We Asked Cleaning Pros the Best Way to Clean Brick —And the Answer Is Already in Your Pantry

Is there anything more comforting than a front hug? chimneys On a cold night? We do not think so. To prepare for warm nights around the fire, you’ll want to make sure your fireplace is clean and ready for use, but cleaning experts warn against using harsh cleaners that can damage the brick.

“Brick is porous and can be damaged by harsh chemicals,” says Katie Dills, president of The Cleaning Authority. “The best way to clean bricks is to work in small sections with a mild cleaner like vinegar.”

Learn the expert-approved way to clean your brick fireplace with a simple vinegar and water solution, plus ways you can keep it cleaner longer.

How to Clean a Brick Chimney with Vinegar

Before cleaning a fireplace, Will Cotter, CEO of HappyCleans, recommends vacuuming the surrounding area from dust and soot.

“Spread a cloth or some old newspaper around the fireplace to catch all the dirt,” says Cotter.

1. Remove everything from the chimney, such as screens or leftover wood.
2. Clean or vacuum up any remaining ash or soot from the stove.
3. Vacuum the brick surface (ideally with a brush) to remove all ash and dust.
4. Wipe the chimney brick with a wet cloth.
5. Mix equal amounts of hot water and a solution of distilled white vinegar In a large bowl or bucket.
6. Use a sponge and work from top to bottom in small sections using circular motions. If the sponge isn’t removing the soot accumulation, try using a bristle brush, or Couture recommends an electric scrubber.
7. Once you’ve removed the soot, use a damp cloth to wipe away any remaining solution. Repeat as needed, depending on the amount of build up on your brick.
8. Pat the brick dry with a clean cloth or towel. Cotter suggests turning on a fan or opening a window to help the surface dry more quickly.
9. Once the brick is completely dry, Cotter suggests applying a good quality brick sealer to protect the fireplace from stains and wear marks.

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How often should you clean the fireplace

Brick hides soot and dirt well, but experts recommend cleaning your chimney Bricks every few months, or at least every six months.

“The more often you clean, the easier it will be to remove any build-up,” says Dils.

Even regularly removing ashes and dust from the fireplace can prevent dust and soot from spreading and settling into the grout which is more difficult to clean later.

How to keep a brick chimney clean for a long time

• Use the fireplace screen. fireplace screen Control mess in the interior area of ​​your fireplace and are very easy to clean. Plus, they add an attractive touch to the focal point of the room.
• Remove debris frequently. Experts recommend adding cleaning your fireplace to your regular cleaning routine. “After a few fires, always remove the ashes and wipe away the soot,” says Cotter.
• Burn the right wood. Wood that is not dried enough or not stained can leave excess debris in your chimney and fireplace.
• Try the top to bottom burning method. The way you burn wood can impact how dirty your fireplace becomes. This method, which involves placing larger logs at the bottom and progressively smaller logs and sticks on top, allows the fire to burn hotter and produce less smoke than other fire lighting methods.