Tips To Clean a Stone Fireplace

Stone fireplaces are a stunning way to add value to your home. Any stone fireplace, however, will require cleaning after a few seasons of use to restore its natural beauty and eliminate any layers of dust, dirt, and grime. Fortunately, restoring your fireplace to gleaming condition is not a job that necessitates a professional, and you can certainly do it yourself! Here’s how to clean a StoneFireplace Mantel.

 

•        Avoid Harsh Chemical Cleaners

First and foremost, avoid using harsh chemical cleaners. Chemical cleaners can be harmful to stone fireplaces because their acidity ruins the natural composition of the stone and causes it to deteriorate. Avoid any cleaning agents that are not designed specifically for stone, and especially avoid any cleaners that contain citrus components, which are naturally acidic. Furthermore, some chemical cleaners may leave a thin film of residue behind that contains flammable components — not something you want near your fireplace!

 

•       Remove ashes and dust regularly

Although dust and dirt may go undetected due to the lighter patina of stone fireplaces compared to brick, your fireplace should still be cleaned on a regular basis. Microscopic pits on the surface of natural stone such as granite, limestone, or slate collect dust, dirt, soot, and creosote—a dark brown condensation of fire byproducts (e.g., smoke or vapor) that can cause chimney fires. The best way to keep your hearth looking beautiful, efficient, and safe is to remove these accumulations on a regular basis, which is a relatively simple and inexpensive task. So keep reading to learn how to clean a stone fireplace (as well as deep-clean it if necessary) with household supplies.

 

•    Sand out stubborn stains on the stones

Some blemishes will not come out no matter how hard you scrub. If the stone in your fireplace is soft (such as limestone), you can try sanding the stain away. For the job, you'll need fine- to medium-grit sandpaper (120- to 80-grit) and a vacuum cleaner to clean up the mess you'll make — on the stone and on your floor. Remember that you cannot replace anything that has been removed when you are sanding off part of the surface of the fireplace. When possible, try to follow the contour and texture of the stone. Some stones are so smooth that you won't notice any. To remove all traces of sanding, gently sand the area, wipe it clean with a rag, and vacuum it. If the discoloration persists, keep in mind that ash, crackles, and dust do leave their mark, and even the most meticulous housekeeper may have a fireplace with the occasional usage scar.

 

Choose Fireplace Stone from Limestone Mantels and Kitchen Hoods

If you do not yet have a fireplace and were just reading to get an understanding of stone fireplace maintenance, then contact the experts at Limestone Mantels and Kitchen Hoods, a leading Cast Limestone product supplier in Atlanta, to get started on your own ModernLimestone Fireplace! For more information, visit today.