While gas appliances don’t require as much maintenance as wood burning units, it’s still important to inspect and clean your gas log set regularly. 

Gas logs can collect dust and debris, especially during the warm summer months when you aren’t using your fireplace often. If left unchecked, the dust can clog essential components, corrode the finish on your logs, and cause an unpleasant odor when you reignite your fireplace.  

It's essential to hire an NFI-certified professional or a local licensed contractor to do a thorough cleaning and inspection of your gas fireplace at least once a year. A professional will be able to safely disassemble your gas fireplace components if needed and put them back together correctly. 

Below, we’ve listed a few simple steps you can follow in between inspections to make sure your gas log set stays in top condition for as long as possible. 

Step 1: Turn Off Your Gas Supply

Before you start disassembling your gas log set, make sure your gas supply is turned off by switching the gas valve to the OFF position.  

Double-check that the pilot light is extinguished and wait about 10 minutes before moving your log set to allow any remaining gas to leave the gas line safely. 

If you recently used your fireplace, let your gas log set cool completely before you handle it.  

Step 2: Remove Your Gas Logs

When your gas logs are cool, take them out of the firebox one at a time wearing a pair of heavy-duty work gloves to protect your hands.  

Some log sets feature intricate details and delicate textures that resemble real wood, so you’ll want to handle them carefully. You may also want to consider laying the logs on top of newspapers, a small tarp, or an old bed sheet, so they don't leave soot on your floors or furniture. 

As you remove each log, inspect it thoroughly for cracks, chips, scratches, and dents. If you discover damage to any of the logs, order a replacement before using your log set again.  

Do not disconnect or remove the burner system in your gas fireplace. It's best to hire a professional to clean your gas lines and burner assembly, otherwise you run the risk of reassembling the system incorrectly and creating a fire hazard in your home. 

Step 3: Clean Your Log Set

Once you’re ready to start cleaning your log set, you’ll first need to determine if it’s made of ceramic fiber or refractory ceramic materials.  

Ceramic Fiber Gas Log Sets 

Ceramic fiber gas log sets are very lightweight and feel like foam when handled, so you’ll need to be extra careful with them. With ceramic fiber logs, it’s best to use a dry cleaning method that prevents water from seeping into the porous surface.  

Take your ceramic fiber logs outside and gently brush away soot, dust, and debris with a stiff horsehair or ceramic bristle brush, paying extra attention to any nooks and crannies. When you're finished brushing them, use a can of compressed air on the surface of the logs to blow away any remaining debris. 

Refractory Ceramic Gas Log Sets 

Often used in Vented gas fireplaces, refractory ceramic gas log sets are sturdier, have a smooth surface, and won't absorb water. For refractory ceramic logs, you'll need to use a wet cleaning method.  

Take your refractory ceramic logs outside and fill a spray bottle or bucket of water with one part water and one part dish soap. Dampen your log set with plain water, then use a clean, coarse cloth to lightly scrub the surface of each log with your mixture.  

Since most refractory ceramic log sets are hand-painted, you’ll want to scrub rigorously enough to remove soot and debris, but not hard enough to chip the paint.  

After you’re done scrubbing, let the cleaning mixture sit on your logs for about five minutes and rinse them off with water.  

Let your gas log set dry completely before putting it back into your fireplace.  

Step 4: Reassemble Your Log Set

Before you start placing your logs back into your fireplace, read through the installation section of the manual that came with your gas log set.  

Most log sets must be arranged in a specific pattern to work properly, especially Ventless models. 

As you reassemble your gas log set, follow the exact pattern outlined in the manual to make sure it’s installed correctly. 

Step 5: Turn Your Gas Supply Back On

Once your log set is properly installed, remember to turn your gas valve back to the ON position.  

Now, you’re ready to kick back and enjoy a cozy, clean-burning fire!  

Step 6: Schedule an Inspection

While regularly cleaning your gas log set at home prolongs its lifespan, you’ll also need to hire a professional to inspect and clean your log set, gas lines, and burner system components at least once a year to ensure everything functions safely.  

Reach out to a local NFI-certified professional or a licensed general contractor who has experience servicing and cleaning gas fire features to schedule your annual inspection.  

Download Your Gas Log Maintenance Guide

To help you maintain your gas log set at home, we've created a printable e-book you can download and reference in between inspections!

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We're Here to Help

Have more questions about how to care for your gas log set? We’d love to help! Call our team of NFI certified experts today at 800.919.1904. 

More Resources  

Find a log set that adds the perfect finishing touch to your gas fireplace with our Gas Log Buying Guide.  

Follow this simple guide to safely install your new gas log set. 

Learn the key differences between Vented and Ventless gas logs to determine the best option for your home.