How to Clean a Stone Fireplace

Now that fall has arrived, there’s no better time to fire up a stone fireplace! Hot cocoa, cozy sweaters, and a good fire are all you need this season. But to keep the good times rolling, you need to make sure that your fireplace is free from grime and in good working order after every cozy session. That’s why this guide is full of tips on how to easily perform fireplace maintenance and clean your stone fireplace, including how to clean soot off the stone fireplace and away from your carpet, and how to get stains out of the stone fireplace.

Importance of Cleaning a Stone Fireplace

Whether or not you have a darker stone on your fireplace and stains aren’t as noticeable, it’s still important to regularly clean your fireplace. It’s one of the first things you are drawn to when moving into a new place or prioritizing while you design the layout of your living room. Buildup of creosote, a residue that comes from burning wood or fossil fuels, can make your place more susceptible to fires. Creosote can cake up the inside of your chimney in a tar-like way and is highly combustible and needs to be removed.

How to Clean a Stone Fireplace in 6 Steps

Now that we’re aware of the dangers of not cleaning a stone fireplace, let’s dive into the helpful tips for how to clean a stone fireplace.

1. Allow the Stone Fireplace to Cool

Let your fireplace cool down at least 12 hours before you begin cleaning.

2. Remove the Ashes

If you consistently use your fireplace, it’s important to remove the ashes and any burned debris weekly. Sweep up the ashes into a pile and then either put a rag into a vinegar and water mixture to clean or sprinkle wet coffee grounds on top of the ashes before removing so they don’t fly away.

3. Apply Stone Hearth Cleaner

Natural stone for fireplaces can be super durable like granite or super porous like limestone. Regardless, you can clean both versions of stone with Quick’n Brite Fireplace Brick & Stone Cleaner Gel and a rag.

4. Brush with Cleaning Solution

Use your Quick’n Brite Fireplace Brick & Stone Cleaner Gel, or hot water and soap, and wet down the area. Then lightly scrub it with the included brush to clean your stone fireplace.

5. Stone Sanding

If you’re wondering how to get stains out of a stone fireplace, you can try sanding the stain away. A stained stone fireplace can be frustrating but using fine to medium-grit sandpaper, and a vacuum cleaner to clean up any mess, is the way to go.

6. Clean and Wipe

Use your cleaning solution to thoroughly clean up and wipe away any soot, stains, or mess left behind. Take a sponge or mop if needed to make that stone fireplace sparkle!

How to Clean a Stone Fireplace Mantel

Stone may seem like one of the top toughest materials out there, but if the wrong type of cleansers are used, it can actually be weakened over time due to its porous surface. You’ll want to leave your fireplace cleaner than you found it, especially if you plan on moving out one day. The key to a proper stone fireplace cleaner is to keep it simple. Anything strong shouldn’t be used—we want to clean the stone, not strip away what makes it beautiful!

To clean a stone fireplace mantel and ensure proper fireplace maintenance, you’ll want to spread a generous layer of Quick ’n Brite Fireplace Brick & Stone Cleaner Gel  over the brick or stone area you wish to clean. For areas with deep-set stains or heavy buildup, a brush can help work the gel deeper into the surface.
For tougher stained stone fireplace mantels, use the Quick 'n Brite paste directly on the surface.

Hot tip: Use an old toothbrush to get into any nooks and crannies! Once done, soak off the cleaning solution with warm water. Now you have a sparkling stone fireplace mantel that’s perfect for adding eye-catching home decor to—like, say an awesomely mounted flatscreen TV.

How to Get Stains Out of a Stone Fireplace

Smoke and Fire Stains

Smoke, fire stains, and grime are the most common types of stains and will look black and sooty. For general cleaning, you can take 1 tablespoon of dish soap to 4 cups of hot water and scrub away the stains.

Soot Stains

Soot comes down from the chimney and can leave these common stains behind. How to clean soot off a stone fireplace starts with using a fireplace stone cleaner and wiping it down with a cloth.

Moisture Stains

Moisture can come from the floor, chimneys can leak, and puddles can form near outdoor fireplaces. Depending on the amount, you can use a mop or rag and wipe down the stains with warm water and soap mixture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get quick answers to common questions about cleaning a stone fireplace.

How often should I clean my stone fireplace?

It's recommended to clean your stone fireplace at least once a month during the burning season to prevent creosote buildup and maintain its appearance, as well as to ensure regular fireplace maintenance.

What is the best cleaner for a stone fireplace?

Quick’n Brite Fireplace Brick & Stone Cleaner Gel or a mixture of water and liquid dishwashing detergent works well for most stone fireplaces.

How do I remove soot stains from my stone fireplace?

Use Quick’n Brite Fireplace Brick & Stone Cleaner Gel and a cloth to wipe down soot stains, or mix 1 tablespoon of dish soap with 4 cups of hot water for general cleaning.

How do I clean a stone fireplace mantel?

Use Quick ’n Brite Fireplace Brick & Stone Cleaner Gel for regular cleaning, and use Quick’n Brite paste full strength for tougher stains.

What should I do if my stone fireplace has moisture stains?

Wipe down moisture stains with a warm water and soap mixture using a mop or rag, depending on the extent of the staining.

How much does it cost to hire a professional to clean a fireplace?

The national average cost for a chimney sweep is around $252, with prices ranging from $130 to $375 depending on the service and location.