Cleaning a "New" CAT-surprising results

Morning folks:

I picked up a new CAT for the Ideal Steel and it's first use was 10/2024. The stove has been used heavily since then and the wood is exceptionally dry white ash and red oak. Over the past month or so it seemed that the stove wasn't cranking heat like it used to. Yesterday I cleaned the CAT as follows:

-Vacuumed with brush attachment
-Spray bottle application of vinegar and distilled water
-Rinsed with distilled water
-Put CAT in 200 degree oven for one hour to dry it out

Yowsa, I've loaded the stove twice since CAT cleaning and both CAT and stove top temps are way up. This is somewhat strange as there was no evidence of sludge/buildup when the CAT was rinsed. Regardless, cleaning it has noticeably improved performance. Your mileage may vary.

 

Very interesting. I've only done one superficial cleaning of my cat on my Blaze King 40. My wood is also Oak, Maple, and Ash seasoned three years. My stove cranks out very good heat, and CAT glows bright orange when I turn stat down a little bit. I haven't cleaned it at all this burning season (2025) because the cold temps don't allow me enough time to let the fire go out and the stove to cool down. My plan is a deep clean on it this year when the stove is done with it's duties for the year. Here's a pic of my CAT in it's present state. You can see, at -1°, I'm not shutting her down. I guess as long as it's heating like a champ, I'll ride it out till spring. You sparked my curiosity on this considering you said your CAT didn't even look dirty at all!


Oops, selected the wrong picture of the CAT. That pic was from 2023, but it is the same glow today.

 

I believe Woodstock recommends a 50/50 vinegar/distilled water wash once per season and claim you should see 4-6 years of life with their steal cats. I’d be happy with that. Still waiting for my cat from Woodstock for my Fireview. It’s been on order for over a month now.

 

Is that the same as a cat burglar?

 

I have to re-read the manual on this Blaze King 40. I don't remember reading anything in there about a solution wash. Could have though, I might not remember it. I did a gentle vacuum cleaning, avoiding any contact with the CAT, last spring and it looked pretty good to the eye.

 

Another cold day today, ready for spring. Still happy with the heat output of this Blaze King 40. It's just a beast!

 

I've been debating the 50/50 wash for about a week now on a metal catalyst for our VC Defiant. It was not reaching ideal temperatures for a few weeks and I was seeing more smoke than usual from the stack. There weren't any clogs and it really looked unremarkable as far as condition. I decided to just swap it out with a brand new metal catalyst ($180) and bam....back to my regular weekly programming. So that metal cat went in the stove December 2022 and was pulled out Feb 2025. So I guess I can assume it'll be a regular 2 year consumable.

The main reason I've been debating that 50/50 wash is I purchased it from Midwest Hearth who has a 5 year warranty on combustors. I need to call them this week (maybe I'll get around to that today) as I believe they will replace a non-functioning one with a discount. I think based on it being "year 3", I can get a new one at a 30% discount.


EDIT: I emailed Midwest Hearth today and talk about easy. They discounted me a new Combustor (saved me $50 bucks) and they don't even want the old one back. So I think I'll try the 50/50 and see what happens.

 

Interesting, I always get about 2 years from catalysts whether OEM from BK or aftermarket from midwest hearth. Same manufacturer so no surprise. What are you going to do in another two years when the new one dies?

Once upon a time, BK had a line in their manual about cat washing in vinegar but it has been gone for decades. Due to their one time use cat gasket it's a pain and since it only gives you a bit more cat life I decided it is not worth the cost or hassle when a brand new cat is mid 200$. But if you're in a pinch the cat wash in vinegar can buy some time.

 

I'm burning year number two with my BK. Looks like I better put one on the shelf for next year.

 

Due to supply chain issues other companies have had and since you really need a good cat I would recommend all cat stove operators stock the next cat on the shelf. They don’t go bad.

Rather than years these things are rated for hours. You can expect at least 12000 hours but might get more.

 

I've got a good one in the stove, purchased January 2025 at full price. Presumably this one maybe dies around 2027 for which I've got a brand new one on the shelf purchased with the 30% warranty discount from Midwest Hearth. I still may try the 50/50 with the one bought in 2022 when I get around to it to see if there's any effect - but now I'm just lazy.

 

Hmmm, that's a bit concerning. I'll check with my local dealer and see what he says.

 

I'm thinking I'm likely half way through my current cat. I'll probably buy two just to have the spare, then always keep two on the shelf.

 

Dealer price has been about double for the cat from the same manufacturer.

 

Whoa! What's the manufacturer they use?

 

Checked today, dealer is $356 for the BK40 cat and two in stock.