How Often to Clean Fireplace Bricks
When soot accumulates, it leaves the odor of smoke and unsightly black stains on bricks; ceramic tiles and grout; carpets, drapes and upholstery; and painted surfaces. It’s important to remove the soot often, because it can eventually cause permanent damage, especially to porous surfaces. The more often you use a fireplace, the more often you’ll need to schedule a time to clean. The sooner you clean away soot discoloration on fireplace bricks, the easier the job will be.
Before You Begin
There are several cleaning solutions that you can use to clean your fireplace. With each method, there are several steps you should take before you begin the actual cleaning, which will help remove soot and protect surfaces before you get down to the actual scrubbing.
Protect Your Floors
Grab a waterproof drop cloth to protect carpets and floors from spills and stains.
Clear Out Ashes and Debris
Start with a cold fireplace. Remove the andirons, grate, and all of the ashes and debris in the firebox. After disposing of the ashes safely, use a shop vacuum to gather up any small particles.
Vacuum and Dust the Fireplace Facade
Vacuum the hearth and fireplace surround to remove as much soot and dust as possible. Clear the mantle of any decorative items to prevent excessive dust from settling on them, as well.
What You Need
Supplies
Dishwashing liquidTable saltWaterDistilled white vinegar
Tools
Two bucketsSpray bottleFirm scrub brushTwo sponges
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.
How to Clean Fireplace Bricks With Dishwashing Liquid, Ammonia, and Pumice
What You Need
Supplies
Dishwashing liquidPowdered pumiceHousehold ammoniaWaterDistilled white vinegar
Tools
Two bucketsSpray bottleFirm scrub brushTwo sponges
If the dishwashing liquid and salt won’t remove the soot, up your game by adding one-fourth to one-half cup of household ammonia to your cleaning solution. Instead of table salt, purchase fine-ground powdered pumice to sprinkle on your scrubbing brush. Follow the same steps listed above and be sure that the room is well-ventilated because ammonia fumes can be powerful. Is your fireplace particularly dirty? Try this next method to tackle the most stubborn soot stains.
How to Clean Fireplace Bricks With Trisodium Phosphate (TSP)
Trisodium phosphate is a powerful cleaner and will remove the toughest soot stains on fireplace brick. Since you will be using it inside, the area must be well-ventilated. TSP can also damage ceramic tile, metal, fabrics, carpets, and painted and finished surfaces.
What You Need
Supplies
Trisodium phosphateWater
Tools
Scrub brushTwo spongesRubber glovesEye protectionRespiratory maskLong sleeves and long pantsTwo buckets
Tips to Keep Your Fireplace Bricks Clean Longer
Spot clean any soot or grime with a paste of a few tablespoons of cream of tartar or baking soda and a small amount of water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, then scrub lightly with a scrub brush and rinse. Use the right type of firewood that has a cleaner burn, producing less smoke and soot. This includes hardwoods such as oak, ash, and maple; and softwoods such as fir, spruce, and pine.
If the soot is not removed, repeat the steps. You can use up to one cup of TSP per gallon of hot water if needed.
