As with anything you own, you need to take care of your fire pit if you want it to stay in good condition. Luckily, fire pit care and maintenance is relatively easy and not something that requires a lot of time or hard work. By doing it regularly, it will be even easier than if you put it off however and do it infrequently. If you neglect fire pit care and maintenance altogether, your fire pit will not last as long as one that is cared for properly. Therefore, to ensure you get the maximum number of years of enjoyment from your fire pit, make sure you do regular care and maintenance of it.
When you are finished using your fire pit, be sure the fire is completely out before leaving it unattended. When the ashes have cooled enough to handle, usually the following day, remove them and seal them in a closed non-combustible container.
Do not start a new fire amongst the old ashes. Depending on the type of fire pit you own, you may need to do additional kinds of maintenance. If it is made of cast iron, you will need to coat it with vegetable oil after every 10 to 12 fires you make in it, to keep it from rusting. If you get a cast aluminum fire pit or ones made of other types of metal, you have no need of seasoning it like with iron.
Be careful to not drop your fire pit as this will damage or break it.
Do not pour water into a fire pit to put out a fire. The sudden change in temperature is not good for the fire pit and may result in breakage or at the very least deterioration of the pit. Cover your fire pit when it is not in use but only after it has cooled. This will protect it from the elements. If you live in climates with harsh winter conditions, you may want to store your fire pit in a dry, sheltered area to keep it in good shape longer.
That’s all that needs to be done. Common sense use of your fire pit will keep it in tiptop shape. Remember to keep safety in mind and do not put anything in the fire pit that may explode. Do not put plastics or other items that melt in the fire pit, as they do not clean up well and give off terrible odors.
By taking proper care of your fire pit, you will be able to enjoy the use of it for many years to come. The last thing you want is to be sitting around a fire and have the bottom drop out of your fire pit, putting those around it in danger, as well as whatever is below it and the furniture around it. Care for your fire pit as you would any addition to your home and enjoy it often.
