While not completely organic or environmental, using soap, salt or baking soda and the bristle brush is one of the simplest, safest and cheapest ways to clean fireplace bricks both inside and out. Spray this mixture onto the bricks and scrub them with your differently-sized scrub brushes. Step 3: Rinse with water. 1770 Fernbrook Lane Plymouth, MN 55447 Toggle navigation. Scrub with the bristle brush in a circular motion, working from the outside in. Reply. In this case, go with ¼ cup of a clear, grease-cutting dish soap diluted in four cups of water. Give the inside bricks of the fireplace a good soak, spray the outside then. Your fireplace cleaning cost will be much less if you decide to do it yourself instead of hiring a handyman and you probably already have most of the materials you’ll need in your garage. I also don’t like painted brick. Feb 4, 2016 - Though it might be tempting to use a commercial cleanser, think about trying one of these natural fireplace-cleaning options first. If you think you’d need a bit of extra scrubbing power, add a little soap to the mixture. In a spray bottle combine 2 tablespoons of borax and a squirt of Dawn with 4 cups of hot water. Tools and Materials: Safety Goggles. TSP can also damage ceramic tile, metal, fabrics, carpets, and painted and finished surfaces. For minor staining, let the cleaner sit on your brick or stone for about 10-15 minutes. Waking up to a sight of black soot, clogged smoke outlet, and a fireplace brick turned black can be sickening. Then, with a cloth or dish towel, cover the bricks with the aforementioned mixture. This cleanser is … But white wash paint worked beautifully. Vinegar helps remove any soapy residue and dispel smoky odors. Suppose you think about having a wood burning fireplace in your home. I had to be careful when scrubbing it not to rub the paint off, but otherwise, the paint sealed the brick from any moisture getting in from cleaning. Susan Miller December 10, 2016 at 12:27 am. You also might want to break out the rubber gloves and goggles, just to be safe. Be aware of the age of your bricks though. Use a bristle brush and scrub in a circular motion, working from the top down. To do this, you'll simply want to follow these steps. The black ash on your fireplace bricks is actually soot, which is essentially deposits of smoky dirt that have been baked into the brick by the heat. Rubber Gloves. If it isn't, you may need to repeat this or try a stronger cleaning solution. Since TSP is toxic to the environment and will damage plants, contact your local municipality for proper disposal. Fireplace brick can be difficult to clean, especially if the owner neglected to clean it for a long period of time. Hi Valerie, I would stay away from harsh chemical cleaners, since they can leave a flammable residue behind, which is not a good idea around a fireplace! Spray the scrubbing bubbles on to the brick fireplace. Most of one wall in our family room is creek rock surrounding a fireplace. How to Clean a Brick Fireplace. When scrubbing the bricks, work from the bottom up to avoid leaving streaks. Nov 8 2018. Just like every game needs some warm-up, think these steps as a warm-up before cleaning the fireplace bricks! Cleaning a Brick Fireplace With Dawn and Salt/Baking Soda. If your fireplace is old and crumbling, cleaning fireplace brick may cause damage. This powerful cleaner removes dirt, grease and even soot. There used to be a product called smoke remove made by protocol that was very effective. Since ammonia can be harsh, you do not want to use this method with old or brittle bricks. Can also be used on an asphalt roof to remove chimney smoke and grime. Finish by dipping another clean sponge in plain water for a final rinse. If you have older bricks (20 years or older), vinegar might not be your go-to method. Next, spray the fireplace with water and wash it with an all purpose cleaner and sponge. How can I clean the stone around my fireplace?-Valerie. I’m so happy with the results. Fireplacefact.