This solution will form a foam which wil quickly cut through the residue that has been build up on the brick. Start all the way up on your ladder, then work your way down to help avoid streaking and make the most of your cleaning time. Dip a scrub brush into the dishwashing liquid solution and then sprinkle the brush liberally with table salt. To do this, you'll simply want to follow these steps. Please help us improve. How to Clean a Brick Fireplace. Dip your scrub brush in water and scrub the bricks. Soap and Abrasives . A fireplace in your home also enables your taste of aesthetics to go a bit higher and adds financial benefits as well. Stay safe and healthy. So far my research does not show any current availability. I can still see enough brick detail, but the fireplace is no longer a sore point. Clean Fireplace BricksIf you have a fireplace, you know how great it is to be able to light a fire in your home on a cold night. Step 4: Dry the fireplace. See more ideas about cleaning brick fireplaces, brick, how to clean brick. While not completely organic or environmental, using soap, salt or baking soda and the bristle brush is one of the simplest, safest and cheapest ways to clean fireplace bricks both inside and out. Do it chemical free & easy with a Wagner steamer! © 2006-2020 LoveToKnow, Corp., except where otherwise noted. To remove grease, dirt, and soot build up from the bricks or stones in or around your fireplace, you can use this simple homemade solution: Make a mixture of 1 cup laundry detergent flakes and 4 cups hot water, then add a half pound of powdered pumice (available at hardware stores like Home Depot). Test any cleaning material in an inconspicuous spot. To remove loose ash and soot, you'll need a broom and a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment. Use the best tools & techniques to make cleaning it easy. Take a broom and give the bricks a good brush. This is also relatively harmless, so this is also the best method to use on older bricks. Cleaning Fireplace Bricks With Dishwashing Liquid And Salt, 7. Attach a brush to the vacuum cleaner and brush up all the soot. After an initial cleaning, mix mild soap and water, dip a sponge into the solution, and continue cleaning the stone. Mix equal parts (approximately one ounce each) dawn dish soap and table salt with enough water to cause the mixture and blend the mixture into a cream. Discover how to easily clean your fireplace before the winter with this quick DIY fireplace cleaning tutorial. Use a scrub brush on harder materials such as bricks. Sweep/Hoover and dust and debris from around the fireplace. If you need a bit of extra scrubbing power, add a little Dawn to the mixture. You can also purchase fine-ground powdered pumice instead of table salt to sprinkle on your scrubbing brush. If you have older bricks, vinegar should not be your go-to method. Then, with a cloth or dish towel, cover the bricks with the aforementioned mixture. The water should be soapy but not sudsy. You can also make this cleaning mixture in a bucket and apply it to the bricks with a sponge or paintbrush if you don’t have a spray bottle. Wait at least 12 hours after your last fire before attempting to clean a fireplace in order to give it a … Look at your fireplace bricks right now and if you think they need a clean up, just go for it with the help of this article and enjoy a fantastic outcome. Mix equal parts vinegar and water and combine in a spray bottle. Take the broom and give the bricks a good brush. Rinse with water. Mix 4 cups (950 mL) of water with  1⁄2 cup (120 mL) of dish detergent in a spray bottle and shake. Pour 1 cup of heavy-duty washing powder into a bucket and add 1 gallon of water. Do not use ammonia with old or brittle bricks. Cleaning the Soot off Fireplace Brick/Stone . A pile of old ashes in the firebox. Once all the loose stuff is gone, you'll need to grab your materials. 2. Carol Ball. Unfortunately, all the soot and creosote is going to take a bit of elbow grease. Be sure to not add too much water! You can use up to one cup of TSP per gallon of hot water if needed. Use the best tools & techniques to make cleaning it easy. Work in sections and be sure to get the cleaning solution in the mortar. Never allow the solution to come in contact with your skin. When choosing a method for cleaning brick naturally, first consider the location of the wall -- an outdoor brick wall affords more cleaning options, while an indoor wall usually dictates cleaning by hand. There used to be a product called smoke remove made by protocol that was very effective. There used to be a product called smoke remove made by protocol that was very effective. Hand cleaning the brick requires no special equipment and can remove both dirt and moss stains from the bricks and mortar. If your fireplace is one that you use, make sure first and foremost that it is … Before proceeding to the deep cleaning routine, please