As winter’s chill fades and spring breathes new life into the world, your cozy fireplace — the heart of many warm memories — may look weary from use.
How to clean fireplace brick effectively isn’t merely practical; it’s essential for maintaining both aesthetic appeal and indoor air quality.
Over months of warmth, soot, smoke stains, and occasional spills distort the pristine beauty of brick masonry, posing a hidden challenge that if ignored, can compromise the longevity and safety of your hearth.
In this guide, you’ll traverse the terrain of restoring your fireplace’s traditional charm. From selecting eco-friendly brick cleaners to mastering effective DIY brick cleaning techniques, expect to turn maintenance into mastery.
We’ll cover fireplace stain cleaning, delve into the importance of yearly fireplace examination, and explore options for natural brick cleaners.
Unveil the secrets to not just cleaning but cherishing your fireplace, ensuring it remains a proud centerpiece in your home for seasons to come.
How to clean fireplace brick: The basics
- Baking Soda and Soap Method: Mix baking soda and dish soap to form a paste, then scrub it into the bricks with a brush .
- Ammonia and Dawn Solution: Combine ammonia, Dawn dish soap, and hot water in a spray bottle, then coat the bricks with the mixture
- Water and Vinegar: Spray equal parts water and white vinegar on the bricks, scrub with a brush, and rinse with warm water
- Homemade Cleaning Solutions: You can create cleaning solutions using dish soap, vinegar, baking soda, or a combination of these ingredients
- Specialized Cleaners: Consider using products like Speedy White Hearth & Stove Cleaner along with a scrub brush for tougher stains
Supporting video:
How to clean brick fireplace from inside to outside
The difficulties of the inner zone
As we mentioned previously, before proceeding with the deep cleaning of the bricks, you should remove the larger dirt with a brush or shovel. This is because you will need to wet the fireplace, and the water combined with ash would make a mess.
Not all areas of the fireplace will be equally dirty. The hot area will be much more stained than the rest of the fireplace, and due to the action of heat, the soot may adhere strongly to the walls.
Get a stiff bristle brush that will allow you to remove these stains. Use a household cleaner, which will sit on the block for at least 10 minutes to soften the stains. It is possible that even after this, the stain will still be difficult to remove, so it is recommended to rinse the area with a little warm water.
The best homemade fireplace cleaner is undoubtedly vinegar. To use it, you must mix equal parts of vinegar and water. Due to how uncomfortable it can be to apply the mixture inside the fireplace, it is recommended that you pour the mixture into a spray bottle.
In the same way, you have to let the mixture sit for it to take effect. A similar period of 10 minutes will be more than enough. Remove all vinegar by absorbing it with a cloth or sponge, and remove any remaining dirt with a stiff bristle or nylon brush.
The external fireplace bricks are just as important
Although it sounds tedious, the cleaning job would not be complete if you also did not clean the outdoor area. For example, a fireplace brick can get dirty externally depending on the incidence of the sun and humidity on the structure. Dark areas are favorite spaces for mold and bacteria.
Due to the type of microorganisms that arise, the homemade vinegar and water solution is not as effective. In this situation, it is better to increase the force a little with the use of bleach. Just dampen a cloth in bleach and scrub it hard on the clay block.
It is recommended that you never use a wire scrub brush, but rather one made of nylon. This is because the metal can stick to the clay, causing an oxidizing effect on the block.
Different substances to achieve clear blocks
Dish soap as a homemade solution
How to clean fireplace brick depends largely on the cleaning agent used. The severity of each case will affect its effectiveness. It is good to try different mild options before reaching the more drastic and dangerous ones.
In addition, cleaning methods also change slightly depending on the substance you choose. You have to consider this even before you start cleaning.
The first economical and easy-to-apply alternative to use is a dishwasher with a bit of warm water. Soap in general acts as a soil softener, reducing the grip of agents such as soot, making it easier to remove. Dishwashing soap is especially useful for any greasy or oily item, and its composition is not particularly harmful to clay blocks.
Since the dishwasher is one of the most used substances to clean this type of surface, there is more than one way to use it.
If instead of water you mix equal parts of salt and dish soap, the substance will become more abrasive. The result will be a runny paste that you can apply with a damp cloth or towel. When you are done applying the paste, let it sit for a moment and then rinse off with warm water and a scrub brush.
Chemical combinations and a scrub brush
Another alternative is to replace the salt with Borax to achieve a disinfecting effect. It is a perfect combination that can replace bleach in the elimination of microorganisms. Due to the amount that is required to make the mixture, you can achieve a significant volume of liquid by diluting the product in water.
The recipe consists of a mixture of one tablespoon of the dishwasher, 2 tablespoons of Borax, and 4 cups of hot water. Shake well until the minerals are fully dissolved, and then add two tablespoons of the dishwasher. You can apply this household chemical with any cloth. Then, just use a scrub brush to clean the area after a time.
If all the above were not enough, there is still one more way to use dishwasher detergent. In this new case, dish soap and water will be combined with ammonia. This is a much more aggressive product than the previous ones, so it is recommended to use only when the other alternatives fail.
