How to Clean Wood Burner Glass with WD-40 | Pros, Cons, Tips, Tricks

As anyone who relies on wood heat in the winter will tell you, keeping the glass of your wood burner clean can be quite a challenge. Regardless of how low moisture your logs and briquettes are and how well you preheat your stove, its clear glass will be covered with soot and other residues over time, ruining its aesthetics and obscuring your view of the fire.

One unconventional yet highly effective method for cleaning wood burner glass is using WD-40. While its manufacturer markets it primarily as a do-anything lubricant, WD40 has several properties that make it an excellent cleaner for tough residues. But is it a good idea to use this penetrating oil as a cleaner for your wood-burning stove? Or could this end up being a very expensive mistake?

In this article, we'll explore the pros, cons, benefits, and drawbacks of using WD40 for cleaning wood burner glass. We'll also compare it to more traditional stove glass cleaners and provide a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how best to use it. Let's begin!

You Might Also Like:

Wood Moisture Meters: How to Choose, Buy, and Use

Firewood Price Guide: UK Log Prices, Briquette Prices, Cost Comparison

Best Supermarket Logs: Asda, ALDI, Tesco, LIDL, Sainsbury's

Why a Clean Wood Stove Glass Matters

First things first. Keeping your wood burner glass nice and clean isn't just something we do for aesthetic reasons.

A clear glass allows for full visibility of the fire. This is important as it allows you to monitor the flame effectively and prevent overfiring, which is essential for fire safety.

If you're an experienced wood burner user, a clean glass window will also allow you to make better decisions when it comes to using your appliance's airflow controls.

Lastly, when the glass is covered in soot and creosote, it can actually interfere with the stove’s performance, leading to inefficient burning, smoke production, and increased fuel consumption. If the problem gets bad enough, the creosote buildup can even lead to an explosion (read more about the dangers of creosote buildup).

As an added benefit, cleaning the glass of your stove gives you a valuable opportunity to check up on the condition of other parts of your stove. This means you'll be able to notice the first symptoms of problems when they can still be fixed without the need for costly replacements or repairs. For example:

• A slight buildup of creosote can be solved with a thorough cleaning.
• If left unattended for several months, you'll need the services of a chimney sweep to get rid of the same problem (read our article on hiring a chimney sweep).
• If you fail to notice the problem for several more months while using cheap firewood, you might end up with a problem that can only be solved by replacing your flue.

Last but not least, one of the main joys of owning a wood burner is enjoying a relaxing and luxurious view of the flames. Dirty stove glass obscures this, robbing you of the beautiful view you likely paid thousands of pounds for.

Traditional Stove Glass Cleaning Methods

Before exploring the use of WD-40 for cleaning your stove glass, it's important to understand the more traditional, tried-and-true methods that are widely recommended by stove manufacturers. Depending on the terms of your stove's warranty, you may only be permitted to clean it using one of these methods.

Method #1: Using a Store-Bought Stove Glass Cleaner

The easiest thing to do is to buy a product specifically formulated to tackle soot and creosote buildup. These can often be found anywhere wood stoves are sold. Popular brands of stove glass cleaners include Rutland, HG, and Stove Bright. 

Being designed specifically for the task of cleaning wood burner glass, these products are great at breaking down tough residues, are easy to use, and provide consistent results.

This doesn't mean they are perfect, however. As is often the case with any product that is marketed for a specific task, specialised wood burner glass cleaners tend to be quite expensive. On top of that, many formulations resort to using harsh chemicals to get the job done. As a result, they may require careful handling, rubber gloves, and proper ventilation to be used safely.

Method #2: Vinegar and Water

If you prefer an all-natural solution that can be made from what you already have in your cupboard, try the tried-and-true mixture of vinegar and water, which many Brits have been swearing by for centuries. Vinegar's acidic nature helps to dissolve minor deposits, making it a good option for cleaning light soot from the glass. 

As there is no standard for vinegar, the exact proportions will vary, but one part vinegar to two parts water is a good starting point.

Method #3: Paste of Baking Soda and Water

Another homemade cleaning trick that has been used for decades is mixing baking soda and water. This creates an abrasive paste that can be used to scrub your stove glass clean. Unlike our water-vinegar solution, baking soda paste can be used to scrub away stains that are much more stubborn in nature.

Method #4: Damp Newspaper and Ash

Another old trick is to use a damp newspaper dipped in wood ash to create a homemade disposable cleaning wipe. The chief benefit of this method is that it uses things you most likely have at hand, as newspapers are often used in lieu of firelighters, and ash is a byproduct of the wood-burning process. This means they're always at hand when you need them. The main drawback of this method is that it cannot be used to tackle more stubborn stains.

Using WD40 for Cleaning Wood Burner Glass

WD-40 is a multi-purpose product that is world-famous for its lubricating, penetrating, and water-displacing properties. While it's most commonly used to lubricate moving parts, loosen rusted bolts, and stop doors from squeaking, it's powerful cleaning properties make it a popular option for cleaning wood stove glass.

But does popular mean good? We've asked our wood fuel experts this question. Here's what they've told us!

Advantages of Using WD40 For Cleaning Wood Stove Glass

While it wasn't designed specifically for cleaning wood burner glass, WD-40 has plenty of properties that make it a great choice for this particular task.

• Dissolving Properties. Thanks to its superlative dissolving properties WD-40 can dissolve even the toughest soot and creosote deposits. This makes it an effective cleaner for wood burner glass.
• Ease of Use. The product is very easy to apply thanks to a spray nozzle that allows for precise application. It's also very intuitive to use and isn't as toxic as most cleaners with similar dissolving properties.
• Availability. Unlike specialized wood stove cleaners, WD40 is widely available for purchase. 
• Cost-Effective. Compared to premium specialized stove glass cleaners, WD40 is often a lot more affordable and, what's more important, it serves multiple purposes around the house.
• You Already Have It. Chances are you already have WD-40 in your household somewhere. This makes it a convenient option for quick cleaning tasks.