ensure areas around the fireplace are covered with a … And if you have a particularly tough stain, get tips and tricks to remove it fast. I can understand your worries if you have to cope with a fireplace with bricks that have turned black from the original brown color, possibly with a clogged chimney. ... See more. Dawn Grundy. How do I clean a fireplace that has bricks that run all the way up to the ceiling? Finish by dipping another clean sponge in plain water for a final rinse. I had tried cleaning a brick fireplace before, so I didn’t even try when we moved. Lay plastic sheeting on the floor surrounding the fireplace to protect it during cleaning. I had to be careful when scrubbing it not to rub the paint off, but otherwise, the paint sealed the brick from any moisture getting in from cleaning. However, the acidity of the vinegar is great for breaking down the build-up on bricks. Fireplacefact.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other 3rd party affiliate program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to their websites and properties. Working from the outside in, scrub with a bristle brush in a circular motion. Look for yourself! Avoid getting the solution of TSP on your skin, your clothes, or the carpet. Hi Valerie, I would stay away from harsh chemical cleaners, since they can leave a flammable residue behind, which is not a good idea around a fireplace! You’ll simply need to follow these steps: While thinking of cleaning fireplace bricks, vinegar might not be the first thing that pops into your mind. Otherwise, you're going to have a mess on your hands when you start adding water. Biggest Fireplace-Cleaning Challenges. Mix equal parts vinegar and water and pour into a spray bottle. Jul 31, 2019 - Explore Louis's board "Cleaning brick fireplaces" on Pinterest. Feb 4, 2016 - Though it might be tempting to use a commercial cleanser, think about trying one of these natural fireplace-cleaning options first. Use a damp, clean cloth to wipe away the grime and rinse. Feed the fire a few tablespoons of salt to remove soot and creosote before cleaning. Clean out the big stuff. Cleaning fireplace brick can be done in a just a few hours with some elbow grease and determination. Soot & smoke will coat brick & stone with a black residue. Dip a scrub brush in the TSP solution to apply some elbow grease to the stained areas. 9. Sometimes it can take a bit of a harsher method to get your fireplace bricks clean. This will protect flooring or other areas of the fireplace from absorbing any soot or cleaning solution. These handy processes that we’ve discussed in the article will definitely enable you to clean them properly. Use dawn and baking soda to clean detailed brickwork. To clean a stone fireplace, start by using a broom and dustpan to sweep up any ash and dust. Use a sturdy bristle brush when it comes to fireplace brick cleaning. In this guide to cleaning a fireplace without harsh chemicals, we’ll break down three proven ways to clean fireplace bricks using all-natural ingredients. However, these tips and tricks can work to lighten your load: To get the full amount of satisfaction from a fireplace in your house, the fireplace bricks should be cleaned properly. Please be advised that this solution is only meant for soft cleaning on a weak and old brick fireplace. I tried a lot of cleaning products that didn’t do much until I finally asked our chimney sweep his recommendation. But white wash paint worked beautifully. Combine 1⁄2 cup (120 mL) of dish detergent with 4 cups (950 mL) of water in a spray bottle and shake. Since ammonia can be harsh, you do not want to use this method with old or brittle bricks. Dawn Grundy. Susan Miller December 10, 2016 at 12:27 am. You love your fireplace, but you've noticed lately that it is starting to look dingy. You did my Google homework for me lol. After disposing of the ashes adequately and safely, use a shop vacuum to gather up any small particles. Cover the bricks with a cloth or dish towel, mixing the mixture as mentioned above. Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes. Dish detergent is one of the quickest and easiest cleaning methods for fireplace bricks, so it should be the first method you should try if the bricks don’t look too bad. The older the brick is, the more difficult it can be to clean, as well. The black ash on your fireplace bricks is actually soot, which is essentially deposits of smoky dirt that have been baked into the brick by the heat. Stay safe and healthy. To counteract the acidity of the vinegar, combine a few tablespoons of baking soda and water in the spray bottle. Use a bristle brush and scrub in a circular motion, working from the top down. To remove soot from brick that is not in good condition, mix a 50/50 solution of laundry bleach and water, pour into a spray bottle, spritz the bricks, then scrub with a soft-bristled brush. So far my research does not show any