Hello Helen & welcome to your lovely new home! By cleaning up your fireplace I guess you mean that you just want to give it a bit of a spruce up and not rip it out and start again with an alternative configuration?? If this is so then really its quite simple, you just need to get some Zebra Blacking or any of the many heat resistant spray paints that are available specifically for logburners, stoves & hoods. Pop into a local fireside / logburner shop and they will keep stocks of it on hand or google Amazon for a postal order. Also I have found WD40 is good for cleaning the outside metal work of a logburner or log fire hood, if you just want to give it a bit of a wipe down. Be warned though, after you repaint it will burn off fumes on its first burn - take advice about how to do it as each paint system is slightly different and you will need to take the temperature up slowly. The first time I did it I set off my smoke alarms - it took a good 1/2 hour to burn off... it was a very noisy, smelly experience!! Good luck.

Thank you for advice. Yes more of a spruce up than replace, it's a bit unloved at present but I think it will clean up well.

I think it looks GREAT as it is!!!! Honestly please don't get rid of it!! If you replaced it with a log burner it would not have the same effect!!!! It's a fabulous fireplace. Just clean it up and light it

Thank you. The clutter is just because we just moved in it was mainly how to clean the fire itself so thank you for advice on that. It is an open fire though currently doesn't have a basket. Chimney sweep already booked!

Hi Helen. I think youve done the right thing ,a sweep is the best first step.

Hey Helen,

Something else to consider if you do not plan to use the fire as it has no Grate, and would rather have it just for decorative use, consider a chimney ballon, or chimney umbrella. these simply slide up inside and either spring out or inflate inside and help to cut down the heat loss up the chimeny when the fire is not in use. let me inow if you want any more information on these.

Hi Fireplace Products - I'm really interest in your idea of a chimney ballon - as I have a few chimney that are currently out of use. But my big paranoia is dry or damp rot and making sure everything can ventilate properly...... Would these devices still allow enough air to circulate?

Try one of these, they are breathable.
https://www.chimneysheep.co.uk

Hey cre8ivelifestyle,

There are different models available, it also depends on how you have capped the top of your chimney, as your ideally want a pot caper with holes to allow air to move. Here are some links to the balloons/umbrellas:

http://www.fireplaceproducts.co.uk/flues/flue-accessories/chimney-balloons/

http://www.fireplaceproducts.co.uk/flues/flue-accessories/calfire-14127-chimney-sheep-draught-excluder/

http://www.fireplaceproducts.co.uk/flues/flue-accessories/chimella-chimney-umbrella/

Having tried all three products id suggest the Chimella is the best of the three. Hope it helps.

Great advice - many thanks.