You may use a very soft bristle brush or toothbrush to remove stubborn dirt, as well as dirt from small crevices. Replace the soapy water with new water when it becomes too dark and dirty to use. [1] X Research sourceStep 2, Vacuum the fireplace. Acid washing helps remove the whitish film that is a normal result of the masonry process known as efflorescence. Doesnt look like it was ever sealed. I also wouldn’t use a wire brush when cleaning, since it can damage the stones. We love our fireplace — a native Texas limestone with a big mantel — but we don't get to use it as much as we'd like. First, if you notice soot stains around your fireplace or hearth stove, you may have found clues to the culprit. Since limestone is very porous, you will want to use a gentle soap and soft, microfiber cloths to clean your limestone. Additionally, make sure to remove any objects from your fireplace mantle. These can be purchased at home centers and hardware stores. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Make sure to get rid of any cobwebs hiding in between the rocks, and get the rocks wet (but not dripping wet). Hi Valerie, I would stay away from harsh chemical cleaners, since they can leave a flammable residue behind, which is not a good idea around a fireplace! Give your fireplace a solid clean with these 2 items you can find around your house. Here’s how to clean a stone fireplace. Wipe evenly over the surface of the limestone. Reanimating this thread to say thanks (three years later!) Smoke and soot can waft out and leave the stone dingy. Then mix a solution of equal parts lukewarm water and dishwashing soap. As you burn fires, soot can travel on escaping smoke and cling to the limestone on the front of the hearth. How to clean a limestone fireplace Use a mild soap and а soft, microfiber cloth because limestone has a highly porous structure and is prone to etching. So there are some simple pieces of advice that will help to keep the mantelpiece surround neat. Never plaster on to or down to a limestone fireplace – the stone will take up colour from the plaster. Driscoll received her Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health in 2016. Alternatively, you can purchase a specially formulated limestone cleaner from your local hardware store to clean your limestone fireplace. Mine has had tea stains splashed up the left side for months (knocked a whole cup of tea off the side table eek!) – Don’t rub its surface with abrasive cleaning products, or you’ll scratch it and destroy its texture. Once you have it clean again, there are stone sealers you can use to help keep the stone clean. Go with borax to both clean and disinfect fireplace bricks. The combustion of the gas around them still does leave behind a little soot, which typically only needs cleaning on an annual basis. Limestone Fireplace Surround and Its Considerations: How To Clean Limestone Fireplace Surround Limestone fireplace surround is that kind of thing, that suits pretty much any type of interior design, complements it perfectly, creating neat and rustic effects at the same time. Check with a stone shop before using the stone cleaners or magic eraser to make sure they are safe on limestone. References. To remove stains, make a homemade poultice by mixing flour with hydrogen peroxide until a thick paste forms. Try using a commercial poultice; these may be more effective. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. However, a byproduct of burning any fuel is carbon. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 36,587 times. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Shake the mixture together, then spray it onto the bricks. Give your fireplace a solid clean with these 2 items you can find around your house.Read more about this topic here: http://porch.com/advice/clean-sooty-fireplace-household-items/Connect with us on social media!Facebook: http://facebook.com/porchdotcomInstagram: http://instagram.com/porchdotcomTwitter: http://twitter.com/porchdotcomPinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/porchdotcom/Google+: https://plus.google.com/+porchdotcom/postsWho we are: http://www.porch.comPorch is a home improvement network on a mission to change the world one home at a time by making home improvement easy, delightful, and connected. and hadn't dared try anything more than washing up liquid, which didn't work, but my newly-acquired magic sponge has brought it up beautifully. Limestone fireplace surrounds are a great way to finish off a fireplace renovation or new install. To keep the limestone in good condition, you must clean it regularly. This article was co-authored by Michelle Driscoll, MPH. Wipe the damp cloth over the soapy limestone to rinse away the soap and grime. As dirt comes off the limestone onto the cloth, rinse it in the soapy water to remove the grime. Prepare this solution in bucket. Last Updated: March 29, 2019 We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Repeat this process until you have cleaned the entire surface of the limestone fireplace surrounds. Just bought a house-- the fireplace hearth (limestone) has many coffee, wine, crayons etc stains. To get rid of smoke stains on a brick fireplace, combine 1 gallon of water with 1/4 cup all-purpose cleaner. This article has been viewed 36,587 times. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. This doesn't address how to clean the soot but it might help you in the long run. To best clean your limestone, you’ll need a vacuum, dry mop, or broom, a wet mop, limestone-specific soap, sealant, and stain remover. If there are stubborn stains, make a paste by mixing hydrogen peroxide and baking soda, and apply it to the stains with a cloth. Vacuum the front of the fireplace with a vacuum attachment to remove any remaining particles. So, how to clean a limestone fireplace surround. Driscoll received her Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health in 2016. A few winters of fires can leave your fireplace in need of a good cleaning. A limestone fireplace is a very durable, long lasting fireplace that can bring years of enjoyment and heat on those damp, chilly days. What to use for routine and deep cleaning A regular ‘routine’ clean will maintain a hygienic environment and a tile’s aesthetic. Use the right cleaning tools. How can I clean the stone around my fireplace?