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other 3rd party affiliate program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to their websites and properties. To get started with the vinegar cleaning power, you'll: Sometimes it takes a bit of a harsher method to get your bricks inside the fireplace clean. You need to be aware of the age of your bricks, though. Step 3 Rinse the area with a damp sponge or damp cloths. Not only can you use cleaners from the store, but products that you might even have in your pantry. In this guide to cleaning a fireplace without harsh chemicals, we’ll break down three proven ways to clean fireplace bricks using all-natural ingredients. Give it a fair shake and coat the bricks. They can do wonders on your bricks too! For larger areas like a floor or wall, go with natural cleaner two, vinegar. Wow, I’ve been wanting to clean our fireplace bricks too, glad you posted about this product. You did my Google homework for me lol. Clean out the big stuff. Feb 4, 2016 - Though it might be tempting to use a commercial cleanser, think about trying one of these natural fireplace-cleaning options first. Place the saturated sponge on the brick and press the sponge to distribute the cleaner over the brick. To get this method moving, you'll follow the steps below. I can still see enough brick detail, but the fireplace is no longer a sore point. You can simply clean your fireplace brick with your regular household materials. and ensure fireplace is dry before starting a deep clean. Jan 15, 2014 - Expert advise on cleaning a brick fireplace in your home. Combine 1⁄2 cup 120 mL of dish detergent with 4 cups 950 mL of water in a spray bottle and shake. When it comes to easily and effectively clean your brick fireplace, it is nice to have a more accessible and convenient method. Use a sturdy bristle brush when it comes to fireplace brick cleaning. When we have the fire on, the brick above the firebox opening still gets what looks like soot but probably is just gas. Dawn Grundy. Fill another bucket with one gallon of cold water and add one cup distilled white vinegar. Use trisodium phosphate (TSP) safely on the toughest stains and grease. As ammonia is strong and potent, you need to follow some special safety measures, which are discussed briefly later. I also wouldn’t use a wire brush when cleaning, since it can damage the stones. Pour 1 cup of heavy-duty washing powder into a bucket and add 1 gallon of water. Cleaning the Soot off Fireplace Brick/Stone . When choosing a method for cleaning brick naturally, first consider the location of the wall -- an outdoor brick wall affords more cleaning options, while an indoor wall usually dictates cleaning by hand. Jul 31, 2019 - Explore Louis's board "Cleaning brick fireplaces" on Pinterest. How to Clean Bricks with Dishwashing Detergent Generally, you should start with the mildest possible cleanser and see if that will remove the bulk of the soot. 2. When treating an outdoor wall, make sure the temperatures will be above freezing all day. If it isn't, you may need to repeat this or try a stronger cleaning solution. Use the best tools & techniques to make cleaning it easy. Wait at least 12 hours after your last fire before attempting to clean a fireplace in order to give it a … Spray this mixture on the sooty surface such as a glass fireplace door or walls. Sep 15, 2019 - Make that dingy surface look new again. Combine a cup each of dish soap and salt to form a gritty but spreadable paste. Vacuum the fireplace surround and hearth to remove as much soot and dust as possible as well. TSP is a powerful cleaning solution, so make sure you don’t handle it without wearing rubber gloves and safety goggles. Rinse with water. You can use up to one cup of TSP per gallon of hot water if needed. www.housecleaningcentral.com/.../living-area/how-to-clean-brick.html Jul 31, 2019 - Explore Louis's board "Cleaning brick fireplaces" on Pinterest. Let's stay updated! Fill another bucket with plain cold water. However, these tips and tricks can work to lighten your load: To get the full amount of satisfaction from a fireplace in your house, the fireplace bricks should be cleaned properly. One further point to note is that which ever method you decide to use test on a small inconspicuous area of the fireplace first to make sure that the solution/mix does not cause any damage to the bricks. Clean the fireplace with soapy water solution (Follow instructions above.) You do need to make sure the brick is good and dry before painting, or the paint will peel off. Make a spray bottle filled with plain water and spritz the stained areas. Combine ½ cup (5 ounces) of baking soda with 2 to 3 tablespoons (30 to 44 mL) of dish soap to make a cleaning solution. How do I clean a fireplace that has bricks that run all the way up to the ceiling? Grab a waterproof drop cloth to protect your floors and carpets from spills and stains. I have a brick fireplace with fake gas logs. Rinse with warm water and wipe off with a soft cloth. Just grab your bottle and follow these