Asked on Oct 29, 2018
How fo I remove fireplace soot/smoke?
by
Debby
+9
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.
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.
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.
get a can of oven cleaner and a wire brush.
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.
KrudKutter full strength. Sray on let it set for a bit. Wipe off. Repeat if necessary. The soot sticks because of oily content.
I go with the TSP. Follow instructions carefully.
Tru Scrubbing Bubbles in the spray can.
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 offš³. ( we eventually painted and sproosed up the joint, )
I use Awesome from the Dollar Tree store. It works like a charm. Rinse the bricks off after using.
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.
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.