Use a damp sponge to wipe away the soot. Stone fireplaces are easy to maintain and offer a variety of benefits to those who choose them! Your email address will not be published. Finish by dipping a clean sponge in the plain water for a final rinse. 1- Wear long-sleeved clothes, pants, and protective gear. They are just there for safekeeping. Before we even moved into this house, I knew I wanted to whitewash the giant floating fireplace in the living-dining area. Once the ashes are gone, remove any andirons and grates. So, if you decide to make a purchase through one of the links on this site, I receive a commission for it. Rinse the hearth with a soft sponge dipped in clear water when you're done scrubbing out all of that dirt. It is recommended that you clean your fireplace thoroughly just before you light it at the beginning of each season such as at the beginning of winter. Step 5: Dip a cleaning towel in the vinegar mix and wash the outer parts of the stone fireplace from top to bottom. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Give the area a good sweeping to remove all the loose ash. These were a huge gigantic mess to try to clean. If you use TSP make sure you take safety precautions, dispose of it properly, and wipe the fireplace clean using clean water and clean rags. I was ecstatic the day my husband said, You know, if you want to paint the fireplace, Id be okay with that. I couldnt believe my ears! So, clean the stone with TSP, rinse well and allow at least 24 hours to dry. All free printables offered are for personal use only. Methods to Cleaning Your Stone Fireplace There are three main methods of cleaning your stone fireplace, you can use Trisodium Phosphate (TSP), vinegar, or muriatic acid to remove the soot, dirt, creosote, and any other unwanted buildup in your stone fireplace. No matter how well you maintain your brick fireplace, using it will inevitably lead to some accumulation of soot on the hearth and facade. Lets take a look at my living room before the renovation and before we painted the stone fireplace. You should also have towels (that you arent worried about getting black and dirty) strategically. If the rocks are small, attach a piece of cheesecloth or nylon net to the end of the hose nozzle with a rubber band. Clean and remove ashes regularly to ensure plenty of air can still get to the firewood on the. Yes, you can install a pellet stove in your Chimney mounts offer several advantages over other antenna mounts, Common Types of Stains on Natural-Stone Fireplaces, Ingredients to use for stone fireplace cleaning, Precautions while cleaning stone fireplace, 19+ Fireplace Mantel Decor Ideas For Every Season, The Best Outdoor Electric Fireplaces [Gorgeous], Why Does My Fireplace Have Two Switches? Be sure the fireplace surface is completely dry before applying additional cleaners. Polishing is not recommended. [Explained], Can You Move a Gas or Wood Fireplace? Whether you prefer contemporary stone Oklahoma or a more traditional style, natural stone is an ideal addition to any space. If your fireplace has been neglected for sometime, or just has a particularly deep buildup of dirt and grime, you will need more than just dish soap and hot water to remove all the buildup on your. The product is toxic if swallowed and will irritate eyes and skinso wear gloves and gogglesbut it wont release fumes, has no lasting health effects, and is less caustic and poisonous than similarly effective products. Place a dropcloth on the floor to protect it from soot, especially if you have carpet. If the rinsing bucket becomes dirty or soapy, change the water. 2- Cover your furniture and area around the fireplace with a plastic tarp to prevent accidental damage. Scrub the top of the fireplace. Can an Oklahoma Stone Fireplace Add Value to Your Home? Again, the black is smoke damage. Apply the paste on the fireplace hearth, allow it to set in for 10 minutes, and then scrub and rinse. Apply it to the fireplace and hearth with the sponge. Get the Bricks Wet The more of this debris you can remove before deep cleaning your fireplace, the less of a mess you will have to deal with. Cleaning a fireplace can be a messy task, but the last thing you want is for that mess to spread into the rest of your room. I love the painted stone fireplace! Dip the sponge into the vinegar and rub it in circles over the glass. an eraser sponge, like the one put out by Mr. Clean, Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers, Outdoor Lighting & Audio/Visual Specialists, Before You Roast Those Chestnuts, Make Sure Youve Got a Clean Chimney, Wash Dishes, Sweep Floors: Housework as Meditation, How to Keep Your Kitchens Stainless Steel Spotless, Cleaning Routines to Keep Your Home Virus-Free, 10 Little Things You Can Do to Feel More Organized, A Fine Mess: How to Have a Clean-Enough Home Over Summer Break, How to Keep Your Light Fixtures Shining Bright, 