How to clean a copper fire pit

Fire pits have become a trend in backyard landscaping and they’re a lot of fun! But, they can quickly go from being a fun, relaxing feature in the backyard to a frustrating eyesore when dirt and debris begin collecting in the pit. You’ve got to keep the fire pit looking great, but you also want to prevent the pit from being a breeding ground for mosquitos. So, what’s the easiest, most efficient way to clean your fire pit?

You can find many different methods to clean a copper fire pit but they all have one thing in common: they’re messy. To make your job easier, we’ve written down a few of our favorite tips on cleaning a copper fire pit.

How to clean a copper fire pit

1. Remove old ashes and debris

The first step of cleaning a copper fire pit is removing old ashes and debris. Copper needs to breathe so that it doesn’t rust. To do this, use a steel brush to remove the excess dirt and debris. This is not the only cleaning that needs to be done, but it is a good place to start.

2. Rinse the pit

Once you’ve gotten the dirt off and cleaned up any of the loose particles left over from the removal process, it’s time to rinse the pit to get rid of any remaining gunk or minerals. Make sure you rinse all sides of the copper pit, including the inside. The sides need to be thoroughly cleaned because the dirt will come off the pit if you let it sit in some water for too long.

3. Scrub with a wire brush

This is the third step in cleaning a fire pit and it involves scrubbing away any remaining dirt. Copper is a soft metal that is prone to corrosion, especially when exposed to water. The more you expose the copper, the faster the rust will appear. Use a wire brush to clean away any debris or dirt, or use a scouring pad and fine steel wool.

4. Pour vinegar over hot coals

If you have a fire pit with a lid, you should pour vinegar over hot coals until it is completely covered in a thin layer. You should repeat this step about four times. Each time you pour vinegar over the hot coals, let them cool down, and then pour vinegar over the hot coals again. By the time you’ve poured vinegar over the hot coals six times, your fire pit should be completely clean.

5. Dry the pit with a towel

Use dry towel for wiping down the sides of the pit, starting at the bottom and working your way up. Keep it clean. This is also important if you live in a region that experiences a lot of rain. Rainwater will dissolve copper, and the water that sits in the bottom of the pit will get dirty. You’ll need to remove this build-up every few weeks or so.

6. Store pit cover

Copper pits are beautiful but the copper is exposed when you leave the pit uncovered. To protect your pit cover you will need to keep it in a safe place and add an additional piece of cover material. You may want to consider having your fire pit professionally made if you will be leaving it uncovered for an extended period.

Conclusion:

Cleaning a fire pit can be a difficult task. Copper firepits are susceptible to rusting and can be damaged over time. If your pit looks rusty, chances are it is too. Quick cleaning of the fire pit with above mention method, the fire pit should get rid of any residue, but if the problem persists, call a professional. They can remove the rust without harming the copper metal and ensure that the pit will continue to look its best for years to come.