Cleaning a brick fireplace involves creating a simple paste from common household ingredients and scrubbing the surface.
Keeping your brick fireplace clean not only improves its appearance but also helps maintain a healthy home environment by removing soot, ash, and other residue. While professional cleaning is an option, many homeowners can effectively tackle the job themselves with basic supplies. One effective method utilizes a paste made from dish soap and baking soda.
Simple Brick Fireplace Cleaning Method
This method is effective for removing common soot and grime from fireplace bricks using a homemade paste.
Ingredients & Preparation
Before you begin, gather your materials and prepare the area. Ensure the fireplace is completely cool and the ashes have been removed. Cover the hearth and surrounding floor with drop cloths or old newspapers to protect them. Wearing gloves is recommended to protect your hands.
Cleaning Paste Ingredients:
- Dish Soap
- Baking Soda
- Warm Water
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dish Soap | 2 to 3 tablespoons (30-44 mL) |
| Baking Soda | ½ cup (5 ounces) |
Cleaning Steps
Follow these steps to clean your brick fireplace using the paste method:
- Create the Paste: In a bowl, combine about 2 to 3 tablespoons (30 to 44 mL) of dish soap with ½ cup (5 ounces) of baking soda. Mix thoroughly until a consistent paste is formed. The paste should be thick enough to cling to the bricks.
- Apply and Scrub: Dip your scrub brush directly into the paste. Apply the paste to the brick surface and use small, circular motions to scrub the dirty areas. Focus on areas with heavy soot buildup.
- Let it Sit: Allow the paste to sit on the bricks for about 5 minutes. This gives the baking soda and soap time to work on loosening the grime.
- Rinse: Use a clean cloth or sponge dipped in warm water to rinse the paste off the bricks. You may need to rinse the cloth frequently to avoid spreading dirt back onto the clean areas. For a more thorough rinse, a spray bottle filled with warm water can also be effective, followed by wiping.
- Dry: Allow the bricks to air dry completely.
This method is a great starting point for cleaning typical fireplace buildup.