20 Things You Might Be Forgetting to Spring-Clean, How to Prepare Your Home and Family for an Ice Storm, Start the Season Right With Some Fall Cleaning To-Dos, How to Organize Your Kitchen Cabinets, One at a Time. Mix 1/2 cup of TSP per one gallon of hot water in a bucket. Once you have enough solution, stir it until well mixed. Wait 24 hours, or at least until the test spot dries, before taking on the rest of the project. Weve also renovated our bedroom and the hallway. As you may or may not know, we are renovating our house. You can see our bathroom renovation here and read about our sons bedroom renovation hereand our daughters bedroom renovation here. Once the solution and filth is removed, you can even use the dish soap solution to remove the last of the dirty surface. Then use the vacuum to suck out the dirt and soot from the floor of the fireplace or use your broom to sweep it out onto the plastic tarp on the surrounding floor. Of course, there was lots of patching to be done as well. You may withdraw your consent at any time. If you have a few smears that wont come off, dip a corner of the sponge in rubbing alcohol to remove the remaining soot. The white stripes you see on the wall were probably where the original owners had some kind of shelves on the wall. You can see where the original owners had some artwork hanging on the wall. Step 1: Cover the furniture and area around the fireplace to protect it from damage. Then Wait 24 hours or at least until the test spot dries, before taking on the rest of the project. The tougher stains will have been dealt with. Pinning is always welcome and appreciated. After cleaning the mantle, apply a stone sealer that will make it more stain-resistant. Hard work is good for the soul (and the biceps). Republishing posts in their entirety is prohibited. Yes, but, The 5 Best Fireproof Fireplace Gloves For 2023 [Ranked]. Required fields are marked *. Yes, but, Can You Paint A Marble Fireplace? Wearing rubber gloves, dip the scrub brush in the TSP solution and scrub. Then use a vacuum with a brush attachment to manually remove as much soot and dust as you can. Follow the manufacturers directions for usage, since some will require dilution, or specify that you apply the product and allow it to penetrate for X amount of time before scrubbing or wiping away. Fill a spray bottle with plain water and spritz the stained areas. You are reading and following advice from The Birch Cottage at your own risk. Terms of Use: In the picture below, you can see the mirrored wall above the fireplace. I tried cleaning the stone fireplace with TSP. Mix 1/2 cup of TSP per one gallon of hot water in a bucket. Since completing the bathroom and bedroom area of our house, we moved on to the living room. By the way, we dont really display two clocks above the mantle. I'm Pam, wife, mom, nana (mawmaw), dog mom, & creative blogger behind The Birch Cottage blog. Begin by brushing off any dirt and soot from the fireplace then you can start cleaning the fireplace. It is important to keep your fireplace clean because it is a focal point in the home. Apply the cleaner to the fireplace hearth with a sponge while wearing rubber gloves to protect your hands. An inorganic chemical compound (NaPO), TSP is a white granular or crystalline substance that can be mixed with water to create an alkaline solution. Use an old toothbrush for cleaning those hard-to-reach spots. The smoke being emitted and soot can waft out and leave the stone dingy. Making sure to touch those areas that were raised and then I quickly used a dry rag to sponge up the wet paint. It is not recommended for use if you do not have masonry experience, due to the strength of the chemical. Apply the paste to a sponge, and use it to scrub the black stains. TSP is highly toxic and must be used with care. Leave the solution to set in for 10 minutes. Once youve scrubbed a small area, go ahead and rinse it before moving on. Scrub the entire area thoroughly, carefully scrubbing in a circular motion in areas that are more affected by the grout and grit. (Old fireplaces may contain stains you can't remove.) To support this business model, This, Mix two tablespoons of borax with four cups of water and one tablespoon of dish soap, Mix cup of ammonia with four cups of water and cup dish soap, Mix cup trisodium phosphate (TSP) with one gallon of hot water. If, however, you have a very dirty fireplace, you might need to use a TSP solution to break down the buildup. Using decorative stone OKC, you can easily take your outdoor space to the next level. You can learn more by visiting the companys website. When you're ready to clean, take out the grate and any leftover ashes. 