How to Clean Fireplace Brick

Using a Fireplace Brick Cleaner

Over time, your fireplace brick will become marred by soot stains and creosote. The staining and streaking not only detract from the aesthetic appeal of your fireplace but can also harbor harmful bacteria and allergens. If allowed to accumulate unchecked, buildup can affect the normal functions of the chimney and create a fire hazard. Cleaning fireplace brick is an important maintenance activity.

According to the NFPA, 29% of all home fires originate in chimneys or fireplaces. Ensuring your fireplace is in proper working order is an important part of homeownership. Using the right fireplace brick cleaner to remove creosote and soot buildup in your fireplace is an easy and proactive way to help prevent larger, more complicated problems down the road.

Understanding the Problem: Creosote and Soot

The first step to cleaning fireplace brick is understanding the main culprits: soot and creosote stains. Soot stains are black or dark gray streaks that appear on your brick fireplace and hearth. This fine, black powder results from incomplete combustion of wood, coal, or other fuels and is composed of unburned carbon particles and other organic matter. Over time, soot accumulates inside your fireplace and can migrate out, staining the surrounding brick. 

If you are using wood in your fireplace, you are producing creosote. Creosote is a thick, black, oily substance that is produced when wood burns. It is composed of complex mixtures of organic compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and resins. Creosote is highly flammable and can easily catch fire if it builds up in a chimney or fireplace.

Several factors contribute to the formation of creosote and soot stains:

• Burning wet or unseasoned wood: Wet wood burns inefficiently, producing more smoke and creosote. Unseasoned wood, which still contains moisture, also burns hotter and faster, further contributing to creosote formation.
• Poor air circulation: If your fireplace lacks proper draft, smoke and gases are trapped, allowing creosote to condense and stain the brickwork. This can be caused by a blocked chimney flue, an improperly sized chimney, or inadequate ventilation in the room.
• Creosote buildup: Creosote is a sticky substance that readily adheres to surfaces. As it accumulates in your fireplace, it traps soot and other pollutants, creating a thick layer of grime that further stains the brickwork.

The Best Fireplace Brick Cleaner for the Job

BrickTastic Brick & Paver Cleaner works its magic on creosote and soot stains through a combination of powerful ingredients and clever chemistry.

Breaking the Bonds:

• Powerful cleaning agents: BrickTastic’s formula contains specially formulated detergents and cleaning agents that target the bonds holding creosote and soot particles to the brick surface. These agents break down these bonds, allowing them to be easily removed.

Lifting the Grip:

• Emulsifying action: Once the bonds are broken, the cleaning agents in BrickTastic emulsify the grime. This process essentially turns the solid soot and creosote into a liquid, making it easier to wipe away.

Suspending the Dirt:

• Gentle surfactants: BrickTastic uses gentle, high-strength surfactants that act like tiny magnets. These surfactants attract and trap the loosened dirt, preventing it from reattaching to the brick surface as you clean.

Its non-abrasive formula ensures that the natural beauty of your bricks remains intact, while its deep-cleaning action leaves your fireplace sparkling and refreshed. BrickTastic will also clean the glass on your wood-burning stove.

Overall, BrickTastic’s unique combination of powerful cleaning agents, emulsifying action, and gentle surfactants, work together to effectively remove creosote and soot stains from your fireplace brick, leaving it clean, protected, and ready for you to enjoy.

Cleaning Fireplace Brick with BrickTastic

Using BrickTastic to clean your brick fireplace is simple:

1. 1. Protect the surrounding area: Cover any nearby furniture with drop cloths or old towels to prevent accidental spills or splatters. Open windows and the damper on the fireplace to allow good airflow.
   2. Removed Buildup: Grind or scrape excessive buildup. A wire wheel on a grinder or a still brush will work well.
   3. Prepare the cleaning solution: Mix BrickTastic with water according to the instructions on the product label.
   4. Apply the cleaning solution: Using a spray bottle or a sponge, apply the BrickTastic solution generously to the stained bricks, ensuring even coverage.
   5. Scrub gently: Once the solution has had a chance to work, gently scrub the stained areas with a soft-bristled brush or a sponge in circular motions. Keep the brick saturated with cleaner and don’t let it dry. Let the cleaner to do the work.
   6. Repeat as needed: Repeat the cleaning process as needed. Dwell time is important.
   7. Rinse thoroughly: Rinse the cleaned bricks thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining cleaning residue.

Beyond Cleaning: Stain Prevention is Key

While eliminating soot and creosote may be an unreasonable goal, you can reduce the severity of soot stains and the cleaning frequency by doing the following.

• Burn only dry, seasoned wood.
• Do not overload the fireplace.
• Have your chimney cleaned and inspected regularly.
• Install a chimney cap to keep out rain and snow.
• Consider using a gas fireplace instead of a wood-burning fireplace.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind when staining your concrete patio:

• Choose a stain that complements your home’s color scheme and style.
• Test the stain on a small, inconspicuous area before applying it to the entire patio.
• Use a sprayer to achieve a more even and professional-looking finish.
• Topical stains require a second coat of stain for a deeper and more vibrant color – keep this in mind when setting your budget.
• Avoid staining your concrete patio on a windy day, as this can cause the stain to dry unevenly.
• Apply your stain in the morning or the evening. Avoid applying to hot, sunbaked surfaces.