Remove soot promptly, as it can eventually permanently damage porous surfaces.
The sooner you clean away soot discoloration on fireplace bricks, the easier the job will be.
Nothing symbolizes a cozy home more than a gas or wood-burning fireplace.
The Spruce / Nanor Zinzalian
But no matter how carefully you maintain the fire, eventually, even agas fireplace will need cleaning.
Soot will escape the firebox and scatter onto the bricks of the surrounding facade and hearth.
Soot refers to fine, black particulates that occur when any organic and carbon-filled materials are not burned completely.
The Spruce / Nanor Zinzalian
When you see the black streaks and stains, it’s time to clean your fireplace bricks.
First, protect your flooring from any spills or stains with a waterproof drop cloth.
Next, clean out ashes and debris from the fireplace when cold and dispose of them safely.
The Spruce / Nanor Zinzalian
Finally, vacuum the hearth and fireplace surround to remove as much soot and dust as possible.
erase the mantle of any decorative items to prevent excessive dust from settling on them, as well.
Dish soap and salt is the mildest method to clean soot off brick fireplaces.
The Spruce / Nanor Zinzalian
It’s best to try this method before attempting to clean the fireplace with chemicals.
Fill the second bucket with one gallon of cool water and add one cupdistilled white vinegar.
Spritz the Stained Areas
Fill the spray bottle with plain water and spritz the stained areas.
The Spruce / Nanor Zinzalian
You may want to work in small areas at a time to prevent the brick from drying out.
The salt will act as a mild abrasive to loosen the soot from the brick.
Now, use some elbow grease and scrub the sooty areas.
The Spruce / Nanor Zinzalian
Rinse Away
Use one sponge to wipe away the cleaning solution and loosened soot.
Dip the second sponge in the water and vinegar solution and wipe down the cleaned area.
The vinegar will help remove any soapy residue and dispel smoky odors.
The Spruce / Nanor Zinzalian
You will need household ammonia and fine-ground powdered pumice.
Gather two buckets, two sponges, a scrub brush and a spray bottle.
ensure that the room is well-ventilated because ammonia fumes can be powerful.
The Spruce / Nanor Zinzalian
Is your fireplace particularly dirty?
Try this next method to tackle the most stubborn soot stains.
TSP can damage ceramic tile, metal, fabrics, carpets, and painted and finished surfaces.
It’s not recommended to pressure wash brick unless you’re free to use very minimal pressure.
Bricks and mortar are porous, so too much pressure may lead to damage and deterioration.
Soot can lead to staining if not treated in a timely manner.
United States National Library of Medicine.
