Cold weather is on its way and you’re beginning to crave cozy nights curled up next to the fireplace. However, you notice that your brick fireplace is covered with ugly black soot and you’re starting to wonder ‘do you need to clean a fireplace?’ The answer is yes, you do need to clean your brick fireplace. Due to the unique composition of bricks, cleaning them is not as simple as wiping them with a wet rag. Fortunately, our experts have a few suggestions on how to clean a brick fireplace so you can enjoy warm fires all season long.
How to Clean a Brick Fireplace
Before you begin cleaning your actual brick, you want to start by cleaning the rest of your fireplace as preparation. Once you are sure your fireplace is cold, remove the grate and residual ashes. Make the job as easy as possible by using a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove any leftover ashes from the bricks.
The Cleaning Process
After your fireplace has been prepped, it’s time for the waterworks! You will want to thoroughly wet the bricks in your fireplace, which will make the cleaning process both easier and quicker. We urge you to cover the surrounding area with a drop cloth to properly protect your home from any damage that may occur throughout the process. Wetting your brick fireplace can be done with your typical spray bottle or a masonry sponge.
Once your bricks are wet, it’s time to acquire a brick cleaning product. In terms of cleaning solutions, you can either purchase a brick cleaning product or you can make one at home. If you choose the DIY route, you can create your own cleaning solution with dishwasher detergent diluted with water. After you’ve purchased your cleaning product or created your own, it’s finally time to begin cleaning!
Throw your cleaner in the spray bottle you used to wet your bricks or add it to a bucket. Next, fully saturate your bricks with the cleaner with a sponge or the spray bottle. For the best and most efficient cleaning, always work from the top down. Use a scrub brush made with plastic bristles and begin cleaning the bricks in a circular motion. It may take a few rounds to fully remove the stains from your bricks. After you sufficiently clean an area, rinse with water and repeat the process in a new area that hasn’t been scrubbed.
Next Steps
We hope you are no longer stuck thinking ‘do you need to clean a fireplace?’ Cleaning your brick can extend the life of your fireplace and help you enjoy fires all season long. If you are not satisfied with your work or need to replace a broken or missing brick, then turn to Norristown Brick, your local brick supplier. Over the years, we have become a leading supplier of bricks and other materials for commercial and residential markets in the area. Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive selection of masonry, landscaping, and hardscaping materials!