Stove Maintenance in Polegate | How to Care for a Stove Between Annual Servicing

Annual servicing from a certified engineer is vital for keeping your stove safe and running efficiently. Professional stove maintenance ensures that all internal components, flue connections and seals are checked, cleaned and tested. However, between annual visits, there are simple steps you can take to keep your stove in good condition.

At Swept Away Installations, we offer professional stove maintenance services in Polegate and all local areas, helping homeowners to keep appliances running reliably throughout the year. Between an engineer visit, small jobs make a big difference to performance and safety.

You should be safe dealing with them all.

This blog post provides some ideas on stove maintenance in Polegate, mainly for individuals, but an annual service is always recommended.

Why Regular Maintenance Matters

A well-maintained stove will burn fuel more efficiently and produces less smoke. It can also reduce the risk of dangerous carbon monoxide leaks. Regular care also extends the lifespan of a stove and, if you happen to catch something significant, it prevents costly repairs.

You can’t replace a professional inspection, but small routine tasks can help prevent build-ups and wear between those annual visits.

What Can You Do Yourself?

There are several stove maintenance tasks that homeowners can carry out safely and effectively. These don’t require tools or specialist training, but they do help your stove to stay clean and efficient.

Weekly and monthly checks in Polegate can include:

  • Empty the Ash Pan Regularly – Don’t let ash build up around a grate because this restricts airflow and reduces efficiency
  • Clean the Glass Door – Use a damp cloth and approved cleaners, but avoid abrasive pads that can scratch the glass surface
  • Inspect Door Seals – Check that the rope seals are intact and the door closes. If a door feels loose, it may need replacing
  • Check for Soot Build-Up – A quick look at the flue outlet add inside the stove helps you spot signs of soot or tar deposits
  • Burn Only Seasoned Wood – Using properly dried logs can reduce smoke and residues, improving both efficiency and your safety

These actions ensure your stove runs smoothly between services.

Work to Leave to a Certified Engineer

Some aspects of stove maintenance in Polegate must always be left to a qualified HETAS engineer. Attempting these without proper training can be dangerous and we advise that you never attempt what follows.

Only a certified engineer should carry out:

  • Chimney sweeping and flue cleaning
  • Internal component checks
  • Smoke testing and CO leak detection
  • Replacement of rope seals and gaskets
  • Inspection of air vents and combustion settings

These are all part of an annual stove maintenance service, provided by Swept Away Installations, to ensure your appliance meets safety standards and runs at peak performance for the next 12 months.

How Often Should You Clean a Stove?

Light cleaning once a week is usually enough during heating seasons. If you use a stove daily, a frequent ash removal and door clean may be necessary. Always allow the stove to cool fully before cleaning.

If you are based in Polegate or the surrounding areas, Swept Away is here to provide professional servicing and advice to keep your stove in excellent condition. Our engineers inspect, clean and maintain an assortment of multi-fuel and wood-burning stoves from major brands.

Book in for annual stove servicing before the colder months begin.

For stove maintenance in Polegate, call Swept Away Installations and book your next service, or get practical advice on caring for your stove between engineer visits in a safer and more controlled manner.