How to Care for Your Catalytic Combustor: A Quick Guide for Wood Stove Owners

A well-maintained catalytic combustor is key to keeping your wood stove clean, efficient, and EPA-compliant. This small but powerful component helps reduce emissions and improves your stove’s burn efficiency; but only if you take care of it.

Here’s how to clean it, when to replace it, and how to avoid common mistakes that shorten its lifespan.

What Is a Catalytic Combustor?

The catalytic combustor is a honeycomb-shaped component coated with metals like platinum and palladium. When your fire’s smoke passes through it, the combustor helps burn off harmful gases at lower temperatures, reducing emissions and increasing overall efficiency.

Signs It’s Not Working Properly

A failing catalytic combustor can cause:

• Lower heat output than usual

• More smoke or emissions

• Strange odors from your stove

If you’re noticing any of these issues, it’s time for a closer look and possibly a cleaning.

How to Clean It

To maintain your combustor:

• Gently brush it with a soft bristle brush or pipe cleaner—never use harsh chemicals.

• Soak it every 1–2 years in a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water for 30 minutes, then rinse in boiling water for 15 minutes.

• Avoid using wet or green wood, which increases creosote buildup.

• Never burn trash, treated wood, or fuel accelerants like lighter fluid.

• Optional: Use compressed air on low pressure or burn a hot fire occasionally to help remove buildup.

When to Replace It

Catalytic combustors usually last 2–3 years under regular use. If cleaning doesn’t restore performance, or if you’re still seeing heavy smoke or poor heat, it’s probably time to replace it.

Replacing your combustor can restore your stove’s efficiency and help you save on wood and heating costs.

Burn Dry Wood for Best Results

Burning well-seasoned wood (20% moisture or less) helps your combustor stay cleaner, work better, and last longer. Freshly cut or wet wood leads to faster buildup and more frequent cleanings.

Look for:

• Visible cracks at the ends

• A dull “thud” when knocked together

• Wood that’s been drying for at least 6 months

Using a moisture meter is an easy way to be sure your wood is stove-ready.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your catalytic combustor in good shape is one of the easiest ways to improve your wood stove’s performance and reduce emissions. Clean it regularly, burn dry wood, and replace it when needed. It’s a simple habit that pays off in efficiency, safety, and cost savings.

Need a replacement combustor or parts for your wood stove?
Shop now at Total-Hearth.com for trusted, high-quality solutions.