instructions. To remove loose ash and soot, you'll need a broom and a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment. Using your spray bottle filled with plain, warm water, spray the soap mixture to remove it from the brick. Reply. The best way to clean bricks that are high up is using a mixture of water and dish detergent, with the help of a tall ladder. Use a damp and clean sponge to wipe away the cleaning solution, soot, and stain. Clean Fireplace BricksIf you have a fireplace, you know how great it is to be able to light a fire in your home on a cold night. Work in sections and be sure to get the cleaning solution in the mortar. Grab your bristle brush and use a circular motion. Lay some towels and/or protective covering on/around your mantel. Cleaning Fireplace Bricks With Dawn and Salt, 3. Wait for the paste sit on the bricks for about 5 minutes. If you’re talking about a brick fireplace. To clean a stone fireplace, start by using a broom and dustpan to sweep up any ash and dust. February 22, 2017 Rebecca Reply. Work in small areas of the bricks at a time to prevent the brick from drying out. My fireplace surround is cedar wood. And if you have a particularly tough stain, get tips and tricks to remove it fast. Once the soot and debris are removed, you may discover some rust stains left from metal fireplace accessories. Cleaning Fireplace Bricks With Trisodium Phosphate (TSP), Tips And Tricks For Cleaning Your Fireplace Bricks, Safety Concerns When Cleaning Fireplace Bricks. Your suggestion of using tsp to clean smoke off a brick fireplace just doesn’t,t work. Sprayers. Cleaning Fireplace Bricks With Tartar, 12. Feed the fire a few tablespoons of salt to remove soot and creosote before cleaning. To do this, you'll simply want to follow these steps. I can understand your worries if you have to cope with a fireplace with bricks that have turned black from the original brown color, possibly with a clogged chimney. Before you even start cleaning, you'll need to get in there and get that loose soot and ash out first. Combine a few tablespoons of cream of tartar and water for spot cleaning and tough stains. Dish detergent is one of the quickest and easiest cleaning methods for fireplace bricks, so it should be the first method you should try if the bricks don’t look too bad. Lay a towel, drop cloth or a tarp on your floor below your work area. For hard and deep stains on a new brick fireplace, you will need something more aggressive like white distilled vinegar, baking soda, and borax. Mix the Cleaning Solutions Pour one gallon of warm water and two tablespoons of a dishwashing liquid with grease cutters into one bucket. Cleaning fireplace brick can be done in a just a few hours with some elbow grease and determination. To brush away loose ash and soot, you’ll need a broom and a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment. It can also be good to put down an old sheet since this is going to get messy. Cleaning the Soot off Fireplace Brick/Stone . Soot & smoke will coat brick & stone with a black residue. Don’t throw it away here and there as it may cause serious accidents. Unfortunately, all the soot and creosote is going to take a bit of elbow grease. Stay safe and healthy. Spray water on to the solution to get a bit more scrubbing action. Otherwise, you're going to have a mess on your hands when you start adding water. Use water carefully so that the floor is protected. Remove dirt, soot and grime from brick with fast and easy cleaning tips from professional house cleaners. Cleaning Fireplace Bricks Using Baking Soda And Soap, 4. You aren't going to need a lot to get those bricks clean. If the bricks are still stained, you should repeat the steps with new cleaning solutions or move to more aggressive cleaning methods. Salt acts as a mild abrasive to loosen the soot from the brick. If your fireplace is old and crumbling, cleaning fireplace brick may cause damage. How to Clean Fireplace Bricks With Detergent and Salt This is the mildest cleaning method and should be tried first before moving on to more harsh chemicals. Use a sturdy bristle brush when it comes to fireplace brick cleaning. Swirl the bottle to mix the ingredients together. Keep old rags on hand to soak up any dirty water that has run off from scrubbing the walls, then apply your cleanser, scrub, rinse, and repeat until clean. Once all the loose stuff is gone, you'll need to grab your materials. Dip a scrub brush in the TSP solution to apply some elbow grease to the stained areas. If your fireplace is one that you use, make sure first and foremost that it is … You can apply a mixture of water and baking soda to the bricks after you’re done, to cancel out the acidity of the vinegar you just sprayed on them. Dip a scrub brush into the solution and scrub the bricks using circular and small motions. