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| 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 ventilation. Be certain that you have covered your other pieces of furniture or carpet.” Source
I am a new reader to your blog. Love all your tips and ideas.I have a brick fireplace and clean it in the way you have described here. It works well, except I would mention that I have to place towels or plastic on the carpet surrounding the fireplace. Somehow I always manage to get everything around it wet/soapy also. 🙂
Your blog looks amazing – so fresh and clean! I'll have to grab your new button and post it now!!Becky B.www.organizingmadefun.comOrganizing Made Fun
I have a stone fireplace. Can the same be done for the stone as with the brick? Stain?
I have a stone fireplace and there is candle wax and baby oil that spilled on my stone how can i get these stains out?
Did you already remove the candle wax, it’s just the wax stain that’s left? For both oil/wax stains baking soda or corn starch should get the stains out. Sprinkle one or the other over the stain and work it into the brick with your fingers or a kitchen scrub brush. Apply a little more on top and then let it sit for 10 mins-ish. After 10 minutes vacuum up the baking soda/corn starch. The stain should be lighter, as the baking soda/corn starch will have absorbed some of the oils from the stain. Repeat if necessary.
I simply use Scrubbing Bubbles bathroom foam spray to remove soot stains from my brick & stone. Spray foam & leave until it turns to liquid, then wipe with rag. The first time it took several applications, but it cleaned it very well.
Great idea!