CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF YOUR
MINSTER® FIREPLACE

NOT TO BE USED ON OUR ABBEY STONE FIREPLACES

DRYING OUT

The installation MUST be allowed to dry out and only small fires should initially be burnt NO MATTER HOW LONG THIS MAY BE AFTER INSTALLATION.

Note: All materials expand when heated and this is normally taken up within the various joints of the Fireplace. Occasionally slight movement cracks may appear in the units, particularly around the fire opening. All relevant units are adequately reinforced and such movement will not affect the stability of your Fireplace.

FUELLING THE FIRE

Do not ‘overfuel’ the fire. This is both wasteful and in extreme cases could be hazardous.

Fires must always be contained in suitable appliances or baskets.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD A FIRE BE BURNT DIRECTLY ON THE BOTTOM HEARTH.

GENERAL CLEANING

Wash or scrub your Fireplace whenever necessary using plenty of clean warm water with the addition of bleach such as Domestos or Parazone. Alternatively dip a damp scrubbing brush into dry Vim or Ajax powder before scrubbing down. Take care to protect hands, carpet, timber and metal. Remember that the stone will soak up the water so a period of at least 14 days should be given for the fireplace to dry out.

After scrubbing, the Fireplace should be washed down with more clean warm water using a clean sponge to absorb water and dirt. (Do not us a cloth as this will rub dirt into the pores of the stone).

Stainless steel or Brass frames should be cleaned with water and detergent. Do not use an abrasive.

Care should be taken to stop hot coals rolling out onto the stonework as this may cause slight scorch marks. Should this occur apply neat bleach to the scorched area and wash down afterwards with a sponge and with fine sandstone or carborundum paper. (Note: Do not use an abrasive on a tooled finish, a wire brush produces the best results and should be used ALONG the groves of the tooling).

REMOVAL OF OIL AND GREASE STAINS

Stone is extremely porous and oil and grease will penetrate very quickly so take great care to ensure that any oil or grease does not come into contact with your fireplace as they may prove difficult to remove.

If you are unfortunate enough to suffer grease staining try a small amount of Swarfega and work it into the stain. After 5 minutes or so wash off and leave to dry.

If the stain persists, try bleach and water. If the stain is still evident then try a little light sanding with a fine emery cloth. You should ensure that the surface of the fireplace and the emery cloth is dry. After sanding, wash down the area with clean water and a sponge.

Should you require further assistance please contact Minsterstone on 01460 52277.

Minsterstone also produce high quality reconstructed stone Garden Ornamentation, Planters, Seating, Sundials, Birdbaths, Finials, Paving and Balustrading - FREE brochure available on request.