Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500135
06/24/03

Cleaning Brick Fireplaces


If the fireplace is to be used for family
entertainment such as popcorn popping, or marshmallow
toasting, etc., it would be wise to have brick or stone
fireplace front surface sealed so as to resist absorption
of grease or oils, and smoky soot.

Formulas For Cleaning Fireplace Surfaces:
(Wear rubber gloves to protect hands.)
1. Mix one ounce of soap and one ounce of table salt
with enough water to make a cream. Rub mixture into brick
surface with cloth; allow to dry at least ten minutes
and remove with stiff brush; or

2. Make a thick mixture of soap or detergent, pumice, a
little ammonia and hot water. Paint the mixture on the
surface and let dry. Rub off with a wet scrub brush.
You are using alkali and a mild abrasive to remove the
greasy soil; or

3. Shave a bar of naptha soap into a container and add 3
quarts of water. Bring mixture to a full boil until the
soap melts. Cool. Add 1 cup ammonia and one pound of
pumice. Mix thoroughly. Brush in onto all sooty surfaces
and let stand one hour or more. Rub off with a stiff-
bristle brush. Rinse "gook" away with warm water, then
finish off with a medium to strong detergent and rinse
again with warm water; or

4. Dissolve 8 tablespoons (1/2 cup) Trisodium Phosphate
or spic&span (TSP) in 1 gallon of hot water. With stiff
scrub brush, scrub brick surface. Rinse with plenty of
warm water. Repeat if soot or greasy stain is not
removed. More TSP may be added if necessary, up to 1 cup
per gallon. This is a very strong solution; avoid getting
on skin, carpet, or fabrics.

Note: Some weathered old brick (50 years or older) may
be soft and damaged by vigorous cleaning. Test a corner,
and if this is so, just dust or sweep it.

This article was written by Anne Field, Extension
Specialist, Emeritus with references from Mary Ellen
Delsipee and Isabel Jones, previous Extension Specialists.

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