Using a nylon scrub brush, scrub each of the clay blocks in a circular motion with the mixture. The compound will consist of a quarter cup of the dishwasher, half a cup of ammonia, and 4 cups of hot water to dilute the result. For convenience, put the product in a spray bottle.
This mixture should remove any type of dirt, but you may need to apply it several times.
Commercial sprinklers
Some chemicals in spray form are specialized in cleaning clay bricks. A commercial spray bottle has a higher success rate than that of home methods, although they can be a bit more expensive.
However, they will save you the time of preparing the mixture and may serve multiple purposes, such as removing fungus and stains at the same time.
How to clean fireplace brick when all else fails
Even with ammonia and borax solutions, there are serious cases where stains and scratches do not go away.
The good news is that there are also options for these very difficult situations. One of them involves the use of trisodium phosphate, an extremely powerful and abrasive chemical. It releases toxic gases, so it must be applied using a spray bottle in areas with enough ventilation. And most importantly, using safety equipment such as rubber gloves and a mask.
TSP is practically a universal solvent. The substance is capable of staining walls and ceramic pieces, and can even damage the hardest wood and rock. Trisodium phosphate is an alternative that is advisable to use only if the clay block does not have any type of paint. The good thing about the compound is that it will completely clean the fireplace bricks.
Correct maintenance will save you trouble
Fireplaces are one of the most beautiful constructions that can be made to the home. However, you must understand that being able to keep them in that precious state requires a lot of work that can be exhausting and dangerous.
Now that you know how to clean fireplace brick properly, you can create a constant maintenance habit that cuts down on cleaning work. You won’t have to resort to harsh chemicals if you don’t let your fireplace accumulate large amounts of soot.
FAQ On How To Clean Fireplace Brick
What is the best method to clean soot from fireplace bricks?
Soot can be stubborn, but a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar proves effective. Apply generously with a sponge, then scrub gently with a nylon brush.
Rinse with warm water and repeat if necessary. This natural method avoids harsh chemicals and preserves brick integrity.
Can I use a wire brush to clean my fireplace bricks?
Using a wire brush might seem like a quick fix, but it’s a no-go. The harsh bristles can actually erode and damage the brick’s surface. Opt for a softer nylon brush. It does the job effectively without compromising the brick’s aesthetic or structural integrity.
What household products can I use to clean fireplace bricks?
For a DIY approach, baking soda offers a fantastic, eco-friendly solution. Create a paste with water, apply it to the bricks, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub off with a soft brush. It’s excellent for removing lighter stains and gentle on the masonry.
How often should I clean my fireplace bricks?
Incorporating fireplace maintenance into your seasonal cleaning routine is ideal. Deep cleaning twice a year should suffice—once after the cold seasons and once before you start using your fireplace again. This keeps buildup minimal and makes the cleaning process less daunting.
Are chemical brick cleaners safe for indoor fireplaces?
While chemical cleaners are effective, they might not be the best choice for every home. Ventilation is crucial as these can release harmful fumes. For safety and health, especially in homes with pets or children, natural cleaners like vinegar or baking soda are recommended.
How can I prevent soot buildup on my fireplace bricks?
Proactive care is key. Regularly cleaning the ash out of the fireplace, ensuring proper ventilation, and burning only dry, untreated wood can significantly reduce soot accumulation. These steps will keep your fireplace’s performance optimal and reduce the frequency of deep cleans.
What’s the best way to tackle deep stains on fireplace bricks?
For deep-set stains, a mixture of salt and dish soap can create a powerful, gritty paste. Apply it to the stains, let it sit for about ten minutes, then scrub away with a stiff brush. Rinse thoroughly with warm water to ensure no residue is left behind.
Can steam cleaning be used for fireplace bricks?
Steam cleaning is a great way to tackle dirt and grime without using harsh chemicals. The high-heat moisture does well to loosen debris and sanitize the area, however, make sure your bricks are in good condition as older, more porous bricks might be damaged by the moisture.
Is it necessary to seal fireplace bricks after cleaning?
Sealing isn’t always necessary, but it can be beneficial for keeping your fireplace bricks in prime condition longer.
Sealant provides a protective layer that can repel dirt and make future cleaning easier. Just ensure the bricks are completely dry and clean before applying any sealant.
What should I avoid using when cleaning fireplace bricks?
Stay clear of bleach and ammonia-based cleaners; they can be too harsh and discolor your bricks. Also, avoid high-pressure washers which can damage the brick surface and mortar. Stick with gentler methods to preserve the quality and look of your fireplace.
Conclusion
As we draw the curtains on our dive into how to clean fireplace brick, remember, the beauty of a well-maintained fireplace extends far beyond its aesthetic. Regular cleaning not only enhances the visual charm of your living space but also elevates the indoor air quality and ensures the safety and longevity of your cherished hearth.
Whether you’re reaching for a homemade paste of baking soda for a quick touch-up or performing a thorough cleanse with specialized brick cleaners, each stride you take contributes to preserving the grandeur and functionality of your fireplace. Embrace these practices seasonally and witness your fireplace continue to be the glowing centerpiece of your home gatherings.
In sum, let the warmth of a clean, vibrant fireplace brick kindle comfort and joy in your home, proving that a little maintenance goes a long way in creating an inviting and secure environment.