A complete guide to fireplace restoration

Cleaning the Glass Door

This step is only necessary if there are visible stains on the inside glass surface; these can easily be removed using vinegar and steel wool.

First, remove the stained areas by scrubbing them with steel wool (you can also use a razor blade or sandpaper). Then, mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the glass door with the solution, wait 5 minutes for it to soak in, then wipe away all residue with a clean cloth.

If there are grease stains on the inside glass surface, you can remove them by applying toothpaste (or baking soda) directly onto the stained area using a toothbrush. Leave it on for 10 minutes before wiping it off with a damp cloth.

Cleaning Soot from the Fireplace Walls

Using gentle soap and warm water, remove as much soot as possible from the hearth side of the fireplace’s walls by wiping them down. Next, remove any excess soot by spraying the fireplace’s insides with a water hose. Let it dry completely before continuing to the next step.

Cleaning Ash Residue from Inside the Fireplace

Using gentle soap and warm water, wipe out the inside of your fireplace using a sponge or mop. If you have an old house that still uses firewood as its main fuel source, this step may take up to an hour – but don’t give up! Once you’re done, let all parts dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Be careful when cleaning near any electrical wires running through your hearth; these are typically red in color and should be easy to spot. If there is any ash present, avoid sweeping it away hastily or using an old broom, as this will only spread the ashes around and make your hearth dirtier in the end!

Polishing the Brick Fireplace

Once everything inside of your fireplace is dry, you can buff the hearth using a damp sponge. Don’t forget to wipe behind the bricks on both sides of the firebox; these areas are often quite dirty since they’re tucked away from plain sight.

Cleaning up Dust and Ashes Around the Exterior of Your Fireplace

Using a broom or brush, gently sweep out all soot and dirt that has collected around the exterior of your fireplace. If you have a gas fireplace, make sure to sweep away all ashes and soot from the surrounding areas as well – even those closest to the firebox.

Removing Creosote Buildup

If you own an older home with a masonry-style fireplace, there’s a chance for creosote buildup inside the chimney flue, visible from outside. Regularly monitor the fireplace’s usage to prevent creosote buildup. If neglected, consider having a professional inspect and clean your interior fireplace.

If there’s already significant creosote buildup, you can use the following steps:

Step 1: Apply chlorine laundry bleach to the affected area using a rag or sponge. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

Step 2: Coat the area with mineral oil and let it soak overnight. In the morning, wipe down the surface with lukewarm water. This should loosen most of the creosote, reducing the risk of inhaling dangerous gases when using the firebox.

If you’re unsure whether creosote is present, try using a lit candle near the top of your firebox; if there’s soot, there’s likely creosote as well.

Washing Fireplace Glass

Using warm water and gentle dish soap, wash away any ash caked on the fireplace glass. To avoid scratches, use a soft microfiber cloth. Additionally, spraying vinegar onto the glass before wiping it off with a damp rag can help prevent future buildup and keep the glass spotless.

Preparing Your Firewood

To fit multiple logs into the firebox, try splitting them into smaller pieces. For a neat pile on the hearth, cut medium-sized pieces from each log. If you plan to use lighter fluid or another accelerant, have it ready along with essentials like matches and kindling.

Deciding Where to Place Your Logs

If you’re using a medium-sized log rack, place it in the center of the hearth. For logs on the fireplace grate, position them on the rightmost side for easy access. Remember, these steps apply specifically to traditional fireplaces with glass doors, and not every method works with all setups.

Are you planning to upgrade your old fireplaces or aiming for a completely new look? Call the Atlantic Brick and Stone team for a consultation to explore ways to transform your old fireplace into a modern centerpiece.