Sooty brick fireplace? Find out how to clean the bricks quickly and effectively

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An old-fashioned, brick fireplace has an undeniable charm, and there are models these days that also have modern elements tastefully integrated into them. Brick, however, is a very porous material and picks up and retains dirt easily, quickly becoming covered in soot and other combustible residue given off by a fire.

Given this, it's a good idea to periodically give a fireplace a good clean to keep it in top condition. But how can this cleaning be done properly? Well, keep reading to find out:

1. With dishwashing liquid

The first solution to try - and the least "aggressive" - is the one that uses dishwashing liquid:

• Dilute 60 ml of dishwashing liquid in a liter of water in a basin, and have a second, larger basin on the side with only hot, clear water in it;
• Dip a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge in the soapy water and rub over the internal walls and the frame of the fireplace;
• Rinse out the sponge/cloth in the basin with the clear, hot water when it gets dirty;
• Repeat this process, changing the clear water when it turns dark/black.

To make this method more effective, add a tablespoon or two of baking soda to the cleaning mixture.

2. With vinegar

If the above method does not remove all the dirt from your fireplace, you can try using alcohol vinegar. Being an acidic substance, this is a more aggressive product than soap, so it is best to use vinegar only on stubborn stains or marks (or when it has been a long time since you last cleaned the fireplace):

• Pour equal quantities of vinegar and water into a basin;
• If you want, you can also add a few drops of dishwashing liquid (note: you only need a very small quantity of this soap);
• Dip a cloth or sponge into this mixture and rub down the surfaces of the fireplace thoroughly, rinsing the cloth out regularly as you go.

Other, more aggressive remedies

You should ensure you always wear gloves when cleaning a fireplace, no matter what method you use. This precaution is particularly important for the following cleaning methods and you should also only use the products detailed below in a well-ventilated area:

• Ammonia: dilute 60 ml of ammonia in 1 liter of water (in a spray bottle), and spray this mixture on the fireplace bricks, scrubbing them thoroughly as you go. Rinse off with plenty of water when done;
• Borax: pour two tablespoons of borax into a bowl with a tablespoon of dish soap and a liter of water. The cleaning procedure is the same as that for using ammonia, described above.

Things to pay attention to

• Protect your hands with gloves whenever cleaning a fireplace;
• Air out the room during and after the cleaning;
• Do the cleaning only when the fireplace is completely cold;
• Light a fire again only when the fireplace is perfectly dry.

Ready to make your fireplace look (almost) as good as new?