After a season of enjoying a roaring fire, you will probably find that the brick has accumulated some soot. Soot can accumulate on brick from both wood-burning and propane or natural gas fireplaces.
Removing soot stains regularly is important, as it can eventually permanently damage porous surfaces like unsealed brick and grout. With just a few supplies, you can keep any kind of brick fireplace looking great. Follow our step-by-step method to keep your brick fireplace clean all winter long.
Step 1: Prep for Cleaning
- Spread a waterproof drop cloth on the floor to prevent stains on your carpet or flooring.
- Clear the mantle to prevent excess dust from settling on decorative items.
- If you have a wood-burning fireplace, clean out the ashes and debris into a metal container. Be sure they are cold and dispose of them properly.
- Use a vacuum with the crevice or upholstery brush to suction away as much dust and soot as possible.
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Step 2: Mix a Basic Cleaning Solution
- Mix one gallon of warm water and two tablespoons of dishwashing liquid with grease cutters into a large bucket.
- In a second bucket, mix one gallon of cool water and add one cup of distilled white vinegar.
- Fill a spray bottle with plain water.
- Pour one cup of table salt into a plate or shallow bowl.
Step 3: Scrub the Brick
- Spray a small area of the brick with plain water.
- Dip a stiff-bristled nylon scrub brush into the dishwashing liquid solution and then into the salt. The salt acts as a mild abrasive to loosen the soot from the brick.
- Scrub the dampened area.
- Use a sponge or microfiber cloth to wipe away the cleaning solution and the loose soot.
- Dip a second sponge in the water and vinegar solution and wipe down the cleaned area to remove any soapy residue and help control smoky odors.
- Repeat the process until the entire surface of the brick fireplace is cleaned.
How to Clean Heavy Soot Build-up on a Brick Fireplace
If the fireplace hasn’t been cleaned in years, dishwashing liquid probably won’t be strong enough to remove the soot. Prep the area for cleaning and try a solution of dishwashing liquid, ammonia, and pumice powder. Since ammonia has a strong odor, be sure the room is well-ventilated, and wear protective gloves and eye protection while cleaning.
Step 1: Gather Cleaning Supplies and Solutions
- In a large bucket, combine 1 gallon of warm water, 2 tablespoons of dishwashing liquid, and 1/2 cup of household ammonia.
- Fill a spray bottle with water.
- Fill a second bucket with plain water.
- Add 1 cup of pumice powder to a shallow dish. Pumice is easy to find at your local home improvement store.
Step 2: Clean Away Heavy Soot
- Spray a small area with water to begin cleaning.
- Dip a stiff-bristled nylon brush in the ammonia solution and then in the pumice powder.
- Scrub the brick.
- Use a dampened sponge or microfiber cloth to wipe away the soot and soapy solution.
- Rinse the sponge well in plain water and wipe again. Change the rinse water often as it becomes soiled with soot.
- Repeat the process until the entire surface of the brick fireplace is cleaned.
When to Call a Professional
If the DIY cleaning solutions and some elbow grease didn’t leave the brick as clean as you’d like, it’s probably time to call a professional cleaning company. Experts use powerful cleaners that can be highly toxic and must be handled with care.
FAQ
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Yes, you can remove black stains from a fireplace. They are soot from unburned particulates. For effective removal you’ll need a cleaning product like dishwashing liquid or ammonia that will cut through the grime, a good scrub brush, and plenty of elbow grease.
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Yes, it is safe to use vinegar to clean a brick fireplace. A vinegar and water solution alone is not strong enough to cut through the soot, but vinegar is an excellent deodorizer to help remove soot and smoke odors. It will not harm the brick or grout when used in a 1:1 water and vinegar solution.
