How can I clean, maintain and protect the fireclay floor?

Signs of wear of the fireclay floor after a short running time are very surprising and not normal. There are some important points to take care of the furnace, please be sure to follow them:

• Never use moisture, water, detergents or even wet rags for cleaning. This can cause thermal shock. Then the material contracts much too quickly and cracks may appear!
• It is sufficient to remove the ash and embers with a brass broom.
• Change the fire weekly in order to stress the fireclay floor equally.
• After work or in the evening, close the door to reduce the heat or temperature in the oven very slowly.
• Under the floor should be at least 20 cm thick insulation to retain heat and ensure slow cooling.