How to Clean a Rock Fireplace
Natural rock fireplaces add an outdoorsy, casual look to a home. They're not hard to keep clean with an occasional washing with a household detergent and thorough rinsing. When the stones become dark or sooty, or if there are smoke streaks on the stones above the firebox, add an acid treatment to your regular cleaning regimen. The acid is not dangerous to work with as long as you exercise reasonable caution. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Trisodium phosphate (TSP) cleaner
- Long handled brush
- Drop cloths
- Spray bottle
- Phosphoric acid masonry cleaner
- Stiff brush
Instructions
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Put drop cloths on the floor around the fireplace. Move furniture and take down or cover art and other wall hangings. Open windows and set up fans to provide ventilation.
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Don protective gear. Put on rubber gloves, eye protection, a face mask and clothing that can be washed as soon as you're finished cleaning the fireplace.
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Add ½ cup trisodium phosphate (TSP) to a gallon of warm water. Use a long-handled brush like you'd use to wash your car to scrub the rocks. Rinse the rocks with warm water.
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Let the rocks dry thoroughly.
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Fill a plastic spray bottle with phosphoric acid masonry cleaner. Spray the cleaner on the rocks and the grout. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for how much to use and how long to let it sit.
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Use a stiff brush to scrub especially dirty areas.
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Rinse the rocks thoroughly. Carefully rinse out the spray bottle if you intend to use it for something else.
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Clean the inside of the fireplace. Remove the grate and sweep out the ashes then vacuum. Clean the bricks inside with the TSP solution and cleaning brush.
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Tips & Warnings
TSP and phosphoric acid masonry cleaner are available at hardware and home improvement stores. Have your chimney swept and checked for damage once a year.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Steve Rhode/flickr.com
