If you own an older home that has a brick fireplace, you may need to learn how to clean a brick fireplace. There are always going to be cleaning products available for sale and all you will have to do is go into the store and pick up your cleaning item of choice. This is not something that you should ever overlook!

Remove all debris

• Clean the entire fireplace with a non-abrasive cleaner or mild soap and water. For example, use a solution of one part rubbing alcohol and two parts water.
• Remove any loose mortar from between the bricks using a wire brush. The mortar should be allowed to dry before proceeding to the next step.
• Use a damp towel to wipe down any remaining dirt or dust on the bricks. Be sure not to let any moisture remain on your bricks as this could cause them to crack.
• Apply a thin layer of masonry sealer over your brick fireplace. Use an application tool like a paint roller or paint brush to ensure even coverage across all surfaces of your fireplace. Repeat this step until you have covered every inch of your fireplace with sealant

Sweep the chimney

This doesn’t have to be a professional cleaning, just a basic sweep to remove any loose debris that may have accumulated.Clean the glass doors. Use a dry towel or rag to wipe down the glass doors of your fireplace. If there is any soot or ash on them, you can use window cleaner or vinegar and water to remove it.

Clean the brick or stone. You may want to hire someone with experience in masonry work to clean your brick or stone fireplace, but if you’re up for trying it yourself, use a stiff brush and mild soap as needed. Make sure any soap residue is rinsed off completely before proceeding to step 4 below.

Wipe down the hearth and mantel. The hearth is the area directly in front of your fireplace, while the mantel typically refers only to the shelf above your fireplace opening. Wipe down these areas with a damp cloth or sponge that has been dipped into warm water mixed with mild soap as needed.

Water and commercial brick cleaner

The best way to clean a brick fireplace is to use a commercial brick cleaner or a mixture of vinegar, water and dish soap. You can also use mildew remover if you have it on hand.

• Fill a bucket with water and 1/4 cup of dish soap, or use a commercial brick cleaner.
• Dip a soft cloth in the solution and wring it out so that it’s not dripping wet.
• Wipe the fireplace down from top to bottom, paying special attention to any areas that are dirty or stained.
• Rinse the cloth in plain water and wipe down any areas that you missed during the first pass.
• Remove any excess moisture by blotting with paper towels.

Dip and scrub the brick starting

When it comes to cleaning brick, you can’t use any old cleaner. The harsh chemicals in most household products will damage your brick and shorten its life. Instead, it’s best to choose a safe cleaning solution that will gently remove dirt and grime without damaging the surface of your brick.

The best way to clean your brick fireplace is with a solution of water and mild soap. The combination of water and soap works as a lubricant that helps loosen the dirt on the surface of your brick while protecting its surface from scratches or other damage.

If you’re planning on using an electric sander or scrubber, make sure you cover your face, hands and arms with goggles, gloves and long sleeves so that you don’t get any skin exposed to the chemicals in the cleaner or sandpaper grit. You should also wear protective footwear like boots or shoes that cover your feet completely when working around water sources like puddles or wet floors.

Rinse all soap residue

If your brick fireplace is a focal point of your home, it’s important to keep it clean and looking its best. This will ensure that you get many years of use from it.There are several ways to clean a brick fireplace. You may need to use more than one method, depending on the level of soot and dirt on your fireplace.

The first thing you’ll want to do is rinse all soap residue from your brick. Use a soft-bristled brush with warm water and then wipe down the surface with a damp cloth. If there are any stains left after rinsing, try using bleach or another cleaning agent for stains.

Next, scrub away any stubborn grime using a stiff-bristled brush and hot soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely before proceeding further with your cleaning efforts

Protect fireplace from future stains

Cleaning a brick fireplace is similar to cleaning any other type of fireplace. But you’ll need to take extra care when cleaning brick because it’s more likely to get stained and require more frequent maintenance.

Protect your fireplace from future stains by applying a sealant, like polyurethane, wax or polycyclic but make sure you select one that’s safe for use on fireplaces. These products protect the bricks from water damage and make them easier to clean. You can also use a mild detergent and water mixture to clean your brick fireplace.

If you have hard water stains in your fireplace, use an acidic solution such as vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit overnight before scrubbing with an old toothbrush or soft cloth.

Conclusion

Sometimes the fireplace can be an eyesore. And so, to keep it looking great, you might consider re-painting or cleaning it every once in a while. The process of cleaning a fireplace is relatively simple and not too difficult. If you don’t have time to do this yourself, it’s best to call for professional help, but the following article will guide you through the steps if you decide to tackle this project on your own.