Table of Contents
You want to gently wipe away any soot or dirt from your fireplace, not strip it of any character! To make your cleaning solution, simply mix 3 parts water to 1 part liquid dishwashing detergent and mix well. If you have a stubborn stain that just won’t budge, try a hydrochloric acid solution.
How do you clean a natural stone fireplace?
A homemade cleaning recipe for stone that works well is to mix 1/2 to 1 cup of trisodium phosphate (TSP) with one gallon of hot water. Dip a scrub brush in the mixture, then use it to clean the stones. It’s messy, but it usually does the trick. An easier solution is to use an enzyme cleaner.
What can I use to clean a stone fireplace?
In a small bucket, dilute a quarter-cup of dish soap in a quart of hot but not scalding water. (The emulsifying agents in soap are all you need to clean a fireplace that’s not heavily coated with soot). Stir with a wood stir stick until the soap has dissolved.
How do you clean soot off a stone fireplace?
1st Formula: Create a thick mixture using detergent or soap, pumice, hot water, and a small amount of ammonia. Apply the mixture to the stained surface and let it dry. Next, rub off the mixture with a web scrub brush to remove the sooty mess.
How do you clean a stone fireplace with baking soda?
To do this, create a paste of either baking soda or cream of tartar mixed with a small amount of water. Apply it to the remaining soot and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Then scrub with a firm toothbrush or small scrub brush and rinse.
How do you clean indoor stone?
Clean stone surfaces with a few drops of neutral cleaner, stone soap (specific products from Lithofin for example), or a dishwashing detergent and warm water. Use a clean soft cloth for best results. Too much cleaner or soap may leave a film and cause streaks.
How do you brighten a stone fireplace?
Allow the stone to completely dry. Apply two coats of a masonry sealer with a paint brush. Allow two to three days of curing before lighting a fire. These steps will brighten up the stone fireplace.
How can I make my stone fireplace shine?
One or two squirts of detergent per gallon of water is sufficient. Rinse the stone with a garden hose and let it dry. If the stone is indoors, such as a floor or countertop, clean it with non-residue cleaner made for stone surfaces and let it dry.
How do you clean granite stone fireplace?
Sweep hearth with a soft brush to remove any debris and dust. Put a few drops of a mild washing up liquid into a bucket of hot water. Wipe down hearth with a solution using a non-abrasive cloth or sponge. You can scrub hard so long as you aren’t using anything abrasive.
Does vinegar remove soot?
Regular white vinegar is one of the most versatile cleaners. Not only will it break down oily soot stains, but it can even remove set-in nicotine stains. Mix one part warm water to three parts vinegar, then wipe gently with a soft sponge or microfiber cloth to remove soot from walls, ceilings, or woodwork.
How do you clean a white stone fireplace?
Mix 1/2 cup of ammonia with every gallon of water in your bucket. Apply the solution to the surface of the stone with a mop, rag or sponge and wipe the surface clean. Focus on dirty areas to which the dirt sticks. Rinse the applicator as needed and apply fresh solution to the floor.
How do you restore a stone fireplace?
Step 1 – Remove Dirt and Stains. Place 3 cups of water in a spray bottle and 1 teaspoon bleach. Step 2 – To Repair Cracked Mortar. Place the tip of a cold chisel on the cracked mortar. Step 3 – Replace Damaged Stones. Place the tip of your chisel along the stone. Step 4 – Apply Sealant.
Will vinegar damage bricks?
Never use vinegar on any kind of paver, brick, flagstone or concrete; it WILL damage the surface.
What is the best way to clean bricks?
Mix equal parts vinegar and water and pour into a spray bottle. Spray on the bricks and let is sit for a few minutes. Use a sponge mop to clean the bricks. If the bricks are very dirty, use a nylon-bristled scrub brush and put some elbow grease into the scrubbing.
What is TSP cleaner?
What is Trisodium Phosphate? An inorganic chemical compound (Na₃PO₄), TSP is a white granular or crystalline substance that can be mixed with water to create an alkaline solution. Once diluted, TSP is a highly effective cleanser, degreaser, and stain remover.
What cleans natural stone?
Clean stone surfaces with a neutral cleaner, stone soap, or a mild liquid dishwashing detergent and warm water. Similar to any item cleaned in your home, an excessive concentration of cleaner or soap may leave a film and cause streaks.
Can you use baking soda to clean natural stone?
As a remover of coffee, tea, and wine stains, baking soda happens to be very effective, particularly on ceramic, laminate, and solid surface materials. As a general rule, you shouldn’t use baking soda to clean natural stone tiles or slabs.
Can you use OxiClean on natural stone?
Can you use OxiClean on natural stone? Even though OxiClean is non-acidic I can not recommend it for cleaning natural stone floors and this would include Travertine. The pH level is high enough to eventually break down the sealer and any other protectant you may have on the floor.
How can I make my rock fireplace look better?
Lighten Up with Mirrors and Painted Stone It instantly makes the space look bigger than it actually is. Combine that with a fresh coat of light gray or white paint on your stone fireplace for a little more breathing room in your home.
Can you use bleach on stone?
Only use cleaners that are suited for natural stone. Some stones such as marble, travertine, or limestone react adversely with vinegar because it is acidic.” “Vinegar and bleach are harsh,” adds Gregg Laviolette, owner of Stone Restoration Services in Troy, Michigan. “They will etch or burn the surface of your stone.”May 29, 2017.
How do I update my 1970s stone fireplace?
The Various Methods For Updating Your 1970s Stone Fireplace Adding concrete to your stone. Using paneling made from wood to create a more traditional look. use a stone veneer instead. Use tile to add some color. Paint the stone.