How to Remove Soot Stains From Brick

Wood burning fireplaces bring the smell and sounds of real wood burning into your home, unlike the increasingly common gas models. Along with wood burning fireplaces comes the aftermath of burning real wood. Soot rises from the fireplace to become attached to the brick surrounding it, creating unattractive gray and black stains on the surface of the brick. The lighter the color of brick surrounding the fireplace, the more distracting the soot stains. Many commercial cleaners are abrasive and can damage the brick or mortar. Try a simple home remedy instead.

Things You'll Need

• Powdered laundry detergent
• Gallon bucket
• Soft-bristle brush
• White vinegar

Instructions

1. Pour 1/2 cup powdered laundry detergent into a gallon bucket. Fill the remainder of the bucket with cool water, and mix the contents until the laundry detergent dissolves.

2. Wash the stained brick with the laundry detergent using a soft-bristle brush. Rinse the brick with cool water, and allow the brick to dry completely.

3. Dip a soft-bristle brush into white vinegar. Scrub the soot stains until they lift. You may have to repeat the process several times to remove all of the soot stains.

4. Rinse the brick with cool water. Make sure all the vinegar is removed from the brick.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear gloves when working with cleaning solutions.

References

• Brick Anew: Cleaning Brick Fireplaces