WD-40 Application Steps For Wood Burner Glass

1. Preparation Work. First of all, ensure your wood burner has cooled down sufficiently. Once you're sure of this, wipe off all loose ash and debris from the glass.
2. Applying WD-40. Apply a few sprays of WD-40 directly onto the glass. To avoid overspraying, it is sometimes helpful to use the straw attachment for precise application.
3. Wait a few minutes. Let the WD40 sit on the glass for a few minutes to break down all the soot and creosote.
4. Cleaning. Use a soft cloth to wipe off the residue in circular motions. After that, wipe the glass with a damp cloth to remove any leftover WD40 and ensure a clear, residue-free finish.

Safety Considerations When Using WD-40

• WD-40 is very flammable. Being a penetrating oil, WD-40 is highly flammable. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure the stove is completely cool before you apply it to your stove and allow enough time for its residues to evaporate before lighting a new fire.
• Toxic fumes. While WD-40 isn't as toxic as some other cleaning products, you still don't want to inhale it, so ensure good ventilation during the cleaning process to avoid inhaling fumes.

Why Does WD40 Work So Well For Wood Burner Glass?

WD40’s effectiveness as a wood burner glass cleaner stems from its unique formulation. This brand of penetrating oil contains a combination of lubricants, solvents, and corrosion inhibitors that make it perfect for dissolving all types of grime and residue. After these have been dissolved, the residue can be wiped off easily.

At the same time, WD40 is designed to evaporate quickly and leave minimal residue behind. This property makes it suitable for use on surfaces like wood burner glass, where a clean finish is needed and it is paramount that all oils evaporate before the next use to avoid a fire hazard.

Comparing WD40 to Other Cleaners

When it comes to cleaning wood burner glass, WD40 offers a unique set of benefits that make it the price choice compared to traditional stove glass cleaners. On the other hand, WD-40 is a highly flammable oil, so you need to be more careful with it than with many other cleaners. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you understand why WD40 might be a suitable option for you.

Effectiveness of WD-40 vs Commercial Cleaners.

• WD40. WD40 is highly effective at cleaning wood burner glass because it can penetrate and dissolve tough soot and creosote deposits. Its formulation allows it to break down residues quickly, making the cleaning process less labour-intensive.
• Commercial Stove Glass Cleaners. Specialized products like Rutland Stove Glass Cleaner and Stove Bright Glass Cleaner are specifically designed for the task and are often more potent. However, they can often be harsher on the glass and surrounding materials, so they need to be used sparingly.

Cost of Cleaning Stove Glass with WD-40 vs Commercial Stove Cleaners

• WD-40. Being generally far more affordable and widely available, WD40 is a cost-effective solution for cleaning wood burner glass. It can also be used for various other household tasks, so it won't be yet another product cluttering up your cupboard.
• Commercial Cleaners. While being very effective, specialized glass cleaners tend to be more expensive. Couple this with the fact that they are only made to accomplish one task and you see why a lot of people see them as providing minimal value.

Safety of Cleaning Wood Burners with WD-40 or Commercial Cleaners

• WD-40. While WD-40 is effective at cleaning wood stove glass, it is also very flammable. In order to use it super safely, you need to know your stove has cooled down sufficiently. After cleaning, you need to make sure the product has fully evaporated before you light up your stove once again.
• Commercial Cleaners. Being specifically designed for cleaning wood burner glass, many commercial cleaners are non-flammable and formulated with safety in mind. This makes them a lot safer for day to day use, especially if you're not used to being very careful.

Wood Burner Glass Maintenance Tips

Keeping your wood burner glass clean is just one of many aspects of maintaining your stove. Regular maintenance not only ensures the efficient operation of your wood burner but it can also prolong its lifespan and enhance the safety of its operation. Here are some comprehensive tips to help you maintain your wood burner:

• Maintain a Regular Cleaning Schedule. The best way to avoid hard-to-clean soot buildup is to clean the glass at least once a week during periods of regular use.
• Always Use Quality Firewood Logs. Always use quality hardwood logs with a moisture content of less than 20%. Popular options include kiln-dried oak logs, kiln-dried birch firewood, and kiln-dried ash. Avoid green (aka wet) firewood at all costs as it produces toxic fumes when burned and leads to a very fast buildup of creosote.
• Consider Wood Briquettes. Being made of compressed sawdust or bark, wood briquettes can be dried to extra low moisture levels of 9%. This makes them a lot more clean-burning and energy-efficient than quality firewood. Popular options include 8-Hour Night Briquettes, Hardwood Heat Logs, Fire Logs, Sawdust Briquettes, Nestro Softwood Logs, and Pini Kay Eco Logs.
• Don't Skimp on Professional Maintenance. As we've mentioned in our ultimate guide to chimney sweeping, you need to have your chimney professionally cleaned at least once a year. This reduces the risk of chimney fires and ensures optimal airflow.
• Stove Inspection: Regularly inspect the stove’s components, such as door seals, gaskets, and the firebox, for wear and tear. Replace any damaged parts promptly to maintain efficiency and safety​.

Conclusion

Using WD-40 to clean wood burner glass can be a practical and effective solution that offers several advantages over traditional cleaning methods. Its ability to penetrate and dissolve tough residues, combined with its ease of use, safety, and cost-effectiveness, makes it a valuable tool for maintaining the cleanliness of your wood burner. 

Whether you opt for WD40 or end up using traditional cleaners, the key is consistent care and attention to prevent buildup and maintain a beautiful, clear view of your fire.