How can I clean black spots on fireplace bricks?
When we moved into our house it has a working fireplace but someone had let a fire get out of hand and has burned black spots on the outside of the firebox area. It doesn't come off on my hand when I touch it. I have tried household cleaners, I have tried steel brushes but I have not done much more than lighten it a little. Any suggestions for how to clean the wood-burning fireplace of its black spots?
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Need tips on how to clean a wood-burning fireplace, particularly the brick surround. Thanks!
Here's another idea for you: https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-clean-a-brick-fireplace-with-all-natural-cleaners-apartment-therapy-tutorials-216668
This one recommends a few different natural cleaners from items you probably have in the house already.
Vinegar and Water. Vinegar is a slightly acidic mixture that is commonly used for cleaning bricks, stones and grouts. Use a spray bottle or sponge to apply a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water to the fireplace.
Several cleaning formulas listed here:
https://tips.simplygoodstuff.com/cleaning-fireplace-soot-from-brick-or-stone/
TSP or Krud Kutter. Soot is oily and you need a degreaser, sponge, and wire brush
Mix ordinary dish soap with warm water. Use a coarse scrub brush to apply the soapy water to the soot stain. Scrub in a circular counter-clockwise motion. Rinse the surface with a wet rag. Repeat if needed.
Purple Power from Walmart will clean the bricks or go to the auto store and get engine degreaser.
Have you tried TSP or an alternative like Krudkutter? Wear protective equipment including goggles and gloves. Use a scrub brush after the chemical sits on the brick for a few minutes. Rinse and repeat. Hopefully it isn't into the brick, but superficial.
Mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Use a stiff-bristle brush to clean the brick. You may have to repeat this a few times to get it clean.
This might help. https://www.wikihow.life/Clean-Fireplace-Bricks
https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-clean-a-brick-fireplace-with-all-natural-cleaners-apartment-therapy-tutorials-216668