subject: Say So Long To Fireplace Grime This Summer [print this page] Its incredibly hot right now so theres no need for a fire in your fireplace. The off-season for fireplace use does present one issue: cleaning. Here are some ways to clean your indoor fireplace for clean and efficient operation.
Its important that your fireplace is free of residue buildup. Soot and other grime can be dangerous as well as unattractive. For light soils just use a good quality soot eraser. Made of vulcanized natural rubber, it's non-toxic and simple to use. With this thick pad you can scrub your fireplace walls and floor and the outer face.
Intense cleaning jobs mean you'll have to prepare a little differently. Youll need a hard nylon scrub brush, plastic goggles, rubber gloves, a plastic bucket and a plastic drop cloth. TSP, Tri-Sodium Phosphate, is what you'll need to clean. If you want a phosphate-free solution there are TSP substitutes. All the necessary tools should be at a hardware store. With these items you are prepared to remove soot. You can begin by scrubbing your andirons and grate, which you'll probably want to remove and take outside before scrubbing. Put out layers of newspaper on the fireplace floor so that they rest a couple inches up the fireplace wall and so they overlap your drop cloth. With thick garbage bags for disposal, cleaning the mess is much easier.
The process for deep cleaning uses all of the same supplies plus a mix as a cleaning agent. For the cleaning solution, combine 6 tbsp of TSP (or TSP substitute), 1 cup of chlorine bleach and 1 gallon of warm water in you plastic bucket. TSP and TSP substitute can cause severe burns to your skin and eyes, so handle it with care. Dipping into the bucket of solution as needed, start scrubbing at the top of the fireplace and work your way down. This process works for the interior walls and floor. When you're done cleaning, wipe the dried bricks with water using rags or old towels.
Cleaning your fireplace takes some effort, but it doesnt have to be back breaking work. To protect your fireplace bricks, and most importantly, yourself be sure to follow the proper care instructions. In no time youll have a beautiful fireplace that is ready to heat up when you are.
