Place the rocks in an old strainer and rinse them with cold water. Vacuum any dirt, dust, or debris from the firebox floor.

Gas fireplaces are a great addition to any home since they are so easy to use, clean, and maintain. Additionally, they are energy efficient and more environmentally friendly than wood-burning ones.

There’s something special about a real, wood-burning fireplace: The scent, the crackling sounds, and watching the logs slowly burn down to glowing embers. But they’re also a hassle, and pretty dirty.

We can't wait to light the first fire of the season, crawl under a blanket, and sip some hot cocoa. But hold on a second—when ...

Lee Wallender is a home improvement writer of nearly 20 years and specializes in home remodeling, repair and maintenance. Sami Allen is the managing editor at Forbes Home, with over seven years of ...

We independently review everything we recommend. We may get paid to link out to retailer sites, and when you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› By Joshua Lyon Joshua Lyon is ...