Learning how to clean a stone fireplace takes a little bit of practice, patience and persistence. Not all stains are created equal, and some require more effort than others to remove.
A wood-burning fire leaves behind ashes and soot, which are potentially dangerous if not cleaned properly. Proper maintenance involves more than sweeping up ashes and tossing them into the garbage the morning after using your fireplace.
If your fireplace features natural stone veneers from Erth Coverings, remember that this product requires little maintenance. Often, a light dusting or washing with a damp cloth is all you need to do to keep these products looking like new.
However, when you have a tough stain, refer to these steps as a guideline for how to clean a stone fireplace. Soon, your favourite place to relax after a stressful day will look like new again.
Gather your cleaning tools and supplies near your fireplace and set up your space before you begin. Protect your knees by using a piece of foam, old pillow or folded towel for support. You’ll be kneeling while completing this job and comfort is critical.
Your fireplace area will be dusty and breathing in or ingesting particles may be hazardous to your health. Using a mask over your mouth will help keep your airway clear and wearing goggles puts a barrier between irritants your eyes.
Avoid a potential fire in your home by thoroughly inspecting all waste materials and ensuring that there are no live embers before tidying your fireplace. Begin your cleaning process after all remnants have cooled or are extinguished.
Safety is important and taking a few moments to review your area saves lives and protects your home from damage. York Region’s Emergency Preparedness Guide recommends inspecting your fireplace and chimney regularly and monitoring creosote and soot build up. They also highlight that hot ashes should be handled carefully.
After disposing of any ashes that can be swept up with a broom and dustpan comes vacuuming your fireplace for a deeper clean. Use all of your favourite attachments and get into every nook and cranny.
When you’ve finished using your vacuum, make sure there are no traces of ashes or soot left on your device. If you don’t clean your machine, you risk spreading fireplace dirt to other areas of your home.
It’s a good idea to have a dedicated broom and dustpan for your fireplace. Having cleaning tools that are devoted to this heating structure will prevent the spread of ashes and cross-contamination. Sweep up after every fire to vacuum less often.
If your fireplace has a mantle, start there and work your way down during your cleaning process. When you arrive at stubborn stains located inside the firebox, on the surround or stuck to the hearth, try one of these homemade remedies to get rid of dirt.
Cream of Tartar: Usually found in the spices aisle of a supermarket or your kitchen pantry, cream of tartar can be used for more than cooking and baking. Mix this powder with small amounts of water until you have a paste and apply it to stains on your fireplace. If you’re worried about how this mixture will react with your structure, experiment with a small area before treating a large space. Let sit up to 10 minutes and rinse with warm water.
Baking Soda and Dish Soap: Make a paste combining roughly 3 tablespoons of dish soap with half a cup of baking soda. Depending on how large an area you need to clean, you may need to make more as you go. Your goal is to create a mixture that is easily spreadable with a brush. Scrub in circular motions to prevent streaking and rinse with warm water once complete.
Once you’re satisfied with your stain removal, let your fireplace dry completely before putting accessories like your grate and safety screen back into place. If you notice any streaking or dirt that you missed, you can quickly clean it without having to set up your supplies again or clear the area.
Return your accessories to their rightful place and stand back to admire your hard work. Cleaning a fireplace takes effort, but its final results make a big difference. Having a spotless living room with a dirty fireplace doesn’t make sense and feels unfinished. We hope that your cleaning is complete with these tips to make your fireplace immaculate.
To find the right materials and the colours that meet your preferences and suit your needs, look no further than Erth coverings veneers. Browse our Fireplace Stones
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