The Outdoor Plus · Maintenance
How to Clean and Maintain a The Outdoor Plus Fire Pit
A TOP fire pit's lifespan is 80% maintenance, 20% build quality — and the build quality is already lifetime on the burner ring and burner bars. Keep the burner clear, the media rotated, the pan dry, and the cover on when it's not in use. Plan on a 20-minute monthly check and a 45-minute seasonal deep clean.
By Ash · Updated November 8, 2026
What you need
- Soft bristle brush
- Shop vacuum (optional)
- Microfiber cloths
- Mild soap and water
- Stainless steel polish (non-chlorine)
- Compressed air (for burner ports)
Step by step
Pull the decorative media and inspect the burner
Remove lava rock, fire glass, or ornaments into a bucket. Vacuum the pan floor. Look at the burner — the holes should be clear, no rust streaks, no media debris in the orifices. A paper clip clears a plugged port; compressed air clears dust.
Rinse and dry the media
Lava rock and fire glass accumulate soot and food splatter (if the pit is near an outdoor kitchen). Rinse in a strainer, spread on a towel, let fully dry before reloading. Wet media + first burn = steam explosion of small chips. DRY matters.
Clean the pan surface
Stainless steel: non-chlorine polish, wipe with the grain, buff dry. Powder-coated steel: mild soap and water, soft cloth. GFRC concrete: damp microfiber, no abrasive pads. Hammered copper: dry buff with a soft cloth to preserve the patina OR wax if you want to lock the current finish.
Reload media no deeper than 1 inch over the burner
Same rule as install. Deeper = choked flame = gas pool. Spread the rest out over the pan floor for visual fill.
Check the gas connections and hose
Monthly: visual check of the LP hose for abrasion or cracking. Annual (and after any disconnect): soap-water leak test. If the hose shows wear, replace — don't repair.
Store under a cover when not in use
TOP strongly recommends a Stainless Steel Cover or Canvas Cover. Covered pits last much longer. The warranty actually notes: 'Remove the cover before operating to avoid voiding the warranty' — i.e. keep it covered OFF, remove ON. Covers have a 1-year warranty of their own; wind guards too.
Common mistakes
- Using chlorine or acidic cleaners on stainless. Chlorine pits stainless — it's not a surface mark, it's permanent corrosion. TOP's warranty explicitly doesn't cover damage from improper cleaning.
- Leaving media wet after rain and firing. Steam explosion risk. Cover the pit or drain the media before firing.
- Operating with the cover on. Voids warranty. Also melts the cover. Also starves the fire of oxygen. Remove before firing.
Hands-on tips
- Keep a photo of the media layout on first install. Six months in you'll want to re-create the look and the photo is faster than guessing.
- A paint-brush-sized soft bristle brush is the right tool for clearing dust from GFRC without scratching.
- If you notice the flame pattern changing between seasons, pull the media and inspect burner ports before suspecting the regulator.
Questions people ask
How often should I clean a TOP fire pit?
Weekly visual check if you use it weekly. Monthly thorough media rinse and burner inspection. Seasonal deep clean (spring + fall) with pan cleaning and warranty-grade finish care.
Does rust on stainless steel void the warranty?
Not surface rust. TOP explicitly states they're NOT responsible for surface-level rust on stainless. Deep pitting from chlorine cleaners IS excluded because that's user-caused damage.
Can I pressure-wash the pit?
Not recommended. The pressure drives water into ignition components, the burner interior, and under the burner plate where it won't dry. Soap and a sponge are safer and the cosmetic result is the same.
Was this guide helpful?
Shopping for The Outdoor Plus?
See The Outdoor Plus products
