Cleaning bricks?

Question

my fire place has not been cleaned on the outside in 10 years should i paint it or clean it(id rather clean it)it has black fire burns on it,what kind of paint do i use?thanks!

Answer 1

I had the same problem.  I bought cascade, not the one with bleach, not the regular, but the other one.  I poured some, about 1/2 cup in a plastic container, and added very hot water.  I waited overnight, then the next day, I poured the liquid through a strainer, into a spray bottle, and topped it off with hot water.  Then I got into the fireplace, and sprayed away.  In 2 hours all the black was gone and it was sort of a milky white color. I sprayed it again, and when it was dry, I got the broom, and swept the film off.  My bricks are that yellow firebrick. Now they are again.  You might want to add, some ebsom salts too.  Did you know in that fire log they sell that is suppose to clean your flue is ebsom salts.  I guess it drys out the creasote.  I wrapped some in newspaper and burnt it.  It turned all like papery and floated down into the fireplace.  I looked up there and no fuzzy black stuff anymore.  Hope this helps.

Answer 2

To clean:  Get the foaming bathroom cleaner, and a scrub brush.  Spray the cleaner on the bricks and let it sit for 20 minutes.  Scrub, rinse, and repeat as much as necessary until it comes clean.

Answer 3

You can clean it with hot soapy, Clorox water add a little vinegar.

Answer 4

go hire a  power washer ...... for around $65 a day you can do this ....

  however becareful not to take out all the  cement joints

            if you do  you will have ot repoint them  before you paint ...

       use a primer then use latex paint ....... two coats

Answer 5

Magic eraser will work!