Asked on Oct 29, 2018

How fo I remove fireplace soot/smoke?

Debby
by Debby

Hello. I have a stone/brick fireplace (1950's angel stone??) that has soot and smoke stains. Can anyone tell me how to clean a wood-burning fireplace to remove the soot marks. Thanks. Will be greatly appreciated.

Cause of the soot damage has now been corrected.
  11 answers
  • Linda kelley Linda kelley on Oct 29, 2018

    Have you tried a equal mixture of vinegar and water and a scrub brush? Scrub in circular motions, and have a bucket of water close to rinse off.

  • Em Em on Oct 29, 2018

    Cream of Tartar + Water In a bowl, combine about 2 tablespoons of cream of tarter and a bit of water to make a thin paste. More thorough cleaning than vinegar and water.

  • Wayne Wayne on Oct 29, 2018

    get a can of oven cleaner and a wire brush.

    • Idaly7 Idaly7 on Oct 29, 2018

      EASY--Love that (as long as it doesn't damage the brick/stone) .

  • Connie Connie on Oct 30, 2018

    TSP Tri-sodium-phosphate substitute, (actually it's equivalent). Available at hardware and home stores in the cleaning or paint area. Comes as a powder, mix with water as directed. Scrub brush it on and rinse with a spray bottle. Excellent and inexpensive for removing smoke film from walls prior to painting too.

  • Leah Leah on Oct 30, 2018

    KrudKutter full strength. Sray on let it set for a bit. Wipe off. Repeat if necessary. The soot sticks because of oily content.

  • Joy30150932 Joy30150932 on Oct 30, 2018

    I go with the TSP. Follow instructions carefully.

  • Sandy Chance Sandy Chance on Oct 30, 2018

    Tru Scrubbing Bubbles in the spray can.

  • Amy Delmege Amy Delmege on Oct 30, 2018

    I live in an Adobe home with an Adobe fireplace. Same thing happenes With mine. I wipe it down with wet wash cloth and Magic Eraser.And A Volia! Good as new! Even worked when I first moved in and elderly couple said they never had been able to get those soot stains offšŸ˜³. ( we eventually painted and sproosed up the joint, )

  • Maryl630 Maryl630 on Oct 30, 2018

    I use Awesome from the Dollar Tree store. It works like a charm. Rinse the bricks off after using.

  • Nancy Nancy on Oct 30, 2018

    Build a very hot fire. Throw a cup of salt on the fire. That will burn the soot so it will just fall down on the fire.

  • Michelle Leslie Michelle Leslie on Mar 22, 2022

    Hi Debby, The first step to clean soot off any surface is to use a strong vacuum to remove loose particles. A vacuum with a HEPA filter is the best way to suck up soot and not redistribute it into the air. Then scrape with either a stiff wire brush or metal scraper and vacuum those particles. If that doesn't get it clean enough, mix 50/50 white cleaning vinegar & water in a spray bottle. Soak the brick. After 5 minutes, spray again. Then take a scrub brush and start scrubbing - best in a circular motion. Once scrubbing is done, rinse with a baking soda solution to neutralize the acid in the vinegar. If you don't want to use vinegar, you can go with 3 Tbsp dish soap + 1/2 c baking soda for a scrub paste. Apply, scrub, & rinse.