Over time, soot and ash can make your brick fireplace look dull and dirty. This is especially noticeable if you have a gas fireplace insert or another modern style. Fortunately, cleaning up your fireplace bricks isn’t too difficult with the right tools and some effort. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you restore the look of your fireplace.

What You’ll Need:

Tools:

• Vacuum with a stiff brush attachment
• Spray bottle
• Scrub brush

Materials:

• Your preferred cleaning agent (see options below)
• Waterproof drop cloth
• Towel

How to Clean a Brick Fireplace:

1. Remove Everything from the Fireplace
   Make sure the fireplace is cold before you remove any screens, grates, or other accessories.
2. Protect the Area
   Lay a waterproof drop cloth on the floor and hearth to protect surfaces from water and cleaning products.
3. Vacuum the Brick
   Use the vacuum with the stiff brush attachment to remove all dust, ash, and debris from the brick surface.
4. Pre-Soak the Bricks
   Since bricks are porous, they tend to absorb liquids. Spray the bricks with water before applying any cleaner to prevent them from soaking up too much of the cleaning product.
5. Mix Your Cleaning Solution
   Start with a mild cleaner like water and dish soap. For tougher grime, you can use stronger options like scrubbing bubbles or TSP (trisodium phosphate). Always follow safety instructions with harsh chemicals.
6. Apply the Cleaning Solution
   Coat the dirty bricks with your cleaning solution and let it sit for a few minutes to loosen the grime.
7. Scrub the Bricks
   Use a stiff scrub brush to scrub the bricks. The solution should have loosened the soot, but some scrubbing will help remove any remaining stains.
8. Repeat If Necessary
   If the bricks are still dirty, apply more cleaner and scrub again.
9. Use Stronger Chemicals (If Needed)
   If the soot still won’t budge, you can try a stronger cleaner like TSP. Just be sure to use it carefully, as it can be harsh on the brick.
10. Rinse and Dry
    Once the bricks are clean, rinse them gently with water and towel dry any excess.
11. Let the Bricks Air Dry
    Even after towel drying, the bricks may still be damp and discolored. Allow them to air dry completely. You can speed up the drying process by using a fan directed at the fireplace.
12. Spot-Clean Stubborn Stains
    Once dry, check for any remaining stains. Apply your cleaning solution directly to those areas and follow the same steps for spot treatment.

6 Cleaning Methods for Fireplace Brick:

Here are a few cleaning agents you can try:

1. Soap and Water: A simple and mild solution, perfect for light cleaning.
2. Vinegar and Water: The acidity of vinegar helps break down built-up grime.
3. Baking Soda and Dish Soap: Make a paste and apply it to tough stains.
4. Simple Green: A mild cleaner that’s effective for most fireplace soot.
5. Scrubbing Bubbles: Known for its powerful bubbling action, it can lift grime from bricks.
6. Trisodium Phosphate (TSP): A heavy-duty cleaner for stubborn soot, but use it sparingly.

Start with the gentler options and only use harsher chemicals if needed, as bricks can be delicate and absorb liquids like sponges.

When to Call a Professional:

If your efforts don’t yield results, it might be time to contact a professional. They have specialized knowledge and tools to get your fireplace looking like new without causing any damage.