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MAINTENANCE
Stove Cleaning
The steel body of your Ideal Steel Hybrid stove is painted with two coats of high temperature stove paint. Under
normal operating conditions, this paint will not peel or blister. We suggest cleaning by dusting with a soft brush or
cloth, or vacuuming with a brush attachment when the stove is cold. If the steel is exposed to moisture for a long period
of time it may develop surface rust. If this happens, brush the affected area until clean with either a short wire brush or
medium steel wool and then touch-up with high temperature stove paint, which is available from Woodstock Soapstone
Company.
The soapstone that lines the firebox interior is rugged and well suited to the harsh environment of the firebox. It
should last for years under normal use. Should you need a replacement soapstone part, contact Woodstock Soapstone
Company directly.
Glass Cleaning
We use ceramic glass in our stoves because it is resistant to both impact and thermal shock. The panes of ceramic
glass installed in the stove fronts have full gaskets around the perimeter so there is no contact between the glass and the
steel frame.
There are two panes of glass at the front of each stove, with an air-space between the two panes. This “thermalpane”
arrangement helps keep the temperature on the inside of the glass higher and prevents condensation and soot from
accumulating. The Ideal Steel Hybrid has a large glass area with an “airwash” design in which the primary air supply
washes over the front glass to assist in keeping the glass free of ash and soot.
The glass may soot up the first time you use the stove (from condensation already inside the stove). Don’t be alarmed!
Usually, as soon as you build up adequate temperature with a hot fire, the glass will clean itself. The residue will burn
off, and it will stay clean. Soot accumulation on the inside of the glass is more likely in the spring and fall, when
temperatures are very mild and you are less likely to maintain a hot fire.
To clean the inside of the glass or wipe off fly ash, we recommend that you use a brush with soft bristles (like a
paintbrush). A white vinegar and water solution works well to remove most ash or soot accumulation. You may clean
heavy soot from the glass with very fine steel wool (0000 grade), but first, be sure the fire is out; and second, be sure that
the glass has cooled to room temperature before you clean it. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CLEAN HOT GLASS.
Gasket Replacement
There are 4 places on your stove where you should check the gasket routinely: (1) on the loading door, (2) under the
steel lid/ cooktop, (3) under the catalytic bypass damper, and (4) the ashpan door (models purchased with the ashpan).
These gaskets are most important for maintaining high efficiency and clean burning. Close a slip of paper in these
gasketed areas. There should be resistance as you pull the paper out. If there is any evidence of deterioration and/or
leaking in any of these areas or if any of the gasket material in the stove becomes worn or frayed, it should be replaced.
Please contact Woodstock Soapstone Company for replacement gasket and instructions. The sizes of all the gaskets on
your Ideal Steel Hybrid woodstove are included in the parts list on page 28 of this manual.
Routine Checks And End of Season Maintenance
Every few weeks of operation we recommend checking the chimney connector (stovepipe) and combustor (see
combustor section) and cleaning, if necessary. The connector pipe and chimney should be inspected every two months at
a minimum and cleaned if necessary.
When the weather warms up and the burning season is over, it is a good idea to do a thorough spring cleaning and
inspection of your stove and chimney system. We recommend an annual inspection and cleaning by a certified chimney
sweep who has the tools and knowledge to inspect the whole system, from top to bottom. Chimney safety is an
important part of responsible wood burning . The best way to gain confidence in the safety of your Ideal Steel Hybrid
woodstove is to have it serviced and inspected once a year by a professional chimney sweep. The Chimney Safety
Institute of America maintains a database of certified sweeps nationwide. Go to their website www.csia.org to find a
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