PROPERTY MANAGEMENT BLOG

How to Clean Your Fireplace

Debbie Henry - Monday, February 25, 2013
                                         How To Clean a Fireplace
Things You'll Need:
  • Newspaper
  • Vacuum
  • Bucket
      • 1

        Remove large debris from the fireplace. Put all debris that will not fit in a vacuum cleaner in a trash can.

      • 2

        Vacuum soot and ashes out of the fireplace. Use a shop vacuum for the best results. A home vacuum will work, but this is tough work and will clog filters.

      • 3

        Lay a tarp on any carpeting near the fireplace. Put newspaper on top of the tarp at the hearth and inside the fireplace.

      • 4

        Make a solution of one gallon warm water and one cup bleach. Use a scrub brush and the water to scrub soot and creosote off the interior of the fireplace.

      • 5

        Throw the newspapers in the trash. Wipe up any remaining water with old rags.

      • 6

        Clean the floor of the fireplace. Use the same solution of water. Mop up the water with paper towels afterward and throw them away.

      • 7

        Clean fireplace grates outside. Lay down several layers of newspaper and lay the grate on top. Use oven cleaner or bleach water to clean the grate.

      • 8

        Use glass cleaner and newspapers to clean glass fireplace doors. Polish any exterior metal.

    Tips & Warnings

    • Keep a garbage can close by.

    • Wear rubber gloves.

    • Wear "work" clothes or grubbies.

    • Make sure there are no hot coals or ashes before beginning.

    • Don't forget to check the chimney for creosote build up. Creosote is the leading cause of chimney fires.



    Read more: How to Clean a Fireplace | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_2046100_clean-fireplace.html#ixzz2M2OV0KLd