How to Clean Stone Mantels

Stone mantels are durable and low maintenance but do require occasional cleaning.

Stone mantels, also known as cast stone mantels, are a durable and budget friendly alternative to limestone mantels. They come in a variety of styles and can fit masonry or metal fireboxes that are either gas or wood burning. Though noted for being generally maintenance free, they do require occasional cleaning. With a few proper cleaning materials and techniques, you can clean your stone mantel and preserve its look and quality.

Things You'll Need

• Brush or vacuum
• Gloves
• Respirator mask
• Phosphoric acid-based masonry cleaner
• Long-handled masonry brush
• Acid resistant cleaning coveralls
• Protective eyewear
• Rubber boots
• Bucket
• Muriatic acid
• Long wooden spoon
• Ammonia

Instructions

General Cleaning

1. Remove any objects that are stored on the mantel or line the mantel for decoration before you begin cleaning.

2. Remove dirt, dust and other debris from your stone mantel with a hand brush, clean cloth or vacuum cleaner with a hand extension.

3. Put on heavy-duty cleaning gloves and a respirator mask.

4. Apply a phosphoric acid-based masonry cleaner to the stone mantel and scrub thoroughly. Follow the dilution instructions carefully on the back of whichever phosphoric cleaner you chose.

5. Rinse the mantel with a long-handled masonry scrub brush and clean, warm water. For extremely difficult stains or crystalline deposits, proceed to Section 2.

For Difficult Stains or Crystalline Deposits

1. Open several windows to increase ventilation. Put on acid resistant clothes, a respirator mask, protective eyewear and rubber boots. You can find protective coveralls and an approved respirator mask at many hardware stores and tool rental companies. Try to leave as little skin exposed as possible.

2. Go outside and fill a bucket with 1 gallon of water. Then very carefully add 1 cup of muriatic acid to the water. Do not splash the acid or agitate it roughly. Mix it gently with a long, wooden spoon, which you must then throw away after mixing.

3. Brush the acid mixture onto the mantel with a long masonry brush. Be very careful as you work to not get the mixture on your skin or clothes. Leave the mixture on the mantel for up to five minutes

4. Rinse it off the mantel with another long scrub brush dipped in water.

5. Neutralize any remaining acid by spraying on a mixture of 1 cup of household ammonia mixed with 1 gallon of water.

Tips & Warnings

• Even though it is readily available at hardware stores and cleaning supply stores, and is often used for cleaning stone and masonry, muriatic acid is extremely volatile and is quite dangerous to use. Therefore only use this method for extreme cleaning cases, and as a method of last resort for cleaning. For general cleaning, always stick to Section 1 of this article. If you do want to use muriatic acid for cleaning the mantel, remember to open as many windows or turn on fans to increase ventilation. Never splash the muriatic acid into the bucket and also mix the acid into water, not the other way around. Never mix muriatic acid with any other chemicals, which could cause a violent reaction, such as an explosion. Always wear protective clothing, eyewear and respirator mask while cleaning with muriatic acid. Have water and baking soda nearby in case you spill the acid, which can quickly flush and neutralize the acid.

References

• Old World Stoneworks: Cast Stone Fireplaces
• Masonry Magazine; Clean, Green and Sealed; Tom Inglesby; September 2008
• Danny Lipford; How to Clean Tile With Muriatic Acid; John Truini