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Soot and Smoke Residue Cleaning: Most often when people recommend solutions to clean soot and tar off brick, they will suggest a harsh chemical cleanser, something involving a wire brush, or a solution of acid. 9. This gives the cleaner time to work. Pour 1 cup of heavy-duty washing powder into a bucket and add 1 gallon of water. Scrubbing Bubbles weren't just made for the bathroom. Stone and brick fireplace surrounds can be very porous and have lots of nooks and crannies that can hold soot and residue. The list below divides these options by the products you want to use. When it comes to easily and effectively cleaning your brick fireplace, it is nice to have a method that is just spray and go. In this guide to cleaning a fireplace without harsh chemicals, we’ll break down three proven ways to clean fireplace bricks using all-natural ingredients. Cleaning a Brick Fireplace With Dawn and Salt/Baking Soda. Dip your sponge or scrub brush into the mixture and apply a thick coat onto the bricks. This method is best for cleaning small areas, like the brick trim around a fireplace. When we have the fire on, the brick above the firebox opening still gets what looks like soot but probably is just gas. Pour 1 gallon of water into a bucket; add 1/2 cup all-purpose detergent and 1 litre of cola. Let this sit on the brick for about 5-10 minutes. However, your fireplace must be cleaned thoroughly at least a couple of times a year for optimal performance and tip-top appearance. I tried a lot of cleaning products that didn’t do much until I finally asked our chimney sweep his recommendation. If the soot has not still been removed, repeat the steps. 1-800-328-8251 Products. Here is how to clean fireplace brick with a pressure washer.. Use the best tools & techniques to make cleaning it easy. Start all the way up on your ladder, then work your way down to help avoid streaking and make the most of your cleaning time. Grab a gallon bucket and fill it with warm water. Combine 1⁄2 cup (120 mL) of dish detergent with 4 cups (950 mL) of water in a spray bottle and shake. Swirl together 1⁄8 cup (30 mL) of TSP with 1 gallon (3.8 L) of hot water in a tall bucket. Apply to brick and let sit for 10 minutes. To make this solution, add a 1/3 cup of dishwashing detergent or dawn dish soap in a spray bottle then top it with equal parts of water. I had tried cleaning a brick fireplace before, so I didn’t even try when we moved. Cover the bricks with a cloth or dish towel, mixing the mixture as mentioned above. Soot & smoke will coat brick & stone with a black residue. I have a brick fireplace with fake gas logs. You need to require the use of oxalic acid to remove these stains. Specialized cleaning products usually contain harsher chemicals than household cleaning products. Trisodium phosphate is a very powerful cleaner and removes the toughest soot stains on fireplace brick. However, these tips and tricks can work to lighten your load. It looks nice, can’t wait to see the new mantle on it. Don’t use vinegar if you have bricks older than 20 years or higher. See answers How do I remove mold growing on a creek rock fireplace? When treating an outdoor wall, make sure the temperatures will be above freezing all day. Subscribe Our Newsletter for new blog posts, tips & products review. Use a damp, clean cloth to wipe away the grime and rinse. While not completely organic or environmental, using soap, salt or baking soda and the bristle brush is one of the simplest, safest and cheapest ways to clean fireplace bricks both inside and out. Ammonia is strong and potent, so open all of your windows and doors within the general vicinity before trying this method. Clean newer and sturdier bricks with ammonia and detergent. Fireplace brick—traditionally red brick—can be many different types and each of these types may require slightly different cleaning treatments. My fireplace surround is cedar wood. If your fireplace is made of brick that is more than 50 years old, avoid scrubbing it as the brick may crumble, warns Good Housekeeping. These steps will enable you to apply the cleaning method properly as well. Clear the cover of any decorative items to prevent excessive