A few weeks ago we mentioned that despite our name flooring isn't the only home improvement project that Floor It Grand Rapids loves to take on. We also install showers, backsplash, and yes, beautiful, cozy fireplace exteriors. For obvious reasons, it is important that we address the last item on the list this time of year. With winter in full-force people are making good use of their fireplaces, but they can be dangerous if not properly handled. So, today we're going to focus on how to correctly clean yours so that it can be used safely.
Step 1: Let it Cool
You'll have to wait 24 hours after your last fire in order for everything to cool down enough to clean.
Step 2: Cover Your Bases
Before you do anything, go out and buy yourself some safety goggles, gloves, face mask, old clothes, kneeling pad, trash bag and a plastic tarp to protect your carpet. Cleaning a fireplace gets messy real quickly.
Fireplace Hack: You can minimize the mess and your chances of inhaling any ashes by covering them with coffee grounds first.
Step 3: Sweep Up, Scrub Down
Use a fireplace brush to police up the walls and base of your fireplace. Sweep the debris into a dustpan and get rid of it!
Once you're done, use a nylon brush to scrub the walls from the top to the bottom.
Step 4: Make Your Mantle Sparkle
A fireplace mantle can be made of a few different kinds of material, but most can be cleaned by spraying a bit of water onto the surface and wiping it clean with a cloth or scrub brush. Follow up with some mantle cleaner for a beautiful, clean look.
Step 5: Take Care of the Little Details
You'll want to make sure that the grates in your fireplace and the tools used to clean the fireplace look good too, right? You have two options here. For a quick clean, simply spray some mantle cleaner on both and wipe them down with a paper towel. If you're looking for a more thorough job, take both outside and scrub them with a nylon brush before rinsing them with water. Get an extra gleam with some metal cleaner. Good as new!
That's it! Now you can enjoy a toasty fire, some hot chocolate, and a good book as you wind down for the holidays!
Merry Christmas, everyone!