How to Clean a Masonry Fireplace

A masonry fireplace is usually a large brick structure. The bricks are the same size and uniformly placed to create a sturdy fireplace. Typically, masonry or brick fireplaces provide the focal points in many living, family or master rooms. However, soot, smoke and dirt can collect on the outside of the fireplace quickly, leaving an unpleasant smell and appearance in the room. Cleaning the masonry fireplace at least once a month will prevent stains and remove the filth.

Things You'll Need

• Bucket
• Brick brush
• Spray brick cleaner

Instructions

1. Fill a bucket with steaming hot water.

2. Dip the brick brush into the bucket of water, and scrub the fireplace. Clean one section at a time, starting at the top and working down.

3. Scrub the masonry from left to right in rows with a back-and-forth movement to remove loose dust and dirt.

4. Spray the brick cleaner on the freshly scrubbed section. Wait roughly two minutes to allow the cleaner to break down the smoke, soot and dirt.

5. Scour this section with the brick brush, working left to right in rows with a back-and-forth movement.

6. Rinse off the brick cleaner if so directed in the manufacturer's instructions. Dip the brush into the bucket of water, and scrub in the same manner. When the water starts looking dirty and grayish, empty the bucket to refill with fresh hot water.

7. Repeat Steps 3 to 7 for the remaining sections of the masonry fireplace.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose a brick cleaner that is manufactured to remove smoke, soot and dirt and that is safe on glass, brass and other metals. Buy a brick brush, which is a rectangle scrubbing brush. Most of the brushes come without handles, but they can be purchased separately. Choose a mid-length handle for the brush.

• If the top of the fireplace is out of reach, stand on a ladder or step stool.

• Follow this process to clean the inside bottom of the masonry fireplace once the logs, ash and debris have been removed.