Not sure how to keep your fireplace looking and working well?
Here’s a step by step guide to cleaning it.
HOW TO CLEAN A FIREPLACE THE RIGHT WAY
Regardless of how clean the room is, a dirty fireplace can make it look unkempt. Cleaning the fireplace might be a dirty job, but the result is worth it, and it’ll keep it in good working order.
Cleaning the fireplace regularly will make it easier to clean. Here’s what you’ll need when cleaning your fireplace.
- Broom and dustpan
- Paper towels
- Dropcloth or tarp
- Coffee grounds (optional)
- Scrub brush
- Vacuum with the brush attachment
- Gloves
- Cleaning solution
- Goggles
STEP 1: DON PROTECTIVE GEAR
You’ll be surprised at how far soot and dust from your fireplace can travel, so be sure you wear gloves and protective eyewear while you clean.
Also, cover the hearth with a drop cloth or plastic tarp to protect as much area in front of the fireplace as possible.
STEP 2: REMOVE LOGS AND ASHES
Remove any unburned logs and use a dustpan to scoop out the ashes. To keep dust from spreading too far, cover the ashes with coffee grounds first and then scoop it all into a bucket to dispose of later.
STEP 3: SWEEP AND VACUUM
Sweep out the inside of the fireplace and then use your vacuum with a soft brush attachment to get all the ashes and debris from every nook and cranny.
STEP 4: MIX THE CLEANING SOLUTION
Ideally, you’ll want to use a green cleaning solution on your fireplace as they are gentler on the brick and better for the environment. You can try a solution of warm water and trisodium phosphate, baking soda and detergent, cream of tartar, or plain water and vinegar.
STEP 5: SCRUB THE FIREPLACE
Starting at the top of the fireplace and working your way down, dip the scrub brush in the cleaning solution and begin scrubbing the brick. Use small, circular motions to loosen soot and ash. You may need to repeat this step a time or two to get the interior of your fireplace clean.
The best way to keep your fireplace looking good and working properly is to clean it regularly. Wait a day or two after burning a fire before attempting to remove the ash and sweep it out. Plan a thorough cleaning as outlined above regularly throughout the year to keep your fireplace in good working order.