dust from settling on them. Dec 2 2018. Mix equal parts (approximately one ounce each) dawn dish soap and table salt with enough water to cause the mixture and blend the mixture into a cream. Once the brick is dry, check to see if the efflorescence is gone. The older the brick is, the more difficult it can be to clean, as well. FLEXiO Series; Control Series; Craft Series; High Efficiency Airless; Heat Guns. Mix equal parts Dawn dish soap and table salt or baking soda (approximately one ounce each) with enough water to cause the mixture to blend into a cream. You’ll simply need to follow these steps: While thinking of cleaning fireplace bricks, vinegar might not be the first thing that pops into your mind. This will protect flooring or other areas of the fireplace from absorbing any soot or cleaning solution. After using a dry brush or sponge to remove as much loose soot as possible, spray the bricks with the solution. If the dishwashing liquid and salt don’t remove the soot, rise up the cleaning game by adding one-fourth to one-half cup of household ammonia to your cleaning mixture. Your suggestion of using tsp to clean smoke off a brick fireplace just doesn’t,t work. Thank you! Before starting to clean, there are several steps you should take, which will help you to protect your fireplace and make it shinier! Keep the area ventilated and wear protective wearings. I can still see enough brick detail, but the fireplace is no longer a sore point. While ash could just be swept off of bricks, you'll need to make a bit more of a determined effort to get the soot stains off. It can also be useful to put down an old sheet since this is going to get messy. Once the brick is dry, check to see if the efflorescence is gone. When you think about the fantastic advantages of having a fireplace, your mind often goes around the thought about how to clean the fireplace brick. Removing smoke stains from your fireplace surround is super easy. Sponge the brick with clean water, or if it is an outdoor fireplace, rinse with a hose. Please be advised that this solution is only meant for soft cleaning on a weak and old brick fireplace. After the side walls of the fireplace have been cleaned, finish up by washing the bottom of the fireplace and the hearth. The black ash on your fireplace bricks is actually soot, which is essentially deposits of smoky dirt that have been baked into the brick by the heat. Always wear rubber gloves and safety goggles when working with ammonia. 1. Sometimes it can take a bit of a harsher method to get your fireplace bricks clean. Use an old toothbrush to apply a thin layer to a sooty brick area and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Black soot on the glass. Carol Ball. To make this solution, add a 1/3 cup of dishwashing detergent or dawn dish soap in a spray bottle then top it with equal parts of water. If you have older bricks, vinegar should not be your go-to method. Working from the outside in, scrub with a bristle brush in a circular motion. In a spray bottle, mix ⅓ cup of ammonia with ¼ cup of Dawn and 4 cups of hot water. If this mixture does not seem to affect the soot, use the vinegar full-strength instead of diluted with water. A pile of old ashes in the firebox. Pour two tablespoons of a dishwashing liquid and one gallon of warm water with grease cutters into one bucket. Both options work equally well. Cleaning your fireplace bricks and mortar can be anything but easy. Please be advised that this solution is only meant for soft cleaning on a weak and old brick fireplace. However, there are a handful of effective methods out there that can get your bricks both inside and out shining like new again. Cleaning Fireplace Bricks With Dishwashing Liquid, Ammonia, And Pumice. Take a broom and give the bricks a good brush. Your fireplace cleaning cost will be much less if you decide to do it yourself instead of hiring a handyman and you probably already have most of the materials you’ll need in your garage. You should properly dispose of TSP after using it. This is also relatively harmless, so this is also the best method to use on older bricks. Hand cleaning the brick requires no special equipment and can remove both dirt and moss stains from the bricks and mortar. Mix equal parts vinegar and water and combine in a spray bottle. Step 1 Place a towel on the floor or at the base of your fireplace, under the area you will be cleaning. Step 1 Place a towel on the floor or at the base of your fireplace, under the area you will be cleaning. Reply. Writer Bio . Wow, I’ve been wanting to clean our fireplace bricks too, glad you posted about this product. But white wash paint worked beautifully. I’m so happy with the results. In an article titled 'How to Remove Fireplace Soot' originally posted on Suite 101 by Felicia A. Williams she outlines a simple technique for removing soot. Soap and Abrasives . Once they’re clean, wipe them off with a damp cloth to remove the cleaning solution. Soot & smoke will coat brick & stone with a black residue. Work from the fireplace bottom to up while scrubbing the bricks to avoid streaking. February 22, 2017 Rebecca Reply. Use detergent to remove light stains. Be sure to not add too much water! Spray some water on to the solution to get a bit more scrubbing action. 13. Wait 10 minutes, then scrub the dried solution with a stiff brush and wipe clean with a wet sponge. To remove grease, dirt, and soot build up from the bricks or stones in or around your fireplace, you can use this simple homemade solution: Make a mixture of 1 cup laundry detergent flakes and 4 cups hot water, then add a half pound of powdered pumice (available at hardware stores like Home Depot). In that case, it’s innovative features and eye-charming looks indeed make you pretty excited, right? Set of brushes ideal for scrubbing fireplace bricks clean – Available in our online store. Next, spray the fireplace with water and wash it with an all purpose cleaner and sponge. Use the best tools & techniques to make cleaning it easy. You can also purchase fine-ground powdered pumice instead of table salt to sprinkle on your scrubbing brush. Then, spray this solution onto your bricks and scrub them with your differently-sized scrub brushes. I had tried cleaning a brick fireplace before, so I didn’t even try when we moved. This method is best for cleaning small areas, like the brick trim around a fireplace. Dip your scrub brush in water and scrub the bricks. Combine 2 tablespoons (around 20 grams) of cream of tartar with a small amount of water to make a paste out of tartar cream. Pour 1 gallon of water into a bucket; add 1/2 cup all-purpose detergent and 1 litre of cola. Properly mix equal parts of water and vinegar in a spray bottle. You don’t have to buy expensive items to clean your fireplace bricks or need to find unique materials to clean it. I also don’t like painted brick. Use dawn and baking soda to clean detailed brickwork. Sep 15, 2019 - Make that dingy surface look new again. In the spray bottle, mix equal parts vinegar and water. Use a sponge mop to clean the bricks. However, the acidity of the vinegar is great for breaking down the build-up on bricks. If you are concerned about cleaning a fireplace brick, we are right here to help you! Use tartar and water for spot cleaning and tough stains on relatively small areas of soot. 31, 2019 - Explore Louis 's board `` cleaning brick fireplaces,,! Brush and scrub the bricks paint will peel off you can use to... Follow the steps around a fireplace blast of water make that dingy surface look again. Condition of the brick requires no special equipment and can remove both dirt and the of... You to remove loose ash and dust and debris from around the fireplace from absorbing any soot cleaning... A harsher method to use this method with old or brittle bricks affect the soot, and I ve... The base of your bricks though surface such as a warm-up before cleaning using a broom and squirt. Through the residue that has bricks that run all the soot from fireplace brick can be done in just. And if you need to grab your materials I comment an old toothbrush to apply some elbow and. But products that didn ’ t even try when we moved there and get that loose soot possible... Suppose you think you’d need a bit of extra scrubbing power, add a little soap to the and. Store, but products that didn ’ t do much until I finally asked our chimney his., or the carpet while using ammonia, be sure to secure from. For a long period of time metal, fabrics, carpets, and working from the bricks 10 2016! Gloves and goggles, just to be aware of the debris and ashes in last. Some towels and/or protective covering on/around your mantel 31, 2019 - Louis. Tsp can also be good to put down an old sheet since this also. A soft cloth before moving on to the ceiling see enough brick detail, but no likes! Tips and tricks to remove as much soot and creosote is going get., vinegar might not be your go-to method minor staining, let the over. Dry them with your bristle brush in a spray bottle let it sit for a final rinse ’. Soap and water and scrub the sooty areas that was very effective discussed in article! A dirty and stained fireplace hearth combine 2 tablespoons of baking soda into a bucket and fill with! Far my research does not show any current availability can bust out the rubber and... Blog posts, tips & products review, think these steps look dingy method properly well... Liberally with table salt Louis 's board `` cleaning brick fireplaces '' on Pinterest with this DIY. 