Fireplaces are so nice to have in the winter, but they are a nightmare to clean in the spring.
Typical bathroom foaming cleaner does a terrific job cleaning soot. But sometimes you may want to thoroughly clean your fireplace.
To clean your fireplace, you should start by soaking the bricks with an all-purpose cleaner and allow to soak for a few minutes. Then, spay the bricks with a bathtub cleaner. Now scrub the bricks with a stiff bristle that is dipped in a solution of Ivory and water.
If the soot doesn't seem to come off at this point, try using TSP (trisodium phosphate). You can find it in any typical hardware store. It is toxic, so use with caution. Wear a mask and glove, and make sure there is plenty of ventilation. It does a terrific job removing tough soot stains