Renovating an Antique Center Chimney Fireplace

Inspect the fireplace for any signs of visible damage. Try to determine if the fireplace is in working condition. If the fireplace has not been used in some time, it is wise to engage the services of a professional chimney sweep or fireplace cleaning service to clean the chimney and inspect the flue and stovepipe. Replace or repair any structural damage to the fireplace before proceeding with cosmetic restoration.

Dust the bricks or stones on your antique fireplace. Use a feather duster or a vacuum cleaner with a hose and brush attachment. Clean and polish the marble mantle with marble polish. If marble is deeply scratched or stained, engage the services of a professional marble polisher to remove years of wear, nicks and abuse. Professionally polished, marble looks like new. Cover the mantle with a plastic dropcloth to protect the marble surface while you are cleaning the bricks or stone of the chimney.

Remove all items in close proximity to the fireplace such as furniture, rugs, wood box or decorator items. You want a clean, open area in which to work. Spread painter's dropcloths around the base of the fireplace to catch spills, debris or drips as you clean the bricks or stones.

Use a fireplace bucket and shovel to remove ashes from the firebox. Vacuum out remaining ash. Inspect the fire bricks for damage. Replace cracked or missing fire bricks. Inspect the grate and repair or replace as needed.

Remove decades of soot, dirt and grime from the surface of the stones or bricks, scrubbing them down with a soft brush. Using a 5-gallon bucket, mix 3 gallons of hot water, 1 cup of grease-cutting detergent and 2 cups of distilled white vinegar. Use a ladder or scaffolding to start at the top of the chimney and work down. Wearing rubber gloves, scrub the surface texture with the soap solution. Wipe off with an old towel dipped in plain water. Blot dry with additional old towels.

Use metal polish and an old, soft toothbrush to scrub vents, screens, oven hinges or any other ornamental metal work on the fireplace or chimney. Polish with a soft rag. If your center chimney fireplace is missing hardware or fire bricks, you can purchase replacement parts online form companies specializing in antique fireplace restoration.