Indoor brick fireplace....how to clean outside surround?

Dry brush surface and vacuum debris.Get a pail of warm water purchase some TSP. tri sodium phosphate /hardware store, add it to water wash brick etc with solution ,brush, do not use a wire brush , rinse ,repeat ,you may have to do some areas several times.Make sure you rinse well.I would not suggest cleaning inside of fireplace with this,just get a mess.For solution that drips down I put a bunch of workshop towels down.Works well ,you will be pleased.Let solution sit on brick and masonry for about 15 minutes each time you repeat.

I have a stone fireplace with a large brick lay down surrounding it. I use a handheld vacuum or the hose on my big vacuum to get all the dust followed by a wet towel. i would love to hear more suggestions also

Vacuum and use white vinegar and water.

If it is deeply soiled, you will need some elbow grease with wire brush along with anything from soap and water, chemical cleaning solutions, to muratic acid.

I would use a stiff bristle or wire brush to loosen debris, the a spray bottle with some dawn and maybe vinegar solution and a scrub brush. Then maybe sponge over it with a bucket of clean water and shop vac any excess water.

Stroudjulie - I assume you are try to remove soot on the bricks? You can use TSP and water to remove the soot build up. Some suggest vinegar and soap. Follow the suggest that best fits your needs. Remember with out photos we are giving suggest from our visions in our mind.

My go to is to mix dawn, vinegar and baking soda in spray bottle. Brush off bricks first then spray with solution and wipe down