Not everything that burns belongs in your stove. Here’s what’s safe—and what to avoid:

Use this:

Dry, seasoned hardwood like oak, maple, beech, ash, or hickory (split, stacked, and aged at least 6–12 months).

Kindling, paper (sparingly), or natural fire starters like fatwood.

Avoid this:

Garbage, plastics, or glossy/colored paper (they release toxins).

Painted or treated wood—old construction wood can contain lead, arsenic, or mercury.

Coal or charcoal—your stove wasn’t built for it.

Lighter fluid, gasoline, or any accelerants—these are explosion risks.

Think of your stove like any other appliance—it needs regular TLC.

Clean your chimney with your Chimney Snake system at least twice a year (or monthly if you use your woodstove as a primary heat source

Empty ashes into a metal container with a tight-fitting lid, and store it outside—10 feet away from your home is best.

After emptying, use a wire brush to clean the inside of your stove.

Keep doors closed while the fire is burning—open them only when adding wood.

The more often you clean, the easier it gets. A quick brush and scoop after each use can go a long way toward long-term safety.

A slow, steady start is the safest way.

Don’t rush or use lighter fluid—it can explode inside a closed stove.

Stick to kindling, dry paper, and small logs. Patience is safer than panic.

Skip the charcoal—its fumes aren’t safe indoors.

Your stove must be properly vented to burn safely.

The stovepipe should be as short and direct as possible.

Never share a flue with another appliance, and never let the pipe pass through walls or floors without the right setup.

This is not a DIY project—get professional installation if you’re adding a stove to your home.

Also, avoid drying clothes on or near the stove. Yes, it's tempting—but no, it's not safe.

Wood stoves are safer than open fireplaces, but they still need to be watched.

Never leave a fire unattended.

Keep kids and pets at a distance—a stove door is hot, and curious hands move fast.

If your fire gets too large, close the door and dampers to reduce airflow and calm it down.