Anyone who has ever had the pleasure of lighting a fire in their home on cold winter nights knows how wonderful it is. As a result of the smoke and soot, you are well aware of how unclean the bricks in your fireplace are. As a result, whether you’re using typical cleaning products or common household objects to clean these bricks, the process is relatively simple.
Compile Your Resources
- Brushes and dustpans in miniature sizes
- Clean out ash and wood remain that have gathered using these.
- Vacuum.
- Bottle for spraying.
The first step is saturation.
As Swanson explains, “brick is extremely porous and absorbs cleaning immediately, which can cause the brick to discolor.” Using clear water to spray down brick produces a barrier inside the brick that prevents the brick from absorbing the cleaning agent.
Wipe
Especially at the top of the stone and working your way down, wash the area with such a sponge saturated in the cleaning solution. Remove the sponge from the solution and replace it as needed. Another option is to spray the cleaning solution on, then brush filth off the bricks with a sponge before wiping them dry.
Cleanse
If required, wash the brickwork with clean hot water and a fresh cloth once they’ve been thoroughly cleaned. According to the Brick Industry Association, it is important not to allow the cleaning solution to dry on the brickwork before cleaning. This product should not absorb into the brick or modify the surface consistency of the brick.
The Use of Vinegar to Clean a Masonry Hearth
The use of vinegar to clean fireplace brick may not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering the best way to clean fireplace brick. The use of vinegar may not be the best option if your bricks are older. When using vinegar as a cleaning agent, you will need to do the following:
- Equal parts vinegar and water should be mixed in a spray container.
- After thoroughly soaking the bricks on the inside of the fireplace, spray the outside.
- 2-5 minutes should be plenty time to wait.
Cleaning Products are being utilized
- Use a gentle brush attachment to vacuum the bricks
Take your vacuum and clean all of the bricks with the brush attachment on it. Prepare the bricks by vacuuming out as much loose dust, debris, and soot as you can so that cleaning them afterwards will be easier.
- Light stains can be removed off your fireplace by scrubbing it with dishwashing liquid
12 cup (120 mL) dish detergent and 4 cups (950 mL) water are mixed together in a spray bottle and shaken until thoroughly combined. Then, using your different-sized scrub brushes, scrub the bricks with the solution you just made them with.
- When cleaning and disinfecting fireplace bricks, use borax as a cleaning solution
Mix two tbsp (34 micrograms) borax, 1/4 cup (950 mL) water temperature, plus add a tablespoon (15 mL) dish soap in a spray bottle. Using a spray bottle, saturate the bricks with the mixture after shaking it well. Using a brush, scrub the sprayed bricks in a circular motion, then wipe away any remaining grime with a clean, moist towel when they’ve been well cleaned.
- Newer, more durable brick is cleaned with ammonia and detergent
In a spray bottle, mix 12 cups (120 mL) ammonium, 14 cups (59 mL) washing soap, and 4 cup (950 mL) hot water. Shake well to blend all components. Spray your bricks with this liquid and scrape them with a scrub brush to clean them. To remove the cleaning solution from the surfaces, wipe them down with a moist cloth after they’ve been cleaned.
- The most difficult stains and grease should be removed using trisodium phosphate
1 cup (30 mL) of TSP and 1 gallon (3.8 L) of hot water should be mixed together in a large bucket. Afterwards, dunk your brush into the cleaning solution and scrub your bricks until they’re completely cleaned. TSP should only be used if dish soap and water have failed to clean the surface well enough.
The cleaning solution TSP is quite potent; therefore, it should not be used without rubber gloves and safety eyewear on. It’s important not to get the solution on your skin, clothing, or carpet.
The best technique is to clean the fireplace
- Figure out who you’re trying to reach
First, regardless of your cleaning method or the substances you choose to use, clean the area around the fireplace. Cover the carpets with a waterproof cloth, place a kneeling board in front of you, and protect yourself with masks, gloves, and protective eye protection.
- Determine if you are eligible to participate
Baking soda and dish detergent are combined to form a paste that is loose in consistency to allow for easy application of the cleaning solution. If you find that the detergent is too strong, you can adjust the amount added.
- Determine if you are eligible
Scrub the brickwork with the cleaning substance that has been applied using a scrub brush. Using a circular motion, begin at the bottom and work your way upward. The presence of streaks will be minimized. Allow it to sit for a while once you have cleansed it to your satisfaction.
- Make a list of everything you need to do
Remove the cleaning material and any loose debris or soot from the bricks by rinsing them well with water. If necessary, repeat the instructions.
In case your selected cleaning procedure does not thoroughly clean your fireplace as you had intended, you may want to experiment with a solution of ammonia and dish detergent to clean it once more. Scrubbing with salt or powdered pumice stone will assist dislodge stubborn soot if you use the same procedure as before.
