fire irons from rust, to removing rust from bright grates and the lighting of fires, please feel free to consult me again.

You can buy some stuff from DIY shops.........think it's called Zeebrite. It's like a paste that you put on and then buff up. Messy job!

Well thank you all so much for your very speedy and knowledgeable replies - I shall research each and everyone of them and hopefully have a gleaming fire once more. Again many, many, thanks really!! Kim

I think I used to use something called Zeebrite from our old ironmongers shop.

Hi I have a tin of stuff right in front of me ,Its called HOTSPOT stove & grate polish.it says to use put the polish on with a damp cloth,just apply a thin coat .leave to dry and then polish with a soft cloth or brush contains graphite the old way was zeebo grate polish and a couple of shoe brushes I use it to primenew fishing weight moulde when I make my lead fishing weights Bill

Hi ya Kim.I have a free standing,cast iron multiburner.To clean it,I use a damp cloth just.Maybe once a month,or even longer,I use Hotspot black grate polish.A bit messy on bare hands but does a marvellous job.I think I paid £1.99 for it about a year and a half ago.You only need a wee bit.For a very quick solution though,put some baby oil on a cloth and rub in well.Only use a wee bit mind,cause if the fire becomes to hot,it starts to smell. Good luck...... Elizabeth.