Cooler temperatures, days of rain and strong winds have meant that many Britons are lighting their log burners for added warmth.

While log burners are perfect for keeping homes warm and cosy, they can quickly turn dirty.

Log burner glass, in particular, is prone to black stains and burnt-on marks due to a lack of airflow and fuel pushed up against the glass.

Wood will burn or scorch glass if it's pressed against it, resulting in unsightly black stains.

The stains have been causing problems for many Britons, with Facebook user Cherie Dixon posting in the Facebook group 'Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips' asking for help cleaning the glass in her log burner.

The post was inundated with responses but the most surprising method was the most popular - using ash.

Phyl Featherstone said: "When you clean it out, use the ash. Dip damp newspaper in the ash and rub the glass. It works. Just needs a wipe with a clean cloth afterwards."

Heather E Bentley agreed and posted: "Always works for me. Damp the kitchen roll, dip in ash and then wipe. Works on a dirty oven door too. You just have to wipe clean after."

Carol Bayliss suggested the same method. She said: "Dampen a piece of scrunched up kitchen roll in water, dip in the ash in the burner and use to clean the glass. Works like magic. Was recommended by someone on this site. My other half thought I’d lost the plot until he tried it."

The ash from the wood burner is naturally abrasive, so it can easily remove soot and black stains without harming the glass.

However, one log burner owner warned that the ash must be wood ash for the trick to work.

Phyl Featherstone added: "Apparently, the ash has to be wood ash. If you burn anything else it's not the same."