A stone fireplace can completely transform a room, from the smooth finish to the sleek design of the stones. However, this can be completely ruined if there is a surface build-up of soot and grime. Not only is it not very aesthetically pleasing to the eye, but it can actually cause harm to your health if not cleaned up quickly.
Luckily, cleaning a stone fireplace isn’t hard, especially when you have the right tools and products. Here at Brick-Anew, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you get your stone fireplace looking sparkling clean so that you can be proud of it again.
What specialist cleaner should you use?
Many cleaning solutions are advertised on the internet, telling you that they are the best at cleaning stone fireplaces. However, they can’t all be the best. While some people may have a preference for one over the other, we have the ultimate specialist cleaner that will help you keep your fireplace in tip-top shape.
The Brick Anew Brick and Stone Fireplace Cleaner is a professional solution designed to penetrate and remove any form of soot, dirt, and grime on the surface of your stone fireplace. It has been made with natural, non-harmful ingredients, which makes cleaning stone easier than ever before.
Step-by-step guide for cleaning your stone fireplace
Using Brick Anew’s specialist cleaner, you can remove any soot and grime from your fireplace in just a few simple steps:
1. Prepare your fireplace for cleaning
Before you start using the Brick Anew cleaner and deep scrub your stone fireplace, you need to get the whole area ready. To start, you’ll need to sweep up any loose dust and soot from the floor surrounding your fireplace, as well as the inside of your fireplace.
Once all the excess dirt has been removed, you’ll then need to cover the hearth with a tarp or another form of protective material. This will protect your floors from any loose Brick Anew cleaner, soot that is falling off, or warm water that you use later on. It is a good idea to seal it down with duct tape, so it doesn’t move.
2. Put on protective equipment
While the Brick Anew cleaner doesn’t have any harmful chemicals, you still don’t want to get it in your eyes or any cuts. That’s why you’ll want to put on some gloves and goggles before you start the deep cleaning of your stone fireplace. Make sure that it all fits and that there aren’t any holes in the protective equipment.
3. Start spraying the Brick Anew cleaner
The first thing you want to do when you start the deep cleaning process is to spray the Brick Anew cleaner all over your stone. Unlike other solutions, this product already comes in a spray bottle, so you don’t need to transfer it. Be sure that you have sprayed the solution evenly on all the stones and that there aren’t any spots that you’ve missed.
4. Wipe the solution on the stones
Very quickly after you’ve sprayed the Brick Anew cleaner on the stones of your fireplace, you’ll want to use your hands to massage it all over. This will ensure every inch of your stones is covered in the solution and prepared for the next step. Make sure you’ve kept your gloves on for this step.
5. Start scrubbing
This is the most important and sometimes the most fun part. You will need a scrubber brush and start massaging the Brick Anew cleaning solution even deeper into the stone. Move the solution around with the brush using a circular motion to ensure you get every bit of dirt and grime off the surface.
6. Rinse with a sponge
Grab a bucket of warm water and a sponge for the last step when cleaning your stone fireplace. Dip your sponge in the warm water and wipe off the excess Brick Anew cleaning solution from the stone on your fireplace. Once done, your area should look almost brand new.
How often should you clean your stone fireplace?
How often you clean your stone fireplace will depend on how often you use it. For example, if you only light a fire in it twice a year, there won’t be as much build-up of dirt and grime as someone who uses it every night. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on how your fireplace looks and make a logical decision about whether it needs to be cleaned.
However, if you are someone who uses your fireplace regularly, then you should probably clean it at least once a month. If there is around ¼ inches worth of soot on the stone, then it is time for it to have a scrub down.
Can soot on my stone fireplace be harmful?
Many don’t realize, but soot is actually a very harmful substance, and it’s why it should be removed from your stone fireplace on a regular basis. While it isn’t great to look at, it also has the potential to become dangerous to your health. This is because soot is a carcinogen, and this is a substance that increases your risk of developing cancer and other diseases that affect your nervous system.
You probably can’t avoid soot gathering in your fireplace, but you can prevent it from gathering enough that it will harm your health. That is why it is important to stay on top of cleaning to ensure everyone in the house is safe.
What else should you consider?
Fireplace door
A door is a fantastic addition to any stone fireplace, which isn’t just because they look good. They actually play a great role in ensuring that shooting flames and embers don’t make their way out of the fire pit. While it may not protect the inner stones of your fireplace, it protects those that sit outside.
If you don’t have a fireplace door already, you should definitely get one. Brick Anew has a wide range for you to browse and shop from. You can also have them custom-built to ensure they fit your fireplace. They come in different brands, shapes, and sizes and will protect your fireplace from soot for years.
Paint
If you have painted stone or have been thinking about painting the stone surrounding your fireplace, you may be happy to know it can also protect the area from dirt and soot. The paint acts as a barrier between the stone and grime, making it much easier to remove when you start cleaning.
However, you need to ensure the paint is of high quality and has been applied properly. If you’re unsure where to get paint or the right tools, you can browse Brick Anew’s selection of fireplace paint. There are even sets that provide you with everything you need to ensure the job is done right.
Final thoughts
Many people who use their stone fireplaces on a regular basis often forget that they need to clean them as well. Once it is installed, you just want to light fires for warmth and not deal with the upkeep. However, it is extremely important, and when you have the right tools and cleaning solution, it isn’t hard at all.
With regular cleaning, you will be able to have fires roaring in your fireplace for as long as possible.