If you’ve got a brick fireplace in your home or business, you love it. It’s a beautiful tradition that gives your home or space the warm, cozy feeling many seek.
The thing is, those old brick fireplaces can get a bit messy if you don’t know how to care for them properly.
We’re here to help. Read on to find out how to care for your brick fireplace to keep it looking beautiful for years to come. Let’s talk about how to clean a brick fireplace.
Clear The Fireplace
To clean a brick fireplace, the first step is to clear the fireplace of ashes and dust. This is important to do to avoid potential mess and soot stains that may happen during the cleaning process.
It is also essential for safety reasons since ashes can contain hot embers which can ignite when disturbed. To clear the fireplace, use a vacuum cleaner first to remove any ashes and soot, then use an ash scoop to remove the remaining debris.
Saturate Bricks With Plain Water
It is important to clean a brick fireplace before it becomes too thick with soot, grime, and dirt. To effectively clean the bricks, saturate them with plain water and use a moderate to heavy pressure brush.
Prepare Your Cleaning Solution
A mixture of water and mild soap should do the trick. Always start with a small amount of soap and increase it as needed. Warm water will help loosen dirt, grease, and soot for easier removal.
Do a spot test in an inconspicuous spot to make sure that the soap won’t damage or discolor the brick. The soap and water should be applied using a bristle brush and worked in a circular motion to loosen the dirt and grease.
Scrub the Bricks
A simple scrubbing is usually enough to accomplish this. To begin, use a damp cloth to wipe down the front of the fireplace. Use a brush to scrub away any build-up of soot and dirt on the face of the bricks.
After the front is completely wiped clean, do the same for the sides and the back of the structure. Then, to get deep within the crevices, use a small wire brush to loosen any accumulated dirt and grime. Finally, use a shop vacuum with a crevice tool to vacuum away any remaining dirt.
Rinse With Plain Water
Rinsing with plain water after brushing is a basic yet important step in cleaning a brick fireplace. This is because the cleaning process will leave dirt, debris, and dust on the surface of the brick that could lead to buildup if not removed. The purpose of the rinse is to wash away any residue left behind on the surface of the brick and help maintain a clean fireplace.
The best way to do this is to use a garden hose to rinse off the fireplace. Start from the top of the fireplace and work your way down, making sure to move the hose in a circular motion to make sure all areas are washed down. Finally, let the surface air dry before firing the fireplace.
Learning How To Clean a Brick Fireplace is Important
Learning how to clean a brick fireplace is essential for anyone who owns a fireplace. Proper cleaning techniques and materials will ensure the longevity and peak performance of the fireplace. Contact your local fireplace professional for more information.
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