2021 tagDiv. This is a close of up the scorched walls. By submitting your information via this form, you agree to receive electronic communications from Cottage Life Media, a division of Blue Ant Media Solutions Inc., containing news, updates and promotions regarding cottage living and Cottage Life's products. Vacuum the hearth, mantle, and fireplace surround as well. Mary Marlowe Leverette is one of the industry's most highly-regarded housekeeping and fabric care experts, sharing her knowledge on efficient housekeeping, laundry, and textile conservation. This will help you determine if you require a simple soap and warm water mixture or a tougher solution with a scrub brush. Use a natural stone-safe cleaner, such as Granite Gold Outdoor Stone Cleaner or Granite Gold Daily Cleaner. Unfortunately, once removed, it will cause a pinkish-brown stain once the staining object has been removed from the stone. 5- Make sure to clean surrounding areas after youre done cleaning the stone fireplace to get rid of any stray droplets of TSP. Use a soft-bristles scrubbing brush (natural bristles like horsehair work great) to dunk into the solution. To properly use TSP, follow the same methods as the dish soap method, but pay particular attention to safety. Let me take you on a little journey. Dip a cloth in the fresh warm water, wring the cloth and wipe the surfaces down again so you absorb the detergent. In this case, go with cup of a clear, grease-cutting dish soap diluted in four cups of water. But, just imagine lovely drop ceiling panels, fluorescent lighting and a huge wall of mirrors above the fireplace. Is Sandstone Good for Pool Coping Oklahoma? Which is fine! Below are some of the common more issues seen on stone fireplaces; It is the most common type of stain found on fireplaces, mostly on older natural-stone fireplaces. Mix one to two drops of mild dish detergent with two cups of warm water in a bowl. When it comes to the stone fireplace, you will need a vacuum cleaner with a crevice tool attachment, an old toothbrush, toothpaste, and water- but weve got more tips below to keep your rock hearth looking gorgeous. Remember to ventilate the room and air out your house to clear out fumes from the chemicals and allow your fireplace to properly dry. Working in small areas to keep the bricks from drying out, scrub the surface with a firm, plastic-bristled scrub brush in a circular motion. Ive got a glass-cutter bit that makes me so nervous and so delighted all at the same time.). I found a brush worked better. It is recommended that fireplaces and chimneys are inspected annually and, as needed, thorough cleaning carried out. You want as clean a surface to paint over as possible or otherwise youre just spreading dirt and debris around with your paint. Use a soft bristle brush to loosen grime and rinse the solution off with two passes of a rag with water. Remove the grate and andirons from the firebox, dip a scrub brush into the bucket and clean the grate and andirons. Are Natural Stone Supplies in OKC Really Better Than Artificial? You are welcome to link to this site or use a single image and brief description to link back to any post. Leave the solution to set in for 10 minutes. Come explore The Birch Cottage where I hope you'll find inspiration to craft a handmade home. Instead, use a dry sponge or the eraser to remove as much soot as you can. When youre ready to clean, take out the grate and any leftover ashes. [1] 2 During seasons of regular use, go through these steps for how to clean a stone fireplace on a weekly basis to remove light to moderate accumulations of soot, dirt, and grit that collect on. To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience. For vertical surfaces, use "foaming action" by . Thats where the wall was scorched. Trisodium phosphate (TSP) is a highly effective chemical cleaner that will not corrode or damage sandstone if used properly. This is why it is best to use warm water and a non-hazardous dish soap to clean your fireplace. Ammonia is caustic, so protect your skin and eyes with long sleeves and protective goggles. Dilute one cup of Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) in a gallon of warm water. Spend extra time carefully scrubbing and reapplying the solution to areas with the most buildup. Then, dampen a rag in clean water and remove the TSP cleaning solution. To remove these stains, one scrubs them off with cream of tartar mixed with water using a small brush. . Mix the TSP, or ammonia, with warm water. If, after the fireplace hearth dries, there are still stains remaining, it's time for a more powerful cleaner. to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. Substitute fine-ground powdered pumice (available at hardware stores or online) instead of salt to sprinkle on the scrub brush. Additional cleaning may be needed for the surrounding finishes to remove dust and soot. Once diluted, TSP is a highly effective cleanser, degreaser, and stain remover. Cottagelife.com is part of the Blue Ant Media Canada network 2023 Blue Ant Media. 