Formulas, elbow grease will get fireplaces clean

For the past couple of weeks, I've had several calls requesting information on fireplace maintenance. I suppose, with cooler nights, most of us are thinking about fall being just around the corner and, with that, using our fireplaces and stoves.

In this week's article, I thought I would discuss cleaning brick fireplaces.

If your home and fireplace are new and the fireplace will be used for family entertainment such as popcorn popping or marshmallow toasting, etc., you should consider having the front surface of your brick or stone fireplace sealed to resist absorption of grease, oil and smoky soot.

Before cleaning brick or stone, one should consider the age of the item being cleaned. Some weathered old brick may be soft and could be damaged by vigorous cleaning. Before cleaning, test a corner. If it starts to break apart, just dust or sweep it. If it holds up well, use the following formulas for cleaning the entire surface.

1. Mix one ounce of soap and one ounce of table salt and enough water to make a paste cream. Rub the mixture into the brick surface with a cloth and allow to dry for at least 30 minutes. Once the surface is dry, using a stiff brush, brush off the residue.

2. Make a thick mixture of soap, pumice and one ounce of ammonia into some hot water.

Paint the mixture onto the surface and let dry. Rub off with a wet scrub brush. With this mixture, the alkali solution is designed to neutralize the acidic soot caused by the fire and bring the pH level back to neutral, making it easier to clean.

3. Dissolve 8 tablespoons or 1/2 cup of trisodium phosphate or Spic 'n' Span into one gallon of hot water. With a stiff brush, scrub the surface. Rinse with plenty of warm water. Repeat this process if it doesn't come clean the first time. Use more trisodium phosphate or Spic 'n' Span — one cup per gallon — if needed.

Note: When cleaning with any cleaning product, always wear eye protection and rubber gloves to protect your hands. If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience, call Ed at NWES at 255-2266, or e-mail them to madan@surf1.ws, drop them off at the Daily Bee, 310 Church St., or mail them to or mail them to Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St., Box 159, Sandpoint, ID 83864, Attn: What Would Ed Do?

For more information about Ed, check him out at www.NWEES.com.

Copy written by Edmond E. Madan, certified forensic, fire, flood, mold inspection and remediation contractor. Ed is the CEO of Northwet Executive and Environmental Services, LLC.