For the Techs that service vented or ventless gas logs. What is the white powder that I’m seeing…
Discussion · Sep 26, 2026
For the Techs that service vented or ventless gas logs. What is the white powder that I’m seeing that collects on the logs and surrounding areas? Recently serviced a customers ventless propane gas logs and notice a lot of this powder like debris. Any one know what’s going on here?
Replies
Reply · Sep 28, 2026
It could be many things that cause the staining and over time with out cleaning the glass regularly the build up is tough to get off. I used to service gas fire places all the time 25 years ago most folks would wait until it was tough if not impossible to get rid of the mineral deposits.
https://fireplaceadviser.com/gas-fireplace-white-residue/
Reply · Oct 9, 2026
byproduct of combustion. find the same residue in natural draft boilers and furnaces. brush and vac. I'm sure you already found that it is very irritating when inhaled... ask me how i know. Out of the tools for a while, so I don't remember if natural gas or propane is more likely to create this.
Reply · Oct 30, 2026
Don't just brush and vac it and move on. On a ventless propane set, that powder is a reason to check the burn before you clean it up.
Check the flame first: lazy, yellow, lifting, or hitting the logs tells you more than the powder will. Confirm the logs are seated exactly as shown, the burner ports are clear, and nothing shifted. Look for soot, odor, or the pilot/ODS dropping out, and check room CO while it is firing if you have a meter with you.
If the flame looks wrong or CO is elevated, shut it down and sort manifold pressure against the rating plate, air, and log placement first. Cleaning the residue without fixing the burn just puts it back.
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