3 Tips for Painting Your Fireplace Heart Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Make sure to work top to bottom so dirty water doesnt drip down and cause streaks on areas youve already cleaned. Boy was that a messy job! You will realize that some stains are difficult to remove and do not come out. Apply it to the remaining soot and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Thank you for visiting. You should not use short sleeves or shorts. And, I have to point out our two German Shepherd Dogs, Remo and Zoey. Rinse the sponge thoroughly, and remove any residue with clean water. Since brick is more porous, you may need to apply the TSP paste with a scrub brush when cleaning a brick surround. They are great photo bombers! The mixture will react with the lime and turn it into a powder form. Thats soot and smoke from the fire. Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) Method. You can use a rag or brush to paint the stone. Before you scrub, prepare the area by sweeping it and setting up drop cloths in the surrounding areas. Now, read on for a step-by-step breakdown of how to clean soot off a brick fireplace. You may have to leave these cleaners on for a while (15-20 minutes) before starting to scrub. Use a wet rag with water to remove the solution and dry the firebox. Keep in mind, however, that these might damage older or fragile bricks, and you may need to wear gloves and eye protection as well as ensure good ventilation. Mix one cup ammonia with one pound of finely ground pumice and water to create a thick paste. The hardwood floors were refinished and a brand new ceiling fan hung. TSP can be purchased in powdered or liquid form at the hardware store. If soot stains persist, dont be afraid to call a professional service like The Cleaning Authority, a leading provider of cleaning services in 45 states. You will follow the same process for your outdoor fireplace stone OKC. Whatever you do, dont try to wipe soot off with a wet cloth or sponge. Scrub the entire sandstone fireplace area thoroughly, allowing the solution to soak into the stone and loosen up the surface where the grout is. With any of these options, youll want to put down a drop cloth of sorts to protect your flooring and work from the top down, as the soot and cleaning solution will drip downward as you clean. After you inspect the area, you should sweep up and clean the area thoroughly to ensure any loose debris and ash has been removed from the area. And finally, we come to the acid LW was so dreading. After that, Adjust the ratio of TSP to water and bleach according to the strength of the effect of the TSP mix on this small area. I didnt take pictures of our living room before we started the renovation. Dip a scrub brush into the soapy solution and sprinkle it liberally withtable salt. Now, I still have to decorate and were still trying to figure out furniture placement, but as far as the renovation. The next important step in preparing your sandstone fireplace is to prepare and protect the surrounding areas. You will follow the same process for your outdoor fireplace . Follow one of the cleaning methods below for removing soot and odor from the firebricks. Privacy Policy: The below picture is the wall directly across from the fireplace. - Bob Vila Green Solved! TSP is an alkaline solution that can remove grease, oils, and persistent stains. All rights reserved. Step 6: Dip a clean towel in plain water and wipe down the inner and outer areas of the fireplace to remove any trace of the vinegar. You will get to know all these 3 methods. It is important to clean occasionally to preserve the beauty and function of your stone fireplace. By knowing the importance of maintaining and caring for your fireplace, you will have an easier time finding the best way to clean a stone fireplace. Never attempt to clean a stone or brick fireplace with a flammable liquid as this might lead to an explosion of a flame. View our Privacy Policy here. Spread out a dropcloth and remove any protective coverings like glass doors or screens. Fill the second bucket with plain cool water. So lets just say that your soot problem is bigger than what mere soap and water can solve. TSP is an effective cleaning agent, but using it could be risky for your health and the environment. This helped to create a more marbled look instead of a Pam painted the stone white look. Boost Your Outdoor Living Space with Decorative Stone OKC. I should have researched how to remove paint from stone before I began. You may already have some of these supplies on hand and you can certainly find most of them at your local home improvement or super store. VentFree.org is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. To support this business model, ThisOldHousemay be compensated if you purchase through links on our website. If the soot-eraser doesnt do it for you, either in practice or in theory, there are also plenty of spray cleansers out there that may be more to your