While a fireplace is an ideal centerpiece for an interior space but it is also difficult to keep clean. Whatever you do to maintain your fireplace with bricks use, it will eventually result in the accumulation of soot on your hearth and exterior.
Because bricks are porous — that means the surface of their construction is protected in tiny holes, cleaning them isn’t an easy task of sweeping the soot from the fireplace.
There are, however, few ways to tackle this process that can simplify cleaning brick. So, in this blog I will tell you how to clean Brick Fireplace. So let’s get started!
1. Clean out the Fireplace
Start with a cold, dry fireplace. Once you’re ready to clean it, remove the grate as well as any remaining ashes. Use a vacuum that has an attachment for a brush to take out as much soot and dust you are able to.
2. Make sure to get the Bricks Wet
If there’s any trick for cleaning the bricks of your fireplace is this: soak the bricks in simple water prior to applying a cleanser and beginning to scrub. As you’re working within your home, you’ll need to lay a drop of waterproof cloth on prior to doing this, but you shouldn’t miss this step.
The porous brick absorbs the water and when you apply soap or any other cleaning product it will stick to the surface, instead of sinking. You can dampen the bricks with an masonry sponge, which is available in most Hardware stores or even a spray bottle.
3. Combine Your Clean Solution
In this phase there are a variety of alternatives for cleaning solutions. Which one you pick will be based on the age of the bricks as well as the amount of staining.
Cleaning Bricks using Dishwashing Detergent
Typically, you should start by using the least harsh cleanser, and then see if it removes the majority of soot. In this instance, you should go using 1/4 cup of clear dish soap, which cuts grease, and is dilute in the water to four cups. The cleanser is mild enough to be safe for older bricks.
How to clean Bricks using Vinegar
Distilled white vinegar can be a different choice, however it’s acidic enough that it could harm bricks older than around 20 years old, so you should use it with care. Mix equal amounts vinegar with warm water in order to create an effective cleaning product.
It is also possible to include dishwashing soap, but it’s a tiny amount, about 2 tablespoons per gallon.
How do I clean a Brick Fireplace with Scrubbing Bubbles
Cleaning Bubbles along with other cleaners for bathrooms that are foamy are designed for use on non-porous ceramic surfaces.
However, certain homeowners prefer their use when it comes to for cleaning brick. You might need to let these cleaners sit for a few minutes (15-20 to 20 minutes) before beginning to scrub.
What to do about cleaning bricks Using more powerful cleaners
If you have tried the above cleaning products but are smudges of soot it is possible to move onto stronger cleaners.
Remember that they may cause damage to older bricks or ones that are fragile and therefore you’ll need to wear gloves or eye protection, and make sure you have adequate ventilation. Here are some ideas to remove stubborn stains from brick:
- Mix two tablespoons of borax in 4 cups of water, and one tablespoon of dishwash soap.
- Mix 1/2 cup of ammonia in 4 cups of water and one cup dish soap.
- Mix 1/8 cup trisodium-phosphate (TSP) in one gallon hot water.
4. Clean the bricks
It is possible to put milder cleaners in spray bottles and spray directly on the bricks of the fireplace. If you don’t own spray bottles or If you’re using TSP mix the cleaning solution in an empty bucket.
Use an abrasive or sponge to apply the solution to the bricks. Make sure you work from starting from the top so that the dirty water doesn’t run down and cause streaks to appear on areas that you’ve cleaned.
By working in small portions to stop dry bricks, scrub the bricks using a hard plastic-bristled scrubber in a circular movement. If the soot stains do not appear to be getting rid then lightly apply the cleaner and give it an hour or so to dry before starting to scrub.
5. Rinse
Once you’ve cleaned a small area, you can wash it thoroughly before proceeding to the next. Make use of a sponge that’s dipped in water that is clean to wash each area repeatedly. If the bucket that rinses is dirty or soapy replace the water.
6. Spot-Clean All Stains Left
After you’ve thoroughly cleaned the area using the above solutions there’s a chance that you’ll need to clean take a spot-cleaning of any stubborn soot stain. For this, make an emulsion of baking soda, or tartar cream, mixed with a little water.
Apply it on the remaining soot, and allow it to rest over 5-10 mins. Clean it off with a firm brush or small scrub brush and wash.
7. Repeat
If a milder cleaner doesn’t result, you may have to try again or try an aggressive approach. The more frequently you utilize your fireplace, the more frequently you’ll need cleaning it.
How often should you clean fireplace Bricks?
If soot is accumulated and dries, it creates the smell of smoke as well as unsightly dark stains that appear on the bricks tile grout and ceramic as well as carpets, drapes and upholstery; as well as painted surfaces. It is important to clean the soot regularly, as it may eventually cause irreparable damage, particularly to porous surfaces.
The more you utilize a fireplace, the more frequently you’ll have to set the time to clean. The earlier you get rid of the discoloration caused by soot on bricks of your fireplace, the simpler cleaning is going to be.
The Bottom Line
I have told you the best method of how to clean brick fireplace. Hopefully, you will use this method and share your experiences in the comment section. Thanks for reading this blog!