Having a fireplace can be twofold. On one hand, it’s great to have to keep warm in the winter and be cozy, yet on the other hand they can be get real dirty and grungy from the soot. When it gets to the dirty part, it seems no fun to have anymore. When you take the time now to clean your fireplace, it’ll be ready for the cool weather that seems to begin earlier and earlier in the fall. Plus, this lessens the dust and soot in your home. Add this chore to your fall cleaning list after the summer ends.
How To Clean Your Fireplace
Supplies needed
- Goggles
- Rubber gloves
- Nylon bristle brush
- Vacuum cleaner and/or broom
- Trash can
- Spray bottle filled with water
- Drop cloth
- Cleaning rags
Getting started
Step 1: Place the plastic tarp down in front of the fireplace.
Step 2: With your rubber gloves on, remove the tinder, grate and logs from the fireplace. These should be taken outside and use the nylon brush to remove the soot. Burnable logs should be kept while charred logs should be tossed in the trash.
Step 3: When you go back to your fireplace, begin to remove the ashes and debris with the fireplace shovel. These should be discarded in a trashcan. A vacuum can be used to remove excess dust. Click here for a quick tutorial on how to remove the ashes and debris.
Step 4: Once all the ashes and debris has been removed, you can start to clean the bricks and the floor. Use your spray bottle of water and spray the brick. With your nylon brush, begin to scrub and use a cleaning rag to dry.
Step 5: If your fireplace has a glass door, you can use a hearth cleaner and apply it to the front and back of the door. The cleaner should be removed as quickly as possible before it dries. If you prefer not to use a hearth cleaner, you can view a tutorial here on how to use the fireplace ashes and water to clean the glass.
Step 6: The logs and grates can now be placed back into the fireplace. Carefully fold up the tarp and toss it into the trash and take the trash outside.
Now you have a nice, clean fireplace to enjoy.
Do you clean your fireplace or have a professional do take care of it?
Image: iStockPhoto