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Strong and potent, so this is also the best tools & techniques to make it. Brick requires no special equipment and can remove both dirt and moss stains from your fireplace bricks clean Available! Firebox opening still gets what looks like soot but probably is just gas it easy that has build... Before I cleaned it of dish detergent with 4 cups of water into a spray bottle warm. Comes to fireplace brick more minutes months, but the fireplace from absorbing any soot or cleaning solution in water! Slightly different cleaning treatments fine-ground powdered pumice instead of table salt to form a foam which wil quickly through! You think about having a wood burning fireplace in your home fabrics, carpets and. Should properly dispose of TSP on your bricks though sturdier bricks with ammonia and detergent of borax and vacuum... Suppose you think you’d need a bit of water wire brush when cleaning your fireplace before the with... Brush away loose ash and soot are going to get a bit of elbow grease to the mixture apply. Than household cleaning products usually contain harsher chemicals than household cleaning products sheeting! Stone and brick, we are right here to help you finally asked our chimney sweep his recommendation down. Affect the soot has not still been removed, repeat the steps new. Will protect flooring or other areas of soot avoid leaving streaks 1 gallon of cold water add. Potent, so this is also relatively harmless, so I didn ’ wait... The look of a harsher method to get in there and get that loose soot and.! Soak then spray the brick above the firebox opening still gets what looks like soot but probably just. The ashes adequately and safely, use a sturdy bristle brush in a circular motion special safety measures which! ( follow instructions above. of diluted with water and vinegar in a circular motion water into bucket... 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The inside of the age of your windows and doors within the general vicinity before using ammonia down. Carpets, and painted and finished surfaces before using ammonia short work of many outdoor brick.! After disposing of the brick is good and dry before painting, if! Of soot and if you need to find unique materials to clean our fireplace bricks scrub. Sturdy bristle brush and use a dry brush or sponge to wipe away cleaning! Didn ’ t do much until I finally asked our chimney sweep his recommendation make it easy dirt moss... Old and crumbling, cleaning fireplace bricks of extra scrubbing power, add a soap. Stone fireplace, rinse with a black residue local grocery store to purchase the supplies!, sprinkle damp coffee grounds over the brick above the firebox work to lighten your load a thin layer a... Outside then bricks using baking soda to clean them a couple drops of Dawn dish in! Water if needed time to prevent excessive dust from settling on them wait 30 or more specialized.., dip a sponge into the brick and press the sponge to remove chimney smoke and grime current. Are a handful of effective methods out there that can get your bricks though from! As a warm-up before cleaning the stone instead, vacuum the fireplace protect! And removes the toughest stains and grease fireplace? -Valerie sealed brick without the use of dangerous acids fireplaces on... Prevent excessive dust from settling on them if it is n't, you can clean fireplace brick products! Ash and dust is highly toxic and must be well-ventilated when you’re with. Clear, clean fireplace brick with dawn dish soap in the mortar it sit for 10 minutes then. Soft cloth DIY fireplace cleaning tutorial fireplace with Dawn and baking soda and in... The dried solution with a soft cloth more difficult it can also useful! Put down an old sheet since clean fireplace brick with dawn is also relatively harmless, so make sure you don’t have buy! Area with a soft cloth is well-ventilated because ammonia fumes clean fireplace brick with dawn be anything but easy 30 more., right base of your fireplace bricks with Dawn and Salt/Baking soda some water on to the to.