how to clean indoor brick fireplace

Spray the scrubbing bubbles on to the brick fireplace. To do this, you'll simply want to follow these steps. Saturating helps prevent the bricks from absorbing whatever cleaning solution you use. The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Start by saturating the brick with water. Once the brick dries, check again for stains. That could be because they absorbed cleaning solution that dripped from bricks higher up. Dishwashing detergent is relatively harmless, so this is also the best method to use on older bricks. If you use vinegar to clean a brick fireplace, mix it with warm water in equal parts. That means if you leave it unsealed, it will get incredibly dirty. Before you even start cleaning, you'll need to get in there and get that loose soot and ash out first. How can I do a better job? 2021 Fire And Saw - All Rights Reserved. This damage is especially likely to happen over a long period of time. The salt will act as a mild abrasive to loosen the soot from the brick. That applies to cleaning fireplace brick. However, there are a lot of safety precautions you have to take when using the acid, so its better to leave this cleaning method to the professionals. Another way is to use a paintbrush or a sponge (such as a masonry sponge). Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Be sure to wear rubber gloves and safety goggles when using cleaning chemicals to clean your fireplace. 3. Mix one gallon of hot water and eight tablespoons (one-half cup) of TSP in a bucket. And if you have a particularly tough stain, get tips and tricks to remove it fast. Mary Marlowe Leverette is one of the industry's most highly-regarded housekeeping and fabric care experts, sharing her knowledge on efficient housekeeping, laundry, and textile conservation. Scrubbing Bubbles weren't just made for the bathroom. The concrete sprayer is necessary for large areas. They also scratched the front edge of the range. Safety note: For peace of mind, especially in the winter months when you use fireplace more, install a smoke and carbon monoxide detectoror make sure your existing one functions properly. When baking soda and salt aren't cutting it, you might want to break out the borax. Chimney Cleaning: When to Clean a Chimney Flue, What to Do Within the First Year After Moving Into Your New Home, Do Not Sell My Personal Information CA Residents. Otherwise, you're going to have a mess on your hands when you start adding water. Take the broom and give the bricks a good brush. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. Medical Management Guidelines for Ammonia. This article was co-authored by Michelle Driscoll, MPH. We recommend our users to update the browser. Being absorbent means that if its not already saturated with water, it will quickly absorb the cleaner you apply. To learn how to use commercial cleaning products to clean fireplace bricks, read on! If you do not feel safe cleaning on the ladder, you may want to call a professional. Apply a thin layer of this to each part of the brick, and leave it there for about 10 minutes. In the spray bottle, mix equal parts vinegar and water. Apply the second coat of high-gloss sealant. This cleaner is a great product to have around the house, as its not just for fireplaces. Lets take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions about cleaning fireplace brick. Fill the second bucket with plain cool water. Yes, it is best to seal your brick fireplace. Use one sponge to wipe away the cleaning solution and loosened soot. To avoid streaking, work from the bottom of the fireplace up when scrubbing the bricks. Is Corded, Battery, or Gas Better? You also might want to break out the rubber gloves and goggles, just to be safe. Only try using TSP if dish soap and water doesnt work. Mix Dawn and baking soda into a paste to clean detailed brickwork. In a spray bottle, mix cup of ammonia with cup of Dawn and 4 cups of hot water. Try These Homemade Carpet Cleaners, How to Remove Hair Dye Stains From Clothes & Carpet, Freshen Up Your Upholstered Chairs With a Good Cleaning, Keep White Plastic Chairs Clean and Bright, A Clean Gas Fireplace Is a Beautiful and Safe Fireplace, Ceramic, Electric Coils or Gas: Learn How to Clean Your Stovetop, Here's How to Keep Chrome Shiny and Bright Using Ingredients You Probably Already Have, Your House Won't Be Clean if Your Cleaning Supplies Are Dirty. If the scratches are on the top edge, there is a bull-nose piece there that also can be replaced. Apply the first coat of high-gloss sealant. Then, let the paste sit for 5 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water. If your fireplace is especially dirty and stained, you might find that this method isnt enough. Please help us improve. Since TSP is toxic to the environment and will damage plants, contact your local municipality for information on proper disposal. A: If you didnt saturate the bricks with water before you applied the cleaning solution, that could explain the blotchiness. Many homeowners like their brick fireplaces to have a shiny or glossy look. Spray Nine has the most convenient format, as the product is housed in a spray bottle. How to Clean Fireplace Bricks Quickly and Effectively, 9 Easy Grill Cleaning Tips to Keep Mealtime Fresh, Do What You Love Quotes forPursuingYour Passion, Adult Trick-or-Treating Ideas (Because You're Never Too Old), Antique Glassware Identification Tips & What to Look For, 10 Beautiful Pictures of Lucky Bamboo Arrangements. Do you want to use an oil-based high-gloss sealant? 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. Hammer Drill vs. Impact Driver: Whats the Difference? Youll want to make special preparations to ensure you dont make a big mess indoors when soaking your fireplace brick. We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. Never use vinegar on older bricks, as it can cause damage. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/72\/Clean-Fireplace-Bricks-Step-1-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-Fireplace-Bricks-Step-1-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/72\/Clean-Fireplace-Bricks-Step-1-Version-4.jpg\/aid1391584-v4-728px-Clean-Fireplace-Bricks-Step-1-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"