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QUESTION: We just installed a pre-fab zero-clearance fireplace. It has no
trap-door for ashes, and the grate (wood holder) is large and awkward to
move around. Also very sooty. With the grate in place, it's very
difficult to scoop and brush out the ashes without making a terrific mess.
And I'd really prefer not to move the sooty grate out of the fireplace
every time I remove ashes. So my first attempt at clean-up sent me
scurrying to the catalog pile to find an ash-removing vacuum cleaner.
Two catalogs offer one designed for cold ashes only called a
"Cricket," for $140/160. Disposable filter bags are extra.
That's pretty pricy, but some conveniences are worth the extra $$$.
Before I got around to calling in an order, my husband saw a small
Shop-Vac on sale for $39. Its instructions said not to use it with
hot ashes but didn't mention cold ashes. That sounds like a much
better alternative, if it would work.
So, my questions are:
Have you used either a ShopVac or a Cricket or some other vacuum
cleaner to suck the ashes from a fireplace? How well did it work?
Thanks in advance for the advice.
ANSWER: I use my wet/dry vac all the time for this. Makes a mess out of the hose,
but it can be rinsed off. It works fantastic. PLEASE use common sense,
make sure those ashes are cold. The whirlwind in the vac can restart a
fire, so use caution!
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