-Valerie. Limestone Fireplace Surround and Its Considerations: How To Clean A Limestone Fireplace Surround Limestone fireplace surround is that kind of thing, that suits pretty much any type of interior design, complements it perfectly, creating neat and rustic effects at the same time. Alternatively, you can purchase a commercial poultice from your local hardware store to remove the stains. – Use soft cloths, preferably cotton, to clean the dust on your limestone fireplace. It also helps clean up excess mortar and the leaching of the mortar onto the stone. For more advice from our Cleaning co-author, like how to dust a limestone fireplace, read on! Use a handheld vacuum or attachment to remove loose dirt and debris from the limestone surrounding your … It also exposes some of the silica and gives the stone a beautiful luster. Apply the paste to the stains, let it set, and then remove it with a soft-edged scraper. Start with removing all of the debris and loose dirt, either with a microfibre cloth or with a vacuum cleaner. This article has been viewed 36,587 times. In a small bucket, dilute a quarter-cup of dish soap in a quart of hot but not scalding water. You don’t need a pro to put the sparkle back in your hearth. Consider using a sealant to protect your limestone from future stains and damage. If the stains remain, then repeat steps one through three again. The best way to clean off a grubby mark from limestone fireplaces is simply to use a clean cotton cloth dampened with very dilute washing up liquid. . By using our site, you agree to our. If you want to make your own stain remover, you’ll need flour and hydrogen peroxide. Comprehensively Clean Limestone Fireplace For more comprehensive cleaning, prepare a cleaning solution of lukewarm water and a few drops of mild/neutral dishwasher soap. The sooner you clean the soot, the better. Next, clean the stone with a wet rag. The towels will protect your floors by catching any dirt, dust, soap, and grime during the cleaning process. Once grease and dirt builds up on a surface, tiles will be more difficult to clean… Is there a … Just remember to turn off the spinning brush, or remove it if it is an attachment, to avoid scratching the limestone. You want the rocks to definitely be wet, but you don’t want water running down the rocks. After the stone fireplace surround is clean, get out your water bottle and spray the rocks. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. If you have a limestone fireplace, it will pick up the soot and look dirty quicker than other materials. Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids based in northern Colorado. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Mist the stains with clean water, then dip a stiff brush in the mixture. 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Intense heat can also cause ‘spalling’ or flaking of the limestone. Make soft, circular motions when cleaning the surface of your limestone fireplace. First, remove loose dirt and debris from your fireplace using a vacuum or a dry, microfiber cloth. Acid-based cleaners will damage your limestone because it will cause it to corrode over time since limestone is a porous, sedimentary rock. Wash the remaining one-by-one-foot sections of the limestone surface using the same techniques. Loose dirt and debris can scratch your fireplace if it is not removed prior to the cleaning process. For more advice from our Cleaning co-author, like how to dust a limestone fireplace, read on! This article was co-authored by Michelle Driscoll, MPH. Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids based in northern Colorado. Make sure to rewet your cloth in between wipes for a thorough clean. You can use a baby gate or another type of barrier to prevent children and pets from getting near the fireplace while the poultice is setting. % of people told us that this article helped them. Use liquid soap in a very low concentration. Dampen a microfiber cloth in the bucket of warm water. During the seasons that you use your fireplace, soot will naturally occur on and around your fireplace. Mix 2 tablespoons (34 grams) of borax with 4 cups (950 mL) of hot water and 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of dish soap in a spray bottle. Alternatively, you can use a soft sponge, like the sponges used to wash cars, to clean the limestone. Never stand candles directly on the fireplace surface – damage and stains may result! I understand that limestone can be very sensitive to certain products. Do not use soap that contains ammonia, vinegar, bleach, acids and other harsh chemicals commonly found in household cleaners to clean your limestone. How to clean a Limestone fireplace hearth? Step 1, Place towels at the foot of the fireplace. Then, dip a separate cloth in clean water, and wipe down your fireplace again to remove any soapy residue. Resources: Mark installed the Red Oak Contemporary Box Mantel Style #5, which was pre-stained in Early American and finished in a clear finish.It was provided by Baird Brothers Fine Hardwoods.. Mark used concrete sleeve anchors to secure the mounting board to the masonry fireplace. 2. To clean out the gas logs, turn off the fireplace’s pilot light, place the logs onto paper outside the fireplace, then vacuum up the soot. How to Clean Stone Around a Fireplace. Wipe the cloth over the limestone hearth, starting at the bottom and working your way up. These logs are ceramic and painted to look like burning wood logs. Take your liquid soap and place it onto the cleaning surface of a soft sponge, such as a bath sponge. You can find soft-edged scrapers at your local hardware store. Dip a sponge into this solution and repeatedly wipe the limestone surface with this. Still, it needs a good sprucing up now and then. A limestone fireplace makes a beautiful decorative addition to any home. Alternatively, you can use the vacuum to remove any remaining pieces of poultice from your limestone. Cleaning the limestone is the best way to whiten and return it to its natural beauty. You should then wipe it clean with a fresh duster. Read this article to learn where limestone works best, why limestone is not suitable for wet areas, and how to care for limestone. Cleaning a limestone fireplace is not difficult if you use a non-acidic cleaner to properly clean and remove the stains. Marble and limestone surrounds fireplaces always require a special way. to pagwatch for suggesting a magic sponge to clean a limestone fireplace. Prepare the Limestone Surface First, clean and prep the area of … During the process of cleaning a fireplace it is necessary to be careful, because some things can damage the surface. To clean a limestone fireplace, start by wiping it down with warm, soapy water using a microfiber cloth. Then wipe down your fireplace with a soft cloth dipped in a soapy solution. http://www.howtocleanthings.com/surfaces/how-to-clean-limestone/, https://simplegreen.com/cleaning-tips/surfaces/natural-stone/limestone/, http://www.gravestonepreservation.info/articles/cleaning-gravestones-monuments-stone-sculptures, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Wet a cloth with the cleaning mixture and wring out the excess water. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7d\/Clean-a-Limestone-Fireplace-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-a-Limestone-Fireplace-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7d\/Clean-a-Limestone-Fireplace-Step-1.jpg\/aid8733408-v4-728px-Clean-a-Limestone-Fireplace-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"