What you need:
I go to the market and buy a green abrasive scrubbing sponge. The rougher the better. You can also purchase a brush. A generic hand size brush with medium to hard bristles is perfect. I also grab a couple of jugs of white vinegar and a set of dish washing gloves.
At home I then dilute the white vinegar with water in a separate bowl or Tupperware container that will not be used for food. This container should be large enough to to dip my sponge or brush in the solution completely. The ratio should 1/4 quarter cup vinegar to 3/4 water.
The Method:
Clean all loose particles out of the fireplace with a broom and dispose of them. I usually spread them out in my garden or around the base of a tree or shrubs. The carbon in the soil acts as a fertilizer. If you just throw them out they are safe for the landfill as well. (Throwing the ashes in the landfill just isn't my first choice for disposal.)
With my gloves on I will start at the top of the bricks and start scrubbing horizontally. The excess solution will run down the lower parts of the brick wall. My towel should be at the bottom of the brick wall to collect the excessive fluid and splatters.
After scrubbing all the brick walls on the inside of the fireplace dump your cleaning solution and get a fresh container of just water.
Wash or rinse the fireplace walls ( that you previously scrubbed with vinegar) with water. You can use your brush to apply the rinse water.
Let air dry!! Do not use the fireplace to start a new fire until the bricks are dry. This is because we want the water to evaporate out of the bricks completely. If there is water still in the bricks they can crack when they are heated by the fire.
You will need:
1> Scrubbing gloves
2> White vinegar
3> Water
4> Rough Scrubber (green) or Medium Scrub brush
5> Two containers ( large enough for your scrubber or brush)
6> Old Towel ( to throw out or wash)
7> Wear old clothes (that you don't mind staining)
Cleaning Hint:
**The rougher sponges in general are usually green. It seems to be consistent amongst the sponge industry.
Approximately Time Needed:
-This depends on the size of your fireplace. For a standard fireplace it will take up to 45 minutes to clean and wash.
Annual Cleaning Required
Dirty Job Level:
Four Sponge Award!
You will get dirty! Wear old cloths.
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