Caring for the soapstone stove properly
Soapstone, like fireclay stone or granite, is one of the natural stones that store heat excellently. Soapstone is not suitable for the inner area of a stove, but it is excellent for the outer area. A stove that is covered with soapstone gives off the stored heat to the room even after the firewood has burned down.
A stove can be retrofitted
A wood-burning stove that is not originally clad in soapstone can, if it is suitable, also be retrofitted with soapstone.
- However, you should ask your stove builder beforehand whether your stove is suitable for this retrofit. A stove covered with soapstone can be used as a so-called "continuous fire stove" in order to act as the main heating.
- Whether you choose a granite or soapstone stove can be influenced on the one hand by visual or on the other hand by material reasons. In principle, natural stone has a very good storage effect due to its high density. However, soapstone has an even better storage effect than granite. Granite stone, on the other hand, looks a bit more modern and timeless.
- Solid soapstone is very heavy and so the soapstone stove is of course very heavy, which must be borne by a sufficient floor construction. If a wood-burning stove is retrofitted, the natural stone slabs could turn out to be Retrofitting an unsuitable stove has a negative effect on ventilation, which can lead to overheating of the stove can lead. It is therefore imperative that you discuss this type of conversion with a specialist.
A soapstone stove is easy to maintain
In addition to the easy-care natural stone, it is of course a matter of principle that you should "burn in" the fireplace carefully and with a small flame before you start using the stove. Smoke-like vapors from paint and sweat residues can still be released during the first ten firings. Therefore, you should keep the firing slowly firing.
Natural stones in particular are often more difficult to clean and maintain than ...
- Always leave some ash in the oven, as the heat-reflecting ash ensures that the wood burns properly and cleanly. However, if the panes become sooty, this is a sign that the air supply is not working properly.
- Use coarse steel wool with the coarse numbering 2 to clean the glass door, because the steel wool is softer than the diamond-hard glass. Never use chemical cleaners or sponges, such as sponge pads, as both would destroy the glass.
- When oxygen is missing or that wood If it is too damp, the stove can no longer heat properly. Therefore, make sure that the pipe connections are cleaned and that the wood is "bone dry". It is best to let the wood dry well in the room weeks before burning. On the other hand, good humidity in the room helps to increase the feeling of warmth.
- Never clean the soapstone when it is warm with a damp cloth, because the heat causes the cracks to open and you would rub the dirt into these pores. Otherwise, soapstone is very easy to maintain. When the stove has cooled down, you can sweep the soapstone dry. Should you notice any dirt on the stone can usually be removed with lukewarm washing-up liquid.
- You should be small scratch discover it in soapstone, you can use a graphite available from specialist retailers (e. B. touch up the rounded pencil tip) a little. The specialist trade also offers various soapstone care products that you can use according to the manufacturer's instructions in order to maintain the shine of the stove.