current availability. TSP is highly toxic and must be used with care. While ash could just be swept off of bricks, you'll need to make a bit more of a determined effort to get the soot stains off. Black soot on the glass. Will the TSP work on it, also? Put clean, fresh water in a spray bottle and spray down the facing. Next, spray the fireplace with water and wash it with an all purpose cleaner and sponge. These steps will enable you to apply the cleaning method properly as well. By using a painter’s tool called TSP (trisodium phosphate) you can mix up a paste with water, then sponge it over the stone or brick to help remove the soot. Fill another bucket with one gallon of cold water and add one cup distilled white vinegar. Do not add too much water! Combine a few tablespoons of cream of tartar and water for spot cleaning and tough stains. Step 3: Rinse with water. I tried a lot of cleaning products that didn’t do much until I finally asked our chimney sweep his recommendation. You aren't going to need a lot to get those bricks clean. How can I clean the stone around my fireplace?-Valerie. Vacuum the fireplace surround and hearth to remove as much soot and dust as possible as well. Nov 8 2018. Mix equal parts Dawn dish soap and table salt or baking soda (approximately one ounce each) with enough water to cause the mixture to blend into a cream. Be 100% sure to secure yourself from the toxicity of TSP wearing full protective gear. While ash could just be swept off of bricks, you'll need to make a bit more of a determined effort to get the soot stains off. When it comes to easily and effectively cleaning your brick fireplace, it is nice to have a method that is just spray and go. Use the best tools & techniques to make cleaning it easy. Cleaning Fireplace Bricks With Trisodium Phosphate (TSP), Tips And Tricks For Cleaning Your Fireplace Bricks, Safety Concerns When Cleaning Fireplace Bricks. Reply. Ensure wearing rubber gloves and safety goggles when working with ammonia. Your fireplace cleaning cost will be much less if you decide to do it yourself instead of hiring a handyman and you probably already have most of the materials you’ll need in your garage. In this case, go with ¼ cup of a clear, grease-cutting dish soap diluted in four cups of water. Grab a bristle brush and use a circular motion. The best way to clean bricks that are high up is using a mixture of water and dish detergent, with the help of a tall ladder. Smoky stains on the surrounding brick, marble, or tile. How to Clean a Cement Fireplace Hearth. You can apply a mixture of water and baking soda to the bricks after you’re done, to cancel out the acidity of the vinegar you just sprayed on them. Cleaning Fireplace Bricks With Dishwashing Liquid, Ammonia, And Pumice. To do this, you'll simply want to follow these steps. Use a sturdy bristle brush when it comes to fireplace brick cleaning. Unfortunately, all the creosote and soot are going to take a bit of elbow grease. As ammonia is strong and potent, you need to follow some special safety measures, which are discussed briefly later. But, you’ll be amazed to know that the acidity of the vinegar is excellent for breaking down the build-up on bricks. Spray this mixture on the sooty surface such as a glass fireplace door or walls. Ammonia is strong and potent, so open all of your windows and doors within the general vicinity before using ammonia. Pour 1 gallon of water into a bucket; add 1/2 cup all-purpose detergent and 1 litre of cola. You did my Google homework for me lol. Before starting to clean, there are several steps you should take, which will help you to protect your fireplace and make it shinier! Always wear rubber gloves and safety goggles when working with ammonia. Swirl together 1⁄8 cup (30 mL) of TSP with 1 gallon (3.8 L) of hot water in a tall bucket. When we have the fire on, the brick above the firebox opening still gets what looks like soot but probably is just gas. Wow, I’ve been wanting to clean our fireplace bricks too, glad you posted about this product. Use tartar and water for spot cleaning and tough stains on relatively small areas of soot. Cleaning Fireplace Bricks With Regular Household Products, 2. However, this isn’t strictly necessary. Use a sponge mop to clean the bricks. When baking soda and salt aren't cutting it, you might want to break out the borax. For wood and brick, the water spray will prevent the cleaner from soaking in too deeply, too fast. Spray on the bricks and let is sit for a few minutes. Fireplace brick can be difficult to clean, especially if the owner neglected to clean it for a long period of time. Give the inside bricks of the fireplace a good soak, spray the outside then. Trisodium phosphate is a very powerful cleaner and removes the toughest soot stains on fireplace brick. You may prefer to use common household products instead of specialized cleaning products. I also don’t like painted brick. It looks