I have and old fireplace red brick, blackened by soot, how to clean or

Question

How do you clean soot of regular red brick on an inside fireplace easily or can I paint over it without cleaning the soot off?

Lisa T · Answer

I was told that a mixture of hot water and vinegar would work. Spray on and let sit the use a brush to clean.

India Em Artist Author · Answer

Thanks Lisa, I had tried that, did nothing. This is probably 40yrs + of soot.... sigh.... If only people who lived here over the years cleaned it off every spring, it is Florida for peets sake, how much use to you need of it! ;)

Lillian S · Answer

muriatic acid

Originals by Rhonda · Answer

Lillian has it ...then you can paint it if you want

India Em Artist Author · Answer

Thank you Ladies! I will give the Muriatic acid a go!

Kendra · Answer

I have been looking for a solution to this for years! So ... what about the hearth? Pour the muriatic acid on, scrub, then what? How do I get it off of the brick?

India Em Artist Author · Answer

Kendra, I believe with a lot of elbow grease. I haven't tried the acid yet but there is a more earth friendly brand called, 'Klean Strip' (less fumy) and lower priced then others. http://www.homedepot.com/p/Klean-Strip-1-gal-Green-Safer-Muriatic-Acid-GKGM75006/202690263?cm_mmc=shopping-_-googleads-_-pla-_-202690263&skwcid&kwd=&ci_sku=202690263&ci_kw=&ci_gpa=pla&ci_src=17588969#.UmK6FxAiyKs I'm not if you dilute it or not but I'll just have to read the bottle. Maybe gloves and start out with a sponge, soak it up with product and then squeeze onto bricks and let it set a bit to start eating the soot. We might need a wire-brush. I broke my foot, got hit by a car walking so this kaboshes my brick project. If you start on it, please let us know in here how it is going and if you have any tips for me!!!

Lillian S · Answer

Muriatic acid is not good to breathe, Where I live in Texas, the rocks are limestone, so the acid would actually dissolve a thin film of rock, which would clean off a lot of soot.

India Em Artist Author · Answer

Thanks Lillian, yes it says fumy and I saw one for sale online called Klean Strip less fumy it said but still, fumy is fumy! If I use I'd definitely wear a mask but am also open to other suggestions for removing the soot.

India Em Artist Author · Answer

Thanks for the answers, but I'm still hoping for more ideas.

Kendra · Answer

Once you apply it & get the brick clean, do you rinse it off with water? If so, how do you that with carpeting on the floor around the fireplace?

Lillian S · Answer

yes, rinse/scrub with water, none of which can touch the carpet (may have to protect with plastic)

Lillian S · Answer

You should wear a respirator.

India Em Artist Author · Answer

Good idea Lillian! Definitely!

Lola · Answer

I cleaned mine with a small, hand held steamer, soot just rolled off, make sure you put something down, like plastic on the floor.  easy fix

I have and old fireplace red brick, blackened by soot, how to clean or

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I have and old fireplace red brick, blackened by soot, how to clean or

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