Maintenance Tips for Stone Fireplaces

If you have installed a fireplace and not cleaned it in a while, this post is for you. In this article, we will share some tips to clean fireplaces such as cast stone fireplaces. So, if you want to make your fireplace healthy, continue reading this post.

According to the National Association of Real Estate Appraisers, having a fireplace in your home can increase its release value by 6% to 12 %.

This means if you have already installed a fireplace, you can renovate the same or install a new one to ensure a good resale value. Or you can consider some maintenance tips to keep your fireplace in good condition.

Moreover, look at the following points to make your fireplace look good.

What are the ways to maintain a stone fireplace?

No matter the stone fireplace designs you have installed, nothing will change if you are not cleaning it from time to time. After all, your fireplace creates a calming and inviting atmosphere in your home. It keeps you warm while increasing the beauty of your home. But if you want to always enjoy the same benefit, it is impossible without proper care.

• Make sure you remove ashes and dust

After you use your fireplace for a certain period, dust and ashes accumulate in and around it. This means your fireplace has burned waste that accumulates from regular use. It will hurt your health if you don’t clear the buildup from time to time.

This is because it will make the inside air polluted, releasing air pollutants such as toxins, as the American Heart Society said. That is why it is recommended to clean debris every week.

• Apply gentle remedies to clean the stone bricks

Natural stones used to make fireplaces are not the same as granite. But you can clean both with the help of some DIY methods. For instance, you can use warm water to clean the stones. If the stains cannot be removed easily, you can use some tablespoons of dish soap and then scrub the stained area.

Remember that you don’t have to use anything that includes bleach, acids, or trisodium phosphate. This is because they are harsh on the property and can damage the stone.

• Sand out more stubborn stains.

If there are some more stubborn stains that you are unable to clean, you should consider sanding them away. For this, you will need sandpaper with medium grit in addition to a vacuum cleaner to eliminate the mess from your stone fireplace.

• Take care of the mantel

When cleaning your mantel, you need to practice proper precautions to make it safe. You have to use the scrubber not to harm the walls or floor. You can use painter’s tape for enhanced safety on all the areas that receive cleanser splashes.

• Try using tougher cleansers for more resistant marks

While you can use dish soap to clean the fireplace, it is time to try something different. According to doityourself.com, mix 1 cup of detergent and 3 tablespoons of table salt with 3 quarts of warm water. Make sure you use rubber gloves to protect yourself. Then gently apply the solution, and leave it for 10 minutes.

Now look for a plastic wire scrubber and clear all the dirty grout and stone. After all, you can use a toothbrush to reach any complicated access areas.

• Remove any creosote buildups

Do you know how to clear creosote deposits from your fireplace? Well, you can try some DIY hacks to clear such pollutants. For example, consider using 1 tablespoon of dish soap and 4 cups of hot water. You can wash the stone down to fix the problem with most fireplaces.

Final Word

Installing a cast stone fireplace has its advantages but not maintaining it at the right time can create many problems. The pollutants buildup can cause health issues to the person living in that area. Even it will impact your entire home.

Therefore, you should keep your fireplace clean if it is in regular use. While you can try DIY techniques for cleaning purposes, hiring a professional may benefit you in many ways. A professional will check the fireplace for potential issues and make the required changes. They can renovate or install a new one if needed.

So what are you waiting for? Call Tartaruga Design and let us take care of your fireplace. Visit our website to learn more.