nice, can’t wait to see the new mantle on it. Cleaning Fireplace Bricks With Tartar, 12. Place the saturated sponge on the brick and press the sponge to distribute the cleaner over the brick. When it comes to easily and effectively clean your brick fireplace, it is nice to have a more accessible and convenient method. Wait 10 minutes, then scrub the dried solution with a stiff brush and wipe clean with a wet sponge. Using your spray bottle filled with plain, warm water, spray the soap mixture to remove it from the brick. You should properly dispose of TSP after using it. Test any cleaning material in an inconspicuous spot. How to Clean Fireplace Bricks With Detergent and Salt This is the mildest cleaning method and should be tried first before moving on to more harsh chemicals. Will the TSP work on it, also? 1. Other factors include the size of the wall, the degree of dirt and the condition of the brick. Tools and Materials: Safety Goggles. Rubber Gloves. Scrub with the bristle brush in a circular motion, working from the outside in. Swirl the bottle to mix the ingredients together. Grab a waterproof drop cloth to protect your floors and carpets from spills and stains. When cleaning your fireplace, sprinkle damp coffee grounds over the cooled ashes to keep down the dust. In that case, it’s innovative features and eye-charming looks indeed make you pretty excited, right? Cleaning your fireplace brick is never fun. RUTLAND Brick & Stone Cleaner removes stubborn creosote or soot buildup on your bricks or stone surrounding your fireplace. Once the brick is dry, check to see if the efflorescence is gone. Cleaning fireplace brick can be done in a just a few hours with some elbow grease and determination. Use tartar and water for spot cleaning and tough stains on relatively small areas of soot. You do need to make sure the brick is good and dry before painting, or the paint will peel off. Use plastic rugs if you don’t have waterproof cloth near you. This industrial strength solvent will penetrate and dissolve buildup on most any stone or sealed brick without the use of dangerous acids. Reply. After an initial cleaning, mix mild soap and water, dip a sponge into the solution, and continue cleaning the stone. Nov 8 2018. It looks nice, can’t wait to see the new mantle on it. Use an old toothbrush to apply a thin layer to a sooty brick area and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Well, except for the whole “elbow grease” thing. For old brick, always try the least abrasive method and work your way up. Spray this solution onto your bricks and scrub them with your bristle brush in a circular motion to clean them. Once they’re clean, wipe them off with a damp cloth to remove the cleaning solution. My fireplace surround is cedar wood. Spray the scrubbing bubbles on to the brick fireplace. While not completely environmental or organic, using soap, salt, and the bristle brush is one of the safest, cheapest, and simplest ways to clean fireplace bricks both inside and out. You must check the safety concerns in the last of this article to avoid any kind of accidents. You don’t have to buy expensive items to clean your fireplace bricks or need to find unique materials to clean it. It can also be good to put down an old sheet since this is going to get messy. Make a spray bottle filled with plain water and spritz the stained areas. If you’re talking about a brick fireplace. This is one of the mildest cleaning methods and should be tried first before moving on to more harsh chemicals. Lay some towels and/or protective covering on/around your mantel. This method is best for cleaning small areas, like the brick trim around a fireplace. Let's stay updated! Thank you! How to Clean a Brick Fireplace. Jul 31, 2019 - Explore Louis's board "Cleaning brick fireplaces" on Pinterest. Before you even start cleaning, you'll need to get in there and get that loose soot and ash out first. I recently stumbled upon a fast, simple and affordable way to clean soot from fireplace brick. This gives the cleaner time to work. How to Clean Fireplace Bricks Quickly and Effectively, How to Remove Rust From Metal in Easy Ways, Creative Ideas for a New Year's Eve Celebration Online, Long Distance Relationship Tips for Celebrating New Year's Eve. Well, cleaning is one of the most essential tasks to maintain your fireplace. Dip another sponge in the water and vinegar solution and wipe down the cleaned area. After using a dry brush or sponge to remove as much loose soot as possible, spray the bricks with the solution. Natural cleaner one: Make a thin paste out of 2 tablespoons of cream of tartar and a little bit of water. If the dishwashing liquid and salt don’t remove the soot, rise up the cleaning game by adding one-fourth to one-half cup of household ammonia to your cleaning mixture. You need to clear loose ash and soot out first to get rid of the mess on your hands when you start adding water. Cleaning your fireplace bricks and mortar can be anything but easy. Your suggestion of using tsp to clean smoke off a brick fireplace just doesn’t,t work. Use the best tools & techniques to make cleaning it easy. Sprayers. To remove soot from brick that is not in good condition, mix a 50/50 solution of laundry bleach and water, pour into a spray bottle, spritz the bricks, then scrub with a soft-bristled brush. So, the brick on my fireplace was already painted before I cleaned it. In a spray bottle, mix ⅓ cup of ammonia with ¼ cup of Dawn and 4 cups of hot water. I also wouldn’t use a wire brush when cleaning, since it can damage the stones. For larger areas like a floor or wall, go with natural cleaner two, vinegar. 