Stone fireplace- anyone know how to clean this?

Kathy
by Kathy

I would like your help to figure out how to clean our wood-burning fireplace of soot and smoke.

  16 answers
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Feb 02, 2016
    Since most of the sites I read explain to use harsh chemicals I have found this one which gives you a few other options. http://tips.simplygoodstuff.com/cleaning-fireplace-soot-from-brick-or-stone/
  • GrandmasHouseDIY GrandmasHouseDIY on Feb 02, 2016
    Once you get it clean you might want to consider putting a brick and stone sealer on the whole thing to give you a head start to cleaning it next time. I used one on a stone fire place many years ago and it actually made the stone look nicer too. Just a thought, very cool fire place!
  • Doris Barnett Doris Barnett on Feb 02, 2016
    Not on painted surfaces but,stone will stand up to spray on oven cleaner. When dry use a stiff brush and a dust pan to catch.
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    • Nancy L. McKenna Nancy L. McKenna on Feb 02, 2016
      @Kathy :-)
  • MN Mom MN Mom on Feb 02, 2016
    This doesn't address how to clean the soot but it might help you in the long run. First, if you notice soot stains around your fireplace or hearth stove, you may have found clues to the culprit. However, a byproduct of burning any fuel is carbon. If your fireplace or stove is a vented model, the problem is the venting system, not the appliance; the venting components, connector pipe, chimney liner or the chimney design itself are to blame. Either look for excessively dirty venting, a blockage such as a bird's nest, or improper maintenance of the appliance. A fireplace or stove that has not been properly maintained may produce more smoke, fumes and particulates than the venting system was designed to withstand. Have the appliance cleaned and serviced, have the chimney cleaned and inspected.
    • See 1 previous
    • Patty S Patty S on Feb 03, 2016
      @MN Mom I agree with Barbara, also I noticed that your ceiling has the same sot and smoke stains. A good chimney sweep and an inspection will put your mind at ease for future use.
  • Pat Pat on Feb 03, 2016
    Use spray foamy shaving lather. It's a mild but effective cleaner for many household surfaces.
    • Patty S Patty S on Feb 03, 2016
      @Pat I had to giggle to myself when I read your answer. My mom used to use shaving cream to clean everything. Even when my son spilled india ink on his new car seat. It came out with shaving cream. Thanks for giving me a smile and a wonderful memory of my mom today.
  • Kathy Kathy on Feb 03, 2016
    Thank you everyone for the suggestions. I plan to try it this weekend.
  • Anna Hines Anna Hines on Feb 03, 2016
    I have a white stone fireplace and I just scrub with bleach or bleach cleaner.
  • Kathy Kathy on Feb 03, 2016
    I used a mix of Simple Green and water on mine, and it did a great job :)
  • LaVerne Jutila LaVerne Jutila on Feb 03, 2016
    This is what we used and it worked amazingly rock face looks brand new and bright ! http://www.goofoffproducts.com/
  • Lalybelle Lalybelle on Feb 03, 2016
    I used the bathroom cleaner "scrubbing bubbles" and was very pleased with the result on my stacked Austin stone fireplace!!!
  • Mary cartter Mary cartter on Feb 03, 2016
    I cleaned the greasy smoky burnt adobe wall behind my stove with TSP.
  • Kayo Frazier Kayo Frazier on Feb 03, 2016
    Something else to consider...A trick I learned on Fixer Upper is to light a small fire & if it becomes smoky in the room...You might want to get a chimney sweep to look @ the flue & stack to see if it's clogged or worse.
  • Fran DeVries Fran DeVries on Feb 03, 2016
    My rock fireplace had a lot of soot on it. I tried Oven cleaner spray and it worked very well.
  • Trixi Trixi on Feb 04, 2016
    Try vinegar. It worked well on a marble surround
  • Joseph Farrugia Joseph Farrugia on Jan 15, 2022

    Best with steamer.