Soot is a sticky side effect of smoke and embers. If smoke comes out of the fireplace, soot may accumulate on the frame. Normal soap and water may not be enough to remove this sticky residue, especially from painted surfaces or broadly carved frames. Instead, a more powerful cleaner will be needed to get a good result.
Steps
Step 1. Put on rubber gloves to protect your hands and eye protection masks
Step 2. Mix together 50 grams of trisodium phosphate (TSP) and 7.5 liters of warm water
TSP is a cleaner sold in most hardware stores. It is a type of lye used to eliminate grease and soot by transforming them naturally into soap. TSP is often used to clean, degrease and remove mold from painted surfaces.
Step 3. Dip a stiff bristle brush into the TSP solution
Step 4. Apply the solution to the soot covering the frame and start scrubbing in circular motions
Step 5. Use a toothbrush to reach the most inaccessible points of the notches on the frame
Step 6. Dip the brush in the solution frequently to continue removing the soot
Step 7. Wet a sponge or rag with clean water
Step 8. Scrub and rinse the frame well to remove residual soot and TSP solution
Step 9. Continue scrubbing and rinsing until the soot is gone
Advice
- Be sure to wear gloves to protect yourself from this powerful cleaner.
- If you can't find trisodium phosphate, you could use a solution containing sodium carbonate and zeolites. This blend is often found labeled as an alternative to TSP or as a powerful degreaser for stubborn stains.
- Many commercial degreasing agents contain TSP or alternative substances to it. Check the label: if there are TSP or alternatives among the components, that cleaner can be used to remove the soot. Read the instructions to find out if it should be diluted in water or not.
Warnings
- TSP is corrosive and can irritate the skin and eyes. Always take the necessary precautions in diluting and applying it. Wear gloves, long-sleeved shirts and pants, and use caution to avoid any splashes. Keep the solution out of the reach of children.
- Never use pure TSP directly on the frame; on the contrary, always dilute it in water or use a prepackaged solution that contains 50% or less of TSP mixed with other detergents. Pure TSP could stain the wood or damage the frame. Diluted, however, it will eliminate soot without causing damage.
