How to Clean a Fireplace

A fireplace that has build-up of creosote and soot is dangerous and a major source of chimney fires. Cleaning a fireplace is not a fun job, but it will help keep your house safe. Follow these steps.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Newspaper
• Vacuum
• Bucket
• Water
• Bleach
• Tarp
• Scrub brush
• Rags
• Oven cleaner
• Glass cleaner

1. Remove large debris from the fireplace. Put all debris that will not fit in a vacuum cleaner in a trash can.

2. Vacuum soot and ashes out of the fireplace. Use a shop vacuum for the best results. A home vacuum will work, but this is tough work and will clog filters.

3. Lay a tarp on any carpeting near the fireplace. Put newspaper on top of the tarp at the hearth and inside the fireplace.

4. Make a solution of one gallon warm water and one cup bleach. Use a scrub brush and the water to scrub soot and creosote off the interior of the fireplace.

5. Throw the newspapers in the trash. Wipe up any remaining water with old rags.

6. Clean the floor of the fireplace. Use the same solution of water. Mop up the water with paper towels afterward and throw them away.

7. Clean fireplace grates outside. Lay down several layers of newspaper and lay the grate on top. Use oven cleaner or bleach water to clean the grate.

8. Use glass cleaner and newspapers to clean glass fireplace doors. Polish any exterior metal.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep a garbage can close by.
• Wear rubber gloves.
• Wear "work" clothes or grubbies.
• Make sure there are no hot coals or ashes before beginning.
• Don't forget to check the chimney for creosote build up. Creosote is the leading cause of chimney fires.

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on 11/1/2009 Chimney cleaning can be a tricky business if you've not done it before. We generally handle these tasks in the fall, well before holiday decorations are put up. This is a very informative article, but for those who question their own abilities, or simply don't want to deal with the mess, call a Pro.