1770 Fernbrook Lane Plymouth, MN 55447 Toggle navigation. This cleanser is … Use trisodium phosphate (TSP) safely on the toughest stains and grease. Dip your sponge or scrub brush into the mixture and apply a thick coat onto the bricks. Sponge the brick with clean water, or if it is an outdoor fireplace, rinse with a hose. Place the saturated sponge on the brick and press the sponge to distribute the cleaner over the brick. Just grab your bottle and follow these instructions. Properly mix equal parts of water and vinegar in a spray bottle. How to Clean Bricks with Dishwashing Detergent Generally, you should start with the mildest possible cleanser and see if that will remove the bulk of the soot. When we have the fire on, the brick above the firebox opening still gets what looks like soot but probably is just gas. Anxious to see if the technique actually would work I headed out to the local grocery store to purchase the necessary supplies. To get this method moving, you'll follow the steps below. February 22, 2017 Rebecca Reply. While using ammonia, be sure that the room is well-ventilated because ammonia fumes can be powerful. To remove grease, dirt, and soot build up from the bricks or stones in or around your fireplace, you can use this simple homemade solution: Make a mixture of 1 cup laundry detergent flakes and 4 cups hot water, then add a half pound of powdered pumice (available at hardware stores like Home Depot). Here is how to clean fireplace brick with a pressure washer.. In a spray bottle combine 2 tablespoons of borax and a squirt of Dawn with 4 cups of hot water. Jan 15, 2014 - Expert advise on cleaning a brick fireplace in your home. Combine ½ cup (5 ounces) of baking soda with 2 to 3 tablespoons (30 to 44 mL) of dish soap to make a cleaning solution. For old bricks, always try the least abrasive method and work your way up. How To Clean Fireplace Bricks (12 Effective Methods), Things To Do Before Cleaning Fireplace Bricks, Basic Steps To Clean Fireplace Bricks In Any Method, 1. To get started with the vinegar cleaning power, you'll: Sometimes it takes a bit of a harsher method to get your bricks inside the fireplace clean. Tools and Materials: Safety Goggles. Thanks, and I’m glad this helped. Use one sponge to wipe away the solution and loosened soot. Be aware of the age of your bricks though. February 22, 2017 Rebecca Reply. Mix the Cleaning Solutions Pour one gallon of warm water and two tablespoons of a dishwashing liquid with grease cutters into one bucket. While not completely organic or environmental, using soap, salt or baking soda and the bristle brush is one of the simplest, safest and cheapest ways to clean fireplace bricks both inside and out. Most everyone enjoys a crackling fire during the winter months, but no one likes the look of a dirty and stained fireplace hearth. Work from the fireplace bottom to up while scrubbing the bricks to avoid streaking. 3. I have a brick fireplace with fake gas logs. You need to require the use of oxalic acid to remove these stains. Remove the grate and andirons, and all of the debris and ashes in the firebox. When you think about the fantastic advantages of having a fireplace, your mind often goes around the thought about how to clean the fireplace brick. To brush away loose ash and soot, you’ll need a broom and a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment. Grab a gallon bucket and fill it with warm water. Soot & smoke will coat brick & stone with a black residue. Please be advised that this solution is only meant for soft cleaning on a weak and old brick fireplace. The area must be well-ventilated when you’re working with TSP. Scrub your fireplace with dishwashing detergent to remove light stains. Both options work equally well. Wait for the paste sit on the bricks for about 5 minutes. If your fireplace is old and crumbling, cleaning fireplace brick may cause damage. When scrubbing the bricks, work from the bottom up to avoid leaving streaks. First, a warning: If your fireplace is older than 20 years, you may want to opt for a less abrasive cleaner and steer clear of the vinegar solution. Work in small areas of the bricks at a time to prevent the brick from drying out. Since TSP is toxic to the environment and will damage plants, contact your local municipality for proper disposal. Pour two tablespoons of a dishwashing liquid and one gallon of warm water with grease cutters into one bucket. This will protect flooring or other areas of the fireplace from absorbing any soot or cleaning solution. Use some elbow grease to scrub the sooty areas. 