How to Clean a Stone Fireplace Surround

Reader submitted photo

Question: 
How can I clean the stone that surrounds my wood burning fireplace?

Answer: 
We have a brick fireplace surround in our home but we have never used the fireplace so I haven’t had to clean it yet.  However if I were going to clean it here is what I would do.

Step 1: Purchase a stiff-bristled brush like one of these, pictured below.  If you click on the pictures it will take you to the details about the brushes.  You can purchase them on Amazon.com or you can find very similar brushes at your local Lowes or Home Depot.

Step 2: Mix a solution of water and dish soap and pour it into a spray bottle.

Step 3: Spray the soapy mixture on the stone.

Step 4: Scrub with the brush as you spray working the soap into the stone.  If you have areas that have tough stains pour a small amount (approx. 1TBS) of hydrogen peroxide directly onto the area.  Let it set for a few minutes and then spray it with more soapy water and continue to scrub it with the brush.

Step 5: Once you have scrubbed the entire surface of your fireplace surround empty the soapy water and replace it with fresh, clean water.  spray the surround with the clean water and wipe it clean with a damp rag.  If you have a cloth baby diaper, that would be perfect for wiping up the water.  If you don’t have any cloth diapers make sure that you use something that doesn’t have loose threads that will snag on the stone.

Allow the stone to dry and it will look nice and clean again!

If your fireplace surround is impossibly dirty I did find this helpful tip online.  I would only use this as a last ditch effortthough:

“Mix a gallon of water with half a cup of trisodium phosphate and scrub your stone fireplace clean. This mixture is toxic though so you should make sure that you have a proper mask and gloves and that all your windows open for proper ventilations. Be certain that you have covered your other pieces of furniture or carpet.” Source