MARKtoe! JUNE 2018 | Page 70

AROUND THE HOUSE 3 FAQs DIY wood storage How do I clean my fi replace? Why not use chicken wire and a wooden base? You decide what shape and size the storage container should be. Bend the chicken wire in the shape you want. Use small nails to attach the chicken wire to the wood. This can be used as a decorative storage unit or you can make an even bigger unit to use outdoors. Get rid of all the cold ash and line the fireplace with newspaper to catch all the debris. Use a wire brush to clean the bricks. You can use a solution of baking soda and warm water or use plain dishwashing liq- uid. Creosote deposits should also be thoroughly cleaned because these can leave a strong odour. How do I get rid of the odour of smoke in the house? Ash is the central source of the smell. If you use the fireplace or built-in braai, be sure to remove the cold ash as soon as you can. To neu- tralise or remove unpleasant odours, mix white vinegar and activated charcoal in a small bowl and place a few of these in the affected areas in the house. How do you store wood and what do you do when the wood gets damp? There are many options for storing wood. One option is to buy a log stand or you can tackle a DIY project and build your own wood storage cabinet. LK’s fireplace log stand is the perfect indoor solution for keep- ing wood in a neat pile. If you want to keep your wood outdoors, you’ll have to find a place that is enclosed to prevent the wood from getting damp in winter. LK’s Fireplace Log Stand - R250 Products available at your nearest Agrimark from 20 June - 14 July 2018. 70 MARKtoe! Junie 2018