If you live in an older home, chances are you have at least one black brick fireplace somewhere in your house. While they can be visually appealing, they can also become covered with years of grime and buildup if not taken care of properly. Fortunately, cleaning your fireplace doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming; with the right technique and products, you can clean your fireplace quickly and efficiently and have it looking like new in no time!
Sweep fireplace
First, sweep your fireplace using a natural bristle brush. Start at the top of the fireplace and work your way down. Be sure to get all the nooks and crannies. Next, vacuum up any loose debris.
Vacuum fireplace
Start by vacuuming your fireplace using the soft brush attachment. Work in small sections and be sure to get all the nooks and crannies. Once you’ve vacuumed the entire fireplace, use a damp cloth to wipe down the bricks. Be sure to wring out the cloth well so that it’s only slightly damp. You don’t want to soak the bricks as they could absorb too much water and start to crumble.
Polish fireplace with steel wool
The first step is to gather your supplies. You will need a pail of water, some steel wool, and a stiff-bristled brush. Start by wetting down the fireplace with the pail of water. Then, using the steel wool, scrub the entire surface of the fireplace. Be sure to get all the nooks and crannies. Finally, use the brush to remove any remaining dirt or debris.
Wash fireplace
Start by giving your fireplace a good sweeping. Next, mix up a solution of one part water to one part vinegar in a bucket. Wet a sponge in the mixture and then begin scrubbing your fireplace. Work in small sections and be sure to rinse the sponge often. Once you’ve scrubbed the entire fireplace, rinse it with clean water from a hose or bucket. Allow the fireplace to dry completely before lighting a fire.
Use white vinegar on stubborn spots (acetone works better, but it’s more dangerous)
To start, mix one part white vinegar with one part water in a bowl. Fill a spray bottle with this mixture and liberally spray your fireplace. Let it sit for about 30 minutes before you begin scrubbing. For particularly stubborn spots, you can use a wire brush. Be sure to wear gloves and safety goggles while you work. When you’re finished, rinse the area with clean water and let it dry completely.
Polish metal trim and brass hardware
You want to start by polishing any metal trim or brass hardware on your fireplace. This will help give the fireplace a fresh look. Next, you will want to vacuum the inside of the fireplace. Be sure to get all the dust and dirt that has accumulated over time. Once you have vacuumed, you will want to use a damp cloth to wipe down the inside of the fireplace. Be sure to get rid of any soot or stains that may be present. Finally, you will want to use a dry cloth to wipe down the fireplace. This will help remove any residue that may be left behind from cleaning.
Avoid using chemical cleaners – they can be harmful to your family and pets.
Instead, mix one part baking soda with one part water to create a paste. Apply the paste to the bricks using a sponge or brush, and then use a clean cloth to wipe it away. You can also try using white vinegar instead of water for extra cleaning power. Just be sure to rinse the area well afterwards with plain water.
