There’s nothing cozier than gathering around a stone fireplace with friends, family and loved ones. Before lighting a match to the fireplace, give the stones around the fireplace a good cleaning. It will it extend the life of the hearth and bring out the charm of the stone. In order to clean it, herewith some of tools and utensils need to be prepared.
- Rubber gloves
- Eye protection
- Hand broom and dustpan or vacuum
- Bucket
- Sponge
- Stiff bristled brush
- Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) heavy duty cleaner
- Bleach
- Warm water
- Old blankets or towels
- Plastic tarp
- Duct tape
Cleaning Stone Fireplace
Before starting the work, be caution always by wearing gloves and eye protection. Herewith step by step to clean the stone fireplace
Step 1: Sweep or vacuum up as much dust as possible from outside the fireplace.
Step 2: Mix a solution of TSP (trisodium phosphate) in warm water in the bucket according to package directions. The dirtier the fireplace, the stronger the mixture for the solution needed. It is worth to note to add 2-3 ounces of bleach per gallon of solution.
Step 3: Lay the plastic over or around the hearth to protect the underlying floor. Seal around the edges with duct tape to prevent leaks.
Step 4: Pile blankets and/or towels around the area to catch runs, drips, and overflow as it is scrubbed. If the fireplace is heavily soiled, wet it down with the solution using a sponge to allow the detergent to begin working before starting to scrub.
Step 5: Attack with the scrub brush. Deep, hard scrubbing will be required on porous stone.If stains are persistent, make a paste of water and TSP and apply directly to the stone. Scrub liberally.
Step 6: Finish by sponging clean water over the stone, from top to bottom, as a rinse.
If the cleanliness of the stone deemed sufficient, allow it to air dry before removing the blankets, towels, and plastic.
Additional tips and advice for cleaning stone fireplace are many. Firstly, in term of preparation work before cleaning, is avoiding a bigger mess, scoop out all ash and fire debris before cleaning the face of the fireplace.
It is always a good idea to test any cleaning solution in an inconspicuous spot before beginning the project. Wait 24 hours or at least until the test spot dries, before taking on the rest of the project. In addition, it is true that Bleach may fade stone, so use it carefully and sparingly. If streaking occurs, more water is needed. The cleaner spots are those which were wetter where the water ran down from higher points on the stone.
Last but not least, never attempt to clean a stone or brick fireplace with a flammable liquid. It will be impossible to remove it, and the residue left so close to an open flame is a serious fire hazard. Plus, never ever attempt to clean a heated fireplace or one in use. It is better to work on a cold fireplace.
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