Clean Your Fireplace from Ash and Soot

Posted on 05/05/2023

How Often Should You Clean Ash from Fireplace?

A fireplace is a cozy addition to any home, and if you want to enjoy efficient and safe operation for years to come, you have to periodically clean it from ash and soot.
With the winter on its way, many homeowners have their fireplaces checked to make sure they are clear of debris and soot buildup. Soot can cause permanent damage to your fireplace, if left uncleaned.

This article will teach you everything you need to know about cleaning a fireplace from ash and soot.

Here’s a list of the right tools to get the job done:
-    dust mask, rubber gloves, and apron;
-    metal bucket with a lid;
-    fireplace shovel and brush
-    hand brush
-    wet/dry vacuum machine
-    spray bottle
-    dishwashing liquid / bathroom cleaner / all-purpose cleaner
-    hearth cleaner
-    paper towels, microfiber or any soft cloth

Vacuum the Ash
Before cleaning the ash make sure it has completely cooled. If possible, wait at least 24 hours after you’ve burned your last log. A great piece of advice here is to sprinkle the ash with coffee grounds or damp tea leaves to minimize dust. Then, using a fireplace shovel, scoop out the ashes, put them in the metal bucket, and then straight throw them into the trash. Now, you need a fireplace brush to sweep the interior walls. Finally, use a dry/wet vacuum to suck the remaining ashes.

Wash Soot Out
Cleaning soot off your fireplace can be a bit challenging, but there are a few tricks to make the task easier. Start by squirting the bricks or stone with water, then spray with one of the above cleaners. After that, use a cloth damped with water to remove the soot. In case there are stubborn spots, try scrubbing the area with your hand brush. To finish, wipe again with a clean damp cloth and then dry.

Clean the Fireplace Exterior
The exterior of your fireplace also needs to be cleaned from soot. Often there will be smoky stains on its facing.
If the surrounding material is brick, sprinkle soot stains with water first and then add hearth cleaner. Rinse and wipe dry. Likewise, brick areas can be scrubbed with a brush dipped in all-purpose cleaner diluted with water. Use a soft cloth to dry the surface.
Note that if the bricks are older than 50 years you should use only warm water because cleaners may damage them. Alternatively, old brick surfaces can be vacuumed using a soft dusting brush. Fireplace surrounds made from iron should be cleaned with hearth cleaner, rinsed with water and dried with paper towels.
Use a soft brush and solution of mild dishwashing liquid and water to give marble and other stone surrounds a good cleaning.  

Clean and Polish Glass Doors
There are two ways to easily remove soot from your fireplace glass doors.
You can apply any hearth cleaner, or if you like going green, you can use a solution of equal parts of white vinegar and warm water. Spray the back and front of each door, and then wipe dry with paper towels. For faster results, you can dip a damp cloth into the ashes, thus creating a mild abrasive effect.  Finally, polish with a microfiber cloth to make the glass shining.

Schedule a Chimney Checkup
Cleaning soot off the hearth and outside the fireplace can be a DIY job, but cleaning the chimney is a task that requires professional cleaning services.  Especially if you burn wood for heat, you’ll need to have the inside of your chimney cleaned to avoid fire danger.
Therefore, do not postpone scheduling a chimney checkup with your cleaning company.