How to Clean Fireplace Bricks: 11 Steps

Table of contents:

How to Clean Fireplace Bricks: 11 Steps
How to Clean Fireplace Bricks: 11 Steps
Anonim

Once lit, a fire inevitably generates smoke and soot. In a fireplace, the fire is well contained by three brick or stone walls, a spark arrester at the front and ventilation provided by the chimney. However, the fire in a fireplace produces the same amount of smoke and soot as any other fire, and for this reason the fireplace must be cleaned from time to time. Follow the next steps to clean up your fireplace bricks.

Steps

Clean Fireplace Bricks Step 1
Clean Fireplace Bricks Step 1

Step 1. Fill a bucket with hot water and get a stiff brush

Clean Fireplace Bricks Step 2
Clean Fireplace Bricks Step 2

Step 2. Wet the bricks with hot water and use the brush to remove dirt

Clean Fireplace Bricks Step 3
Clean Fireplace Bricks Step 3

Step 3. See if the bricks are still stained

Clean Fireplace Bricks Step 4
Clean Fireplace Bricks Step 4

Step 4. Press against the stains of the children's modeling clay, then gently peel it off, being careful not to strip away the outermost layer of the brick

Clean Fireplace Bricks Step 5
Clean Fireplace Bricks Step 5

Step 5. Mix the water and baking soda until you have a paste that you can use to scrub the bricks that are stained

Clean Fireplace Bricks Step 6
Clean Fireplace Bricks Step 6

Step 6. Rinse with warm water to see if any stains are left

Clean Fireplace Bricks Step 7
Clean Fireplace Bricks Step 7

Step 7. If there are any stains left, scrub the bricks with sodium phosphate

Wear rubber gloves during the process, as this substance can burn the skin.

Clean Fireplace Bricks Step 8
Clean Fireplace Bricks Step 8

Step 8. Rinse with warm water to see if any stains are left

Clean Fireplace Bricks Step 9
Clean Fireplace Bricks Step 9

Step 9. If there are any stains left, use a commercial product for cleaning the chimney, diluting it in water according to the instructions for use

Clean Fireplace Bricks Step 10
Clean Fireplace Bricks Step 10

Step 10. Rub the bricks with the resulting solution to remove stubborn stains

Clean Fireplace Bricks Step 11
Clean Fireplace Bricks Step 11

Step 11. Rinse one last time with hot water

Advice

  • Vinegar (as long as it has a concentration of acetic acid of at least 6%) is equally useful for removing stains, it should be applied directly on the bricks by rubbing.
  • After using all of these methods, consider whether the bricks are clean enough for your taste. Sometimes, removing stains completely is impossible; you could then consider the idea of repainting the stained bricks. On the market there are special kits to carry out this type of operation, and the final result actually remembers the color of the authentic brick.
  • The use of diluted muriatic acid allows you to clean the bricks without the need to scrub, but it is a dangerous substance that should only be handled by true professionals.
  • You can also use an alkaline cleaner to remove stains.
  • For stubborn stains, you can use a trichlorethylene based paste.

Recommended:

How to Clean a Gas Fireplace: 11 Steps

How to Clean a Gas Fireplace: 11 Steps

Gas fireplaces can represent a pleasant complement to the home environment both as a source of heat and as a focal point to anchor the entire room. Obviously, over time they accumulate dirt, especially with continued use. Setting aside a few minutes a month to clean both the inside and outside of your gas fireplace will help prevent problematic build-ups.

How to Make Bricks in Minecraft (with Pictures)

How to Make Bricks in Minecraft (with Pictures)

Bricks are decorative Minecraft building blocks. They can make houses, towers, and other structures more interesting, or you can work them to make a solid staircase. They are also very useful for creating excellent non-flammable fireplaces. This article describes how to get bricks in Minecraft.

How to Make Concrete Bricks: 8 Steps (with Pictures)

How to Make Concrete Bricks: 8 Steps (with Pictures)

Bricks have always been used to build walls, but they can also become decorative elements. Historically, bricks are made from clay and baked in an oven. But that's not the only way to make bricks: another technique, popular with DIY enthusiasts, involves the use of concrete.

How to Dye Bricks (with Pictures)

How to Dye Bricks (with Pictures)

People dye bricks for several reasons: to make a repair blend aesthetically with the rest of the wall, to match the surrounding decor, or just to make a nice color change. Unlike ordinary paint, the dye penetrates into the brick and binds, altering its tone irreversibly, while allowing the material to breathe.

How to lay concrete bricks (with pictures)

How to lay concrete bricks (with pictures)

Although some people think laying concrete bricks is a simple job, it can actually become a huge task for beginners; it takes time and some good quality tools. If this is your first time trying to do this, plan with a friend. It is essential to choose both the materials and the right location for the project.