Burnt bricks are difficult to clean, but it’s essential to care for your brick wall fireplace using safe cleaning methods. It’s expensive to replace a brick fireplace, and if you don’t clean your bricks properly, you can damage their integrity. When creosote and other chemicals build up on your fireplace, it can cause the bricks to deteriorate. Our experts at Batchelder & Collins are here to help you find the right brick cleaning product. If you need new bricks or supplies for home improvement, it’s time to see what we have to offer.
Is Cleaning Bricks Damaging?
With proper brick cleaning, the bricks on your fireplace should not get damaged. Using the wrong tools, such as a high-pressure washer or a wire brush, can damage the bricks if you are not careful. Use a sponge to clean the brick surface, and avoid using a hard brush to scrape away at it. Use a gentle cleaning solution to clean the dirty brick surfaces. Pay attention to areas with tough stains, and don’t scrub too hard. A garden hose and gentle soap solution should be all that is needed to clean a fireplace. Wear safety goggles to remove soot, and follow a step-by-step approach.
Does It Matter What Cleaner I Use?
A simple mixture of Dawn dish soap and water can be used to clean bricks covered in chemicals or creosote. A mixture of water, pumice, and laundry detergent is also an effective cleaner to use on fireplace bricks. Don’t use harsh chemicals to clean the bricks, as this can cause damage to the surface and accelerate their deterioration. It is possible to purchase a cleaner designed specifically for brick surfaces, but the right type of soap and water will be an effective way to clean the bricks.
What Do I Need to Clean My Brick Fireplace?
Cleaning a brick fireplace is a great way to prolong the life of the bricks and keep the fireplace looking great. To clean a brick fireplace, have the tarps you need to protect the surrounding surface from water and soap. Use sponges to clean off the brick, and maybe a broom to brush soap across the brick surface. With some tarps, sponges, soap, and water, you will have all the tools you need to clean your brick fireplace.
What’s the Appropriate Procedure to Clean Bricks?
Once you have the right soap, sponges, and floor protection to clean your bricks, it’s important to learn how to methodically clean your brick fireplace to get the space looking new. When you follow the right procedure to remove dirt and grime from your brick fireplace, it is going to revive the look of your space.
Step #1: Prep Your Space
Start this project by laying down drop cloths or thick layers of newspaper around and inside the fireplace to protect the floors and furniture while you are cleaning your burnt bricks. Also, take precautions to protect yourself by wearing rubber gloves and safety goggles throughout the whole process.
Step #2: Make Your Concoction
Prepare a soapy mixture to clean the brick surface by adding one gallon of water with ½ cup of either Dawn dish soap or a gentle all-purpose soap to the warm water. Use a wet sponge or spray bottle to soak the burnt bricks with the cleaning mixture. Use elbow grease on tough soot stains from old brick without using harsh chemicals. Let the bricks soak for about 15 minutes, and then sponge them down with clean water when you’re done scrubbing.
Step #3: Clean the Bricks With Laundry Detergent
To clean the bricks with laundry detergent, use a cup of heavy-duty laundry detergent with 1 gallon of water to make a simple DIY cleaning solution. Add ½ pound of ground pumice into a bowl. Baking soda can also be used. Use a gentle scrub brush in the liquid mixture and start washing the bricks. Coat the bricks with pumice by dipping the brush into it. Rinse the bricks with clean water once the stains are gone. Use a toothbrush for the grout and small spaces that are hard to reach.
Soot & Creosote, What Are They and the Importance of Removing Them
Soot and creosote both form as a result of wood burning in your fireplace. Soot is made up of ash and unburned carbon particles. Soot is usually found on the outside of your fireplace. Creosote is a black, tar-like substance that is often found on the inside of your fireplace. Creosote is caused by partially burned carbon particles. If you don’t remove the soot and creosote from your fireplace, it can cause buildup and create a fire hazard.
Don’t Forget Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector
Pay attention to your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors by checking the batteries and making sure that they work. Cleaning the fireplace is a good time to check your detectors so that you are warned in the event of a fire. Good maintenance of your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors will help keep you and your family safe in the event of a fire or carbon monoxide leak.
Why Our Customers Choose Batchelder & Collins
Customers choose Batchelder & Collins because we have the experience you need when it comes to finding the right materials for your building project. Our employees are able to explain why a certain product should be used and how you can protect the life of your fireplace with the right cleaning strategies. As a reliable and trustworthy supplier of fireplace bricks and other building supplies for homeowners, we are ready to answer any questions you may have about our products.
Testimonials
“Friendly, helpful, knowledgeable staff. They have the most fascinating older building and the showroom is beautiful.” — Amber G.
“What an amazing place. I brought in a brick that was from my 10 yr old house. They didn’t stock the brick anymore, but they matched it pretty well. They have 2 yards full of brick and stone. They have this beautiful fire pit display outside. Wish I could take that home with me.” — Jacqueline K.
With Proper Cleaning, Your Bricks From Batchelder & Collins Should Look Like New
Take the time to clean fireplace brick when they become dirty with soot, creosote, mold, or mildew. Whether you are cleaning the exterior of your chimney or cleaning out the firebox, use nylon bristle brushes or brooms to clean the surface area. When you keep your brick surfaces clean, they are going to look new and last longer. Keep your bricks from Batchelder & Collins looking new for a long time by investing in maintenance and upkeep. If you are considering starting a new brick project or need other masonry supplies, call us today at 757-625-2506 or fill out our online contact form, and we will be in touch with you as soon as possible.
