There’s nothing like a relaxing summer night spent sitting around a fire in your own backyard. Whether you’re hosting a get-together or relaxing at the end of a long day, a gas fire pit makes any outdoor space more beautiful, inviting, and comfortable. However, just like any outdoor appliance, they require regular maintenance to remain safe and enjoyable.
In this blog, we share expert maintenance tips to help you keep your gas fire pit in top condition for years to come.
Essential Gas Fire Pit Maintenance Tips
Gas fire pits are already low maintenance and easy to use. However, they still need some care to stay functional and safe. Below are some essential gas fire pit maintenance tips to keep in mind.
Cover Your Fire Pit When Not in Use
It’s important to keep your fire pit covered when it’s not being used. Covering it will keep it clear of bugs, leaves, pollen, and any other unwelcome debris. These are fire hazards and can interfere with the mechanisms inside the pit.
Covering your fire pit also helps protect it from rain, preventing damage to any metal or electronic ignition components.
Clean Out Debris Before Lighting
Despite your best efforts, gas fire pits are still outdoor features and exposed to the elements. If you forget to cover it one night or there’s a streak of bad weather, some contaminants may still find their way into the pit.
Make sure to always clean out any debris before lighting a fire to avoid hazards or stubborn soot stains from burnt contaminants.
Never Cook with Your Gas Fire Pit
While it may feel tempting to cook a marshmallow or hot dog over the flames, you should avoid roasting food over a gas fire pit unless it’s specifically rated for cooking.
Fallen food can leave behind residue that’s not only difficult to clean but may clog important components inside the pit. Anything held over open flames is also a fire hazard.
Wipe Down the Exterior
Keeping the exterior of a gas fire pit clean is key to preserving its longevity, and it’s also really easy. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth helps remove dust, dirt, and pollen before they have a chance to create build-up or stains.
In addition to spot-cleaning, your fire pit will also require a more thorough cleaning every now and then to keep it pristine. But how exactly do you clean a gas fire pit? Let’s take a closer look.
How to Clean a Gas Fire Pit Step-by-Step

Fire pits come in many different styles and materials, so each variety requires unique considerations. Below are some tips for keeping yours clean.
How to Clean a Brick or Stone Gas Fire Pit
Gas fire pits made of brick or stone have porous surfaces that require a careful cleaning approach. Unlike metal, masonry can absorb moisture easily, potentially leading to discoloration or cracks. To clean a stone fire pit:
- Let the fire pit completely cool down and remove the fire media.
- Use a soft-bristle brush to sweep away loose dirt, dust, leaves, and debris.
- Use a sponge and warm water to gently scrub away tougher buildup and grime. Avoid using harsh cleaning solutions, which the stone can absorb.
- Inspect the fire pit for cracks.
- Consider applying a masonry sealer annually to protect against moisture and staining. Just make sure it’s appropriate for the specific surface of your fire pit.
Once everything is fully dry, you can return the media to the fire pit and relax by the flames.
How Often Should I Clean My Gas Fire Pit?
It’s a good idea to spot-clean any noticeable dirt or dust to prevent buildup and stains. In addition to that, deep cleaning every 2-3 months or at the start of each season can help keep your gas fire pit clean, beautiful, and functional for the long term.
When to Schedule Professional Gas Fire Pit Maintenance

Scheduling professional maintenance for your gas fire pit helps keep it safe to use and prolongs its lifespan. Consider having a qualified professional take a look at yours at least once a year.
They’ll give your unit a thorough inspection to make sure everything is working properly and make any needed repairs. However, you may need maintenance sooner if things aren’t working properly.
Signs Your Gas Fireplace Needs Maintenance
Here are some signs your gas fire pit needs professional maintenance:
- It won’t light or it lights inconsistently: This can signal a faulty igniter or an obstructed ignition system.
- The flame is weak, low, or uneven: This can indicate clogged burner ports or low gas pressure.
- You smell gas or hear a hissing sound: This can indicate a gas leak. Shut off your fire pit immediately and do not reignite it. Call 911 or your local emergency services right away.
It’s important to never try making repairs yourself. Tinkering with gas mechanisms can be dangerous, so always let a qualified technician handle it for you.
Schedule Professional Gas Fire Pit Maintenance in the Bay Area
Gas fire pits add beauty and ambiance to any outdoor space, but they require upkeep to stay pristine and work properly. By covering your fire pit when it’s not being used, cleaning it regularly, and scheduling routine professional maintenance, you can keep your unit clean and functional for years to come.
At Creative Energy, we have decades of experience being the Bay Area’s leading dealer of fire pits, fire tables, fire bowls, and fire urns. Our qualified technicians are happy to repair, maintain, and clean your outdoor fire feature.
Request a technician online or call (510) 237-2300 to get in touch with our service center today.