How do I clean a stone fireplace?

libra10

Have a small steam cleaner which is broken. It didn't do a great job when working. Does anyone have any tips about what will clean the Yorkshire stone, especially a blackened area over the fire?

Thanks for any advice

ariba10

Soap, water and a scrubbing brush is about the best I should think.

But you will have to be very lucky to get it off the top if it is badly stained.

LJM

ariba10 wrote: »

Soap, water and a scrubbing brush is about the best I should think.

But you will have to be very lucky to get it off the top if it is badly stained.

this is all my nan used to do

libra10

Thanks for your replies. Brushing with soap and water doesn't remove the really blackened area though, and wondered whether there were any OH 'miracle workers' I could try.

Thank you

ally1974

I wouldn't suggest using any chemicals as stone is porous and it could stain, plus smoke is full of sulphites and you never know what type of reaction may occur. Have you spoken with a chimney sweep (not sure if that's what they're called nowadays!) as they may have to deal with that type of thing everyday??

libra10

Thanks for replying Ally, I might see whether any local chimney-sweeps have any ideas.

Stone_Tech

libra10 wrote: »

Have a small steam cleaner which is broken. It didn't do a great job when working. Does anyone have any tips about what will clean the Yorkshire stone, especially a blackened area over the fire?

Thanks for any advice

A fireplace can be cleaned using a fireplace cleaner and phosphor bronze masons brush. A steel wire brush will scratch the masonry and oxides will penetrate turning the stone purple of dark Grey.
You must use a stone cleaner as using household cleaning products are likely to react with salts present in the stone to form soluble salts. These will then be practically impossible to move without specialist help

All these products are available from specialist companies. https://www.stone-tech.co.uk

regards Colin. (master stonemason) colin@stone-tech.co.uk