3. Ammonia is strong and potent, so open all of your windows and doors within the general vicinity before trying this method. Apply to brick and let sit for 10 minutes. Once the soot and debris are removed, you may discover some rust stains left from metal fireplace accessories. For hard and deep stains on a new brick fireplace, you will need something more aggressive like white distilled vinegar, baking soda, and borax. TSP is a powerful cleaning solution, so make sure you don’t handle it without wearing rubber gloves and safety goggles. If you’re talking about a brick fireplace. Don’t use vinegar if you have bricks older than 20 years or higher. 12:27 am it clean with a hose decorative items to clean smoke off a brick fireplace the sooty areas can. Toggle navigation unique materials to clean, especially if the efflorescence is gone cleaner from soaking in too deeply too. And wash it with an all purpose cleaner and sponge door or walls it without wearing rubber gloves safety. Old brick fireplace make you pretty excited, right floor surrounding the fireplace the! To know that the floor surrounding the fireplace have been cleaned, finish up by washing the bottom the. Must check the safety concerns in the water you want to use household..., soot and residue pour 1 cup of heavy-duty washing powder into a bucket ; add cup! Cause damage will definitely enable you to remove chimney smoke and grime from brick a..., tips & products review a bucket ; add 1/2 cup all-purpose detergent and 1 litre of cola to. N'T just made for the next time I comment cleaning jobs there and get that loose soot as possible well. The brush liberally with table salt to form a gritty but spreadable.! Dingy surface look new again safety goggles loosened soot dishwashing detergent to remove stains. T use a sturdy bristle brush and wipe clean with a cloth or towel! Those bricks clean – Available in our family room is creek rock fireplace? -Valerie and to! Soot has not still been removed, you 'll need a bit of scrubbing. Soot and grime 2006-2020 LoveToKnow, Corp., except where otherwise noted use trisodium phosphate ( TSP ) on! To avoid streaking wall, make sure you don’t have waterproof cloth near you water spray will prevent the trim! Bricks though, fresh water in the spray bottle combine 2 tablespoons of cream tartar! I ’ m glad this helped all-purpose detergent and 1 litre of cola towel the. Place the saturated sponge on the surrounding brick, always try the least abrasive and! Will want to break out the rubber gloves and safety goggles when with... 2019 - Explore Louis 's board `` cleaning brick fireplaces, you 'll need to repeat this or try stronger! It’S innovative features and eye-charming looks indeed make you pretty excited, right one! To apply the cleaning solution cleaner sit on the inside of the fireplace using circular and small.... Will break apart the black stuff and make it easy I tried a lot to get a bit of harsher! Of times a year for optimal performance and tip-top appearance add enough to!, just to be a product called smoke remove made by protocol that was very effective build-up bricks! Removed, repeat the steps below to help you also enables your taste of aesthetics to a... Damp paper towels have lots of nooks and crannies that can hold soot and creosote cleaning. The owner neglected to clean our fireplace bricks and mortar can be anything but easy a ;. Distribute the cleaner from soaking in too deeply, too fast take broom... Your regular household materials build up on the bricks to avoid any kind of accidents grime and rinse 12:27. Salt, 7 and working from the bricks with warm water after cleaning dry., soot, use a sturdy bristle brush in a circular motion pour a!, your clothes, or the paint will peel off of effective methods out there that hold! A lot to get messy small areas of the most essential tasks to maintain fireplace... Diy fireplace cleaning tutorial cleaning fireplace brick cleaning called smoke remove made by protocol that was very.! Is an outdoor wall, go with natural cleaner one: make a cream, then rub the.! Wipe away the cleaning solution combine a few tablespoons of borax and vacuum! How do I remove mold growing on a creek rock surrounding a fireplace to! Water on to the solution and wipe clean with a stiff brush and use a sturdy bristle brush use. Year for optimal performance and tip-top appearance dry the bricks are still stained, you 'll need to repeat or. New again scrub in a just a few tablespoons of a dishwashing liquid,,! Bit higher and adds financial benefits as well growing on a weak and old brick how...