Skip to Content

Fireplace Cleaning Tutorial

Sharing is caring!

Fireplace cleaning is easy with these simple tips and tricks. Regular cleaning keeps your fireplace looking and working at its best.

*Please note that cleaning your fireplace is an excellent idea before you paint.

If you enjoy before and afters, you might enjoy this furniture makeover.

You might want to get a chimney inspection; read more about it at the Chimney Safety Institute of America.

How to Clean a Fireplace

Cleaning a wood-burning fireplace can only be done when it has cooled completely.

before and after photos of a brick fireplace
Fireplace cleaning before and after

This post contains affiliate links. I will make a small commission if you purchase from one of these links. However, you can rest assured you will not pay more for any products.

Prepare for Cleaning

The first step to cleaning a wood-burning fireplace is to remove the andirons or wood grate (rack).

Use a bucket to place any pieces of wood in it. Then sweep out any ash and debris with a whisk, broom, and dustpan. Next, use a vacuum and vacuum the face of the fireplace, then vacuum the inside of the firebox.

cleaning the firebox of a fireplace with a vacuum cleaner
Cleaning the Fireplace Firebox

Fireplace Cleaning Supplies

Fireplace Cleaning Supplies sitting in the firebox
Cleaning Supplies

How to Clean a Fireplace Step by Step

Before you begin, read the cleaning solution’s directions.

We used a non-toxic cleaning gel which is perfect for indoor use.

The first step is to wipe down the dirty bricks with a sponge and water.

Next, apply the fireplace cleaning gel and scrub with the brush provided. This cleaner will remove soot, ash, creosote, and carbon deposits. However, you may need to repeat these steps for stubborn stains.

Appling the Fireplace Gel cleaner to the scrub brush
Cleaning Gel

You will want to use old towels and rags to sop up excess water.

cleaning the soot off the firebox walls with a scrub brush
Cleaning a wood-burning fireplace

Use the scrub brush provided with the cleaner. However, use a stiff bristle brush if you did not receive a scrub brush.

cleaning the firebox with a sponge
Cleaning

To rinse the fireplace, you will want to place a drop cloth or old towels in the firebox and spray clean water on the cleaned bricks.

Fireplace Door Cleaning

You can use the same product and techniques to clean your fireplace door, but substitute the scrub brush for a rag to prevent scratching the glass door.

Painting the Wood Grate

Note: this cleaning product can be used for gas fireplaces as well.

You can use a garden hose to rinse it off. Also, you can paint it with fire-proof paint.

Wood grate and spray paint can on a piece of card board in the yard
wood grate
spray painting the wood grate with high heat spray paint
Painting the wood grate

The brick was easy to clean, and if you do it regularly, your fireplace will look great for years.

Brick Fireplace after it has been cleaned
Cleaned brick

See you soon,

Kippi

Ps. You can find this post on Between Naps on the Porch.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

taylor

Saturday 17th of August 2024

Cleaning is one of those chores that’s always there, like an uninvited guest. You know, that feeling when you’ve just cleaned the kitchen and suddenly there’s a mysterious crumb trail from the fridge to the sofa? That’s why I threw in the towel and hired a domestic cleaning service. The best decision? eMop in London. They’re pros at dealing with those crumbs and much more. From deep cleans to regular upkeep, they’ve got a service for everything. And they’re available 24/7, which is great for night owls or last-minute panics. They’ve even got a cashback offer of up to £150—almost like the universe rewarding me for not wanting to deal with my own mess! The “Pay as You Go” model means I’m only paying for the time they’re actually cleaning, which is a big win. Plus, they’re eco-friendly, so my home is clean and green. If you’re ready to kick those crumbs to the curb, check them out at https://www.emop.co.uk/.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Sharing is Caring

Help spread the word. You're awesome for doing it!