Cleaning your Natural Stone Fireplace

If you love your fireplace and find every opportunity to use it regardless of weather conditions, then you know it needs a good cleaning every once in a while. However, the fireplace wears out over time, and the situation can worsen if the house is old. Proper cleaning is, therefore, necessary to salvage and restore the fireplace. This is where professionals from Biz Floor Solutions come in. They’ll help you get your fireplace sparkling and ready to use for the next cold season without too much hustle.

Cleaning Soot and Grime

Fireplaces, especially those made of stone, tend to accumulate soot and grime over time. This is not only unsightly but can also diminish the fireplace’s effectiveness. It is important to degrease and get rid of the soot and grime from time to time.

Most homeowners use commercial-grade S-Tech Stone & Masonry Cleaner. However, experts today recommend using a phosphate-free TSP substitute. This is equally effective and easy to find at any hardware store. You can opt for TSP (trisodium phosphate) if you want heavy-duty alternatives to TSP proper. After all, the proper TSP is harmful to the environment and users’ health and is best avoided.

Both options are available in powder form and must be mixed with water for a paste consistency. It is advisable to use latex gloves when handling the chemicals.

The Actual Cleaning

If you decide to embark on a DIY project and get to clean the fireplace yourself, then there is a procedure you must understand. First, ensure that the paste consistency you get is what you were going for in the first place. Once this checks out, proceed to scrub the fireplace first.

You can use a sponge if the face of your fireplace is made of tiles. If the surface is porous and made of stone, use a stiff nylon brush, ensuring you get to the crannies and nooks. You can use a degreaser solution, as this gets the smoke stains off the fireplace wall with a lot more ease. Most people find that this transforms their fireplace into a new look.

Go over it with a damp cloth or sponge and clean it to eliminate the smoke stains. Use the same strategy to tackle the firebox space. Dust down the inside of the old ash and use the degreasing solution for the heavy lifting work. Your fireplace will be as good as new by the end of the process.

If you plan to use the fireplace to keep the house warm or entertain guests and family, this would be a perfect time to clean it. Do it early before the cold season sets in. You can be sure that your family and friends will appreciate your thoughts.

However, the cleaning process is not everyone’s cup of tea. Not to worry, though; hiring professionals to form trustworthy service providers can be a perfect solution. They’ll use the right products and follow the correct procedures. Call us today to help you fix your fireplace.