Sooty Bricks

March 28, 2007

You just love a nice wood fire in the fireplace on these chilly winter and spring nights. It beats turning up the furnace. But guess what. You forgot to open the flue and smoke stained your bricks. How do you remove the soot deposit?

Because bricks are porous, they absort the soot, which makes cleaning a challenge. Here are some tips:
Scouring powder with bleach and a stiff (not wire) brush will sometimes do the job

Rubbing alcohol can also be effective on smoke staining. (Use a soaked rag or paintbrush to apply the alcohol and wipe the stains away.)

One cup of TSP mixed with one gallon of water can also be used.

Sure Clean Fireplace Cleaner is a commercial brand specifically manufactured to remove stain from bricks. (www.prosoco.com)

This can be messy work so in any of these techniques be sure to protect yourself with safety goggles, rubber gloves, old clothes and proper ventilation.. Follow manufacturer's directions and give the cleaners plenty of time to work. For some very old and deep stains, multiple applications may be necessary. Don't be discouraged. Your renewed bricks will give your room a new life.

If your stains are too old and too stubborn, you can always call a professional masonry cleaning expert.