Keeping your fireplace clean is essential in order to prevent accidental fires. The buildup on the interior walls of your fireplace is called creosote and is highly flammable. By keeping your fireplace maintained and following some simple steps, you will be protecting your home and family. This will allow you to enjoy sitting in front of your fireplace without having to worry about an accident occurring. 

Use These Materials

• plastic tarps
• flashlight
• rubber gloves
• wire brush
• bucket of soapy water
• 1 cup of bleach
• 1 cup of vinegar
• bucket of plain water
• sponge
• broom 
• mop

Scrape Off Loose Creosote And Soot 

Cover up the floor beneath where you will be working with a plastic tarp. If you have any furniture that is located close by, cover it with another tarp. Soot can accidentally get onto items as you are cleaning out the fireplace. Protect your hands with rubber gloves.

Shine a fireplace inside of the fireplace and point it towards the interior walls. If you have a friend who can hold the flashlight while you clean, you may find it helpful. Otherwise, view the areas that are dirty and begin scrubbing them with a wire brush. Creosote and soot will fall down onto the tarp as you are working. 

Remove Stubborn Stains From The Walls

Once all of the loose soot has fallen, wipe the walls with a sponge that has been dipped in a solution of soapy water that has been mixed with a cup of bleach and a cup of vinegar. If stains are persistent, add a little more bleach or vinegar to the solution. Once stains are no longer visible, rinse the cleaning solution off by wiping the walls with a sponge that has been dipped in plain water. 

Clean Up The Mess

Carefully drag the tarp out from underneath the fireplace. Fold it up and place it in a trash bag. Remove any tarps that are covering your furniture or other belongings. Sweep around the fireplace to collect any soot that accidentally fell off the tarp. Finish up by mopping the floor.

Your fireplace will be ready for use immediately after you finish the cleaning steps. By keeping up with the condition of your fireplace, you will shorten the amount of time that it takes to keep it clean. Your safety will be protected and you will be able to enjoy the warmth of your fire without any hesitation. Contact a company like Diatec Hvac Systems for more information.