liking. This is a picture of the wall to the right of the fireplace and that leads into our dining room. The Quick and Easy Way to Clean a Microwave, How to Clean Your Windows and Keep Them Streak-Free, Houzz TV: Flickering Virtual Fireplaces to Warm Your Heart, 20 Covered Patios With Heartwarming Fireplaces, Houzz Contributor. The first step in preparing your sandstone fireplace for cleaning is to give it a thorough inspection. This will make sure the cleaner will not leave traces when the hearth dries. In many cases, once you finish your initial cleaning, you just need to scrub down your fireplace in order to remove most of the stubborn buildup that has formed. Even if it has been a while since you used your fireplace, you still need to remove the dust and dirt that will build up over time. Step 4: Dip the stiff-bristled brush in the solution and scrub the stone thoroughly. Mix your cleaner based on the directions for your stone. As you come in our front door, this wall is to the right. In a bucket combine hot (but not too hot to touch) water with a dish soap to the ratio of 1/4 cup dish soap to one quart of hot water. Cleaning a fireplace can be a messy task, but the last thing you want is for that mess to spread into the rest of your room. Apply the solution to the fireplace surround with a soft cloth or sponge. Regardless of what youre looking for, the experts at FireSide Hearth & Home are here to help you along the way. No matter which type of building project you have, there is nothing quite like stone OKC to take it to You can use charcoal lueders stone in a wide variety of projects. Place a tarp in front of the. To remove soot and smoke stains: Make a paste from TSP and water. You should read and follow manufacturers directions for the products and tools you use. Put on a pair of gloves and goggles to protect your hands and eyes before you begin cleaning, then lay down a tarp and cover the floor space around the hearth with towels as cleaning your fireplace can get messy and dirty water may splatter onto surrounding surfaces or furniture. These commissions help to keep the rest of my content free, so thank you! The chimney should be inspected and cleaned at least yearly to reduce the risk of accidental fires. Krud Kutter is one, Brick Anew is another, this nice brick- and stone-cleaner is another. Just as you secured the area in front of the hearth, you should do the same for the area where you will keep the cleaning products. Always test any cleaning solution in an inconspicuous spot before beginning the project. Make sure you wash the surrounding areas of the fireplace too, to remove any stray droplets. Things You Will Need. Step 3: Pour the vinegar mixture into a spray bottle and spray the inner and outer parts of the fireplace. suggestions. Categories DIY Crafts, Home Decor, Our Home Story, Julie & Julia Inspiration for Todays Cooks (& Free Prints). Check for areas with particular buildup (anything 1/4 inch or thicker). Below is a picture of our fireplace after I cleaned it with TSP. Dip a clean sponge in water. Step 8: You can remove the plastic tarp from the exterior of the fireplace, make sure to clean the area with a broom and warm water to remove any stray droplets of the TSP mix. I also started from the top and worked my way down and across the stone. Consider decorating it to distract from unremovable stains. Ill help you figure out the best type and style of fireplace for your home. Once you create this mixture, use a scrub brush to work it into the heavily soiled sandstone. Wipe off the powder residue, and the lime stain should be gone. The window frame is metal with metal between all the glass panes. This is where trisodium phosphate comes in handy. It is important you do an inspection of your fireplace and then prepare it carefully for cleaning. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may make a small commission at absolutely no additional cost to you! If youre interested in learning how to clean a stone fireplace with TSP, Id recommend this tutorial from Bob Villa. After wiping the marble surround with a dry microfiber cloth, dip the cloth in warm distilled water. We welcome your comments and Ashes should always be removed at the end of the fire season, which is also a good time to clean the firebox bricks and fireplace surround. This will prevent any damage caused by lingering TSP. I found the TSP really did work the best, it was just a messy job! Moisture on stone fireplaces forms efflorescence. This is also the time when you can determine what type of initial cleaning you need to do before you use a wet solution in your fireplace. To clean your stone fireplace, you create a soapy solution of warm water and your cleaning agent in the bucket if the fireplace is notably dirty. This ensures no harmful chemicals or stained water will reach your floors or carpets.
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