A brick fireplace is very common in cold areas. It comes in various designs, color and shape. Aside from its functional purpose of providing warmth, it also gives classic elegance to your home. Unfortunately, people tend to overlook cleaning their fireplace. It really takes time and effort achieving that innate visual aspect of bricks. A brick fireplace can get very dirty, dusty and stinky. The smoke can stain the bricks and make it look dull and messy. Wanting to achieve the natural appearance of a brick fireplace entails willingness to do the task.
The things that you will need are rubber gloves, eye goggles, mask, stiff nylon brush, bucket, empty spray bottle and cloth.
Here are the steps in cleaning a brick fireplace:
- First thing to note is to make certain that the fireplace is not hot anymore as your hands may get burned.
- Put on your eye goggles, mask and rubber gloves.
- Remove all unnecessary elements in the fireplace like the grates and ash. This can hinder your cleaning process.
- Use a broom in removing dust particles. Vacuum can also be utilized in removing dust.
- Make certain that the area is dust – free. Put a rubber mat on the surrounding floor before starting. You can also use a newspaper to cover the floor.
- If the areas are all set, then you can now start the cleaning process.
- Begin by using a mild solution first. If it works well, then proceed on other areas. Do not directly use hard chemicals as it may damage your fireplace. Some fireplaces are painted.
- In making a light cleaning solution, get a bucket and fill in with water. Add your liquid soap and stir properly.
- Moisten the part where you intend to begin scrubbing. Use a cloth and dip it into your soapy solution.
- Brush the moistened area properly using a stiff nylon brush. Scrub the areas properly in order to remove debris. Dirt particles can easily be removed using a soapy solution.
- If the smoke particles are still present, try switching to bleach solution. Get your empty spray bottle and pour in water and bleach. Shake the bottle properly and start spraying the smoke areas. Let it sit for several minutes, then scrub the area using a brush.
- White vinegar with water can also be used especially when dealing with fireplace soot.
- After a thorough scrubbing, rinse the area with warm water. Make sure to remove the cleaning solution.
- Wipe the brick fireplace with a dry cloth and leave it for few hours allowing it to completely dry.
Muriatic acid can be use in cleaning brick fireplace but this is not the best solution for cleaning as it can burn your skin and can damage the mortar. Acid solutions are your last resort. Wear protective gears in cleaning brick fireplace. If you have dust allergies, make sure to use a mask and goggles.
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