Cleaning a fireplace is usually one of those items that is overlooked, even in a deep home cleaning. It is important to regularly clean the fireplace as the leftover build up from fires can become toxic and can potentially harm your family.
Cleaning the inside of a Fireplace
Wait at least 24 hours since the last time the fireplace has been used.
Supplies Needed:
- Plastic tarp
- Old Towels or Sheets
- Apron
- Handheld Broom and Dust Pan
- Vacuum
- Trash Bags
STEP 1: Prepare the Area
Lay a plastic tarp around and in front of the fireplace area. If you do not have a plastic tarp, old towels will do. Also, make sure to wear an apron and protective gloves. You may also want to wear old clothes as soot and dirt can be difficult to get off. If you have furniture close by it may also be a good idea to place sheets or towels over the surfaces to protect it.
STEP 2: Remove debris
First take out any metal grates that may be in the fireplace. Next, take any wood, tinder, or debris from the fireplace. We suggest wearing protective gloves to do this. Using a handheld broom sweep any dirt, debris or soot up and place it in a waste bin.
STEP 3: Get the small bits!
If necessary use a vacuum to pick up any remaining ash. Then throw away the debris into an outside bin.
Spot Clean the Brick on a Fireplace
Supplies Needed:
- Cream of Tartar
- Water
- Old Tooth Brush
- Rag
STEP 1: Make your mixture
Mix two tablespoons of cream of tartar with a little water to make a paste.
STEP 2: Apply
Spread the paste on the brick with an old toothbrush. Then wait for ten minutes to let the paste sit.
STEP 3: Wash
After ten minutes use warm water and a rag to wash off the paste. If necessary apply more past and repeat steps.
Detailed Cleaning of Larger Brick Areas
Supplies Needed:
- Baking Soda
- Dish Soap
- Tooth brush and/or larger scrub brush
- Dish Cloth
STEP 1: Make your paste
Make a thin paste that is easy to spread by mixing 3 tablespoons dish soap with a half cup of baking soda. You can add more dish soap if the paste is too thick.
STEP 2: Dip and Scrub
Dip the scrub brush into the paste you have just made. Make circular motions on the brick surfaces inside and/or outside of the fireplace. When all brick surfaces of the fireplace are covered, let sit for five minutes.
STEP 3: Rinse!
After the paste has sat for five minutes, rinse the paste off with a cloth and warm water.
STEP 4: Repeat
Repeat from step one as needed.
Cleaning Fireplace Glass
Supplies Needed:
- Stove Glass cleaner
- Soft Dish Clothes (3 or more)
- Water
STEP 1: Check before you start
Be sure the glass has already cooled and that the inside of the fireplace has been vacuumed and cleaned out.
STEP 2: Spray
Get one of the clothes damp with warm water. Spray some of the stove glass cleaner onto the damp cloth.
STEP 3
Next rub the cloth over the fireplace glass focusing on the stained areas. Once again, use circular motions as well as back and forth motions. You may need to apply some pressure to get hard stains to come off.
STEP 4
Continue to apply more cleaner to the cloth and continue circular and back to forth motions until all stains have been removed.
STEP 5
After all stains have been removed take a new damp cloth and wipe the surfaces clean.
STEP 6
Lastly, take your last clean cloth and dry the glass so that there are no streaks.
That’s it!
