How to Clean Fireplace

What You'll Need

• Ash shovel and bucket
• Soap-Man Turbo Clean Degreaser
• Stiff brush
• Baking soda
• Newspaper or drop cloths
• Rubber gloves

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1

   Wait and protect

   Wait at least 24 hours after the last fire. Lay newspaper or drop cloths around the fireplace opening to catch debris.

2. 2

   Remove ash and debris

   Shovel ashes into a metal bucket. Leave a 1-inch ash bed on the floor of a wood-burning fireplace -- it helps future fires start.

3. 3

   Scrub the firebox

   Mix Turbo Clean Degreaser with warm water. Scrub the interior brick or metal walls with a stiff brush to remove soot and creosote.

4. 4

   Clean the glass doors

   Make a paste of ash and water. Apply to the glass with newspaper and wipe clean. The mild abrasive in ash polishes the glass.

5. 5

   Clean the exterior

   Wipe down the mantel, surround, and hearth with the appropriate cleaner for the material (stone, brick, marble, or wood).

Pro Tips

• TIPThe ash-on-glass trick works because wood ash contains mild alkali that dissolves creosote and soot deposits.
• TIPHave the chimney professionally inspected and cleaned annually to prevent creosote fires.
• TIPStore fireplace ashes in a metal bucket with a lid, away from combustibles, for 3 days before disposal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• XVacuuming fireplace ashes with a regular vacuum, which can catch fire from hidden embers and ruins the motor with fine ash.
• XRemoving all ashes from a wood fireplace -- a thin ash bed insulates the firebox and helps new fires ignite faster.
• XCleaning with water-based products before sweeping, which turns ash into a concrete-like paste.

Frequently Asked Questions