When it comes to maintaining fireplace surrounds, people often take it lightly. Generally, the dirt and dust on the surface of the stone fireplaces are not that visible and hence ignored. In comparison to brick fireplaces, granite fireplace surrounds have no visible dust, but that doesn’t mean they are dust-free. Granite and marble fireplace surrounds accumulate dirt on the tiny holes on the fireplace surround mantel. These dirt or dust particles are generally smoke and vapour formation, emitted from the fireplace. These particles if not cleaned on a regular basis, can affect the appearance of the granite and marble fireplaces.
If you do regular maintenance of your stone fireplaces, they will not lose their beauty and shine for years to come. Keep reading this blog to explore various methods of cleaning natural stone fireplaces.
Top 5 Ways to Clean and Maintain Natural Stone Fireplaces
We have suggested some cleaning methods for fireplace surround mantel and fireplace molding to clean the dirt build-up around them. Following these methods, you can keep your granite or marble fireplaces looking beautiful.
1. Ensure Proper Airflow & Residue Removal
It is recommended to have a certain amount of coal and ash accumulation in the wood-burning fireplaces. This helps in the proper burning of wood without any excess smoke formation. Also, don’t forget to ensure that your fireplace is highly ventilated with the right amount of oxygen flow. Always keep a check on residue formation on fireplace surround mantel and fireplace moulding. Try to clean the pile before getting higher than a couple of inches.
2. Do the Preparations before Cleaning the Fireplace Surrounds
Whenever you think of cleaning your stone fireplace, you need to pre-plan it. The planning and preparations are very important before execution. It can be dangerous if you do not prepare yourself and the surroundings before the cleaning. Here are a few check-points to confirm before starting the cleaning process:
- Stop using the fireplace for at least 12 hours before the cleaning process. Let it cool down completely.
- Wear proper clothing (full sleeves) to protect your skin from the ash and residue. Also, don’t forget to wear goggles, gloves and a face mask.
- Use a shovel to remove the excess ash in the fireplace. You can also use other tools like a brush or vacuum cleaner to clean the dirt on the mantel surrounds.
3. Make a Routine to Clean the Fireplace Surrounds
If you use your fireplace frequently, you should clean it regularly on a routine basis to avoid the build-up. For daily removal of dirt, grit and soot, you need a mild cleanser and a cloth to clean the fireplace surround. Now, to make a cleanser, mix a mild detergent in a bucket of lukewarm water. Use a soft cloth or brush to remove the dirt. Follow it with a dry microfibre cloth to remove any moisture. And if you have some stains on the fireplace, you would require a chemical cleanser to get rid of them. But be careful while choosing the cleanser, as a harmful one can ruin the stone’s appearance over time.
4. Deep Clean the Fireplace Before the Season Starts.
Regular cleaning of the fireplace is necessary but make sure to clean it deeply before the start of the season. This way you would be able to prevent tough stains, that are hard to remove. Also, you can take the help of heavy tools for deep cleaning such as a vacuum hose or handheld vacuum to get rid of the buildup. Other cleaning agents like trisodium phosphate powder work as a great degreaser. Make a solution of the powder using hot water and apply it to the surroundings. Let it stay for a few minutes and then scrub it using a a soft brush. Later, air-dry the fireplace properly before igniting it.
5. Seal the Natural Stone Fireplace Once a Year
Natural stones often require sealing once or twice a year to maintain the look and shine of the stone. Granite and marble fireplaces generally get stained and hence lose the shin of the stone. If we seal the stone fireplace at regular intervals, it will keep looking shiny and beautiful. You can consult your fireplace provider for good sealants and cleansers. Remember to first do a spot test on an area to see if any etching or discoloration occurs.
Summary
Marble and granite surrounds for fireplaces are known to be difficult to maintain and care for. But because they are both natural stones, they require maintenance to maintain their sparkling beauty. Additionally, the improper products might dull and harm their appearance. You can make sure your fireplace remains appealing for many years to come by following these guidelines mentioned above.
At Stone Depot USA, we offer a wide range of natural and engineered stone options to offer you the best stone solutions. We have a wide range of color and design options in different materials, such as granite, marble, sandstone, limestone, etc. to customize the product as per your design and color preferences. We supply to wholesalers and retailers all over the world, at the most competitive prices. You can Contact us with your requirements and our team will help you select the best material considering your budget and preferences.
Ms. Bhadauria is a passionate writer specializing in natural stones and home improvement ideas. With a keen eye for design and detail, she crafts engaging content that guides you through transforming your interiors with elegance and practicality. Her expertise spans from exploring the beauty of natural stones to blending aesthetics with functionality in every piece she writes.
