How to Clean Soot in a Flagstone Fireplace

Flagstone is a natural sandstone commonly used to make fireplaces, patios and walkways. Soot and ash can build up in your flagstone fireplace and ruin its appearance. Soot spreads when cleaned with water, so vacuum up most of it before washing the flagstone. Mild detergent or stone cleaner removes the remaining soot and ash without harming the stone. Clean your flagstone fireplace regularly to keep it looking its best.

Wet/dry vacuum
Cloths
2 buckets
Natural stone cleaner
Dish detergent
Soft-bristled scrub brush
Towel

Instructions

- 1
  Remove any grates or wood from the fireplace and set them aside.
- 2
  Vacuum the stone fireplace with a wet/dry vacuum to remove any ashes from the walls and base.
- 3
  Dampen a cloth with warm water and wring it out.
- 4
  Wipe the stone fireplace with the cloth to remove soot and ash not cleaned away with the vacuum.
- 5
  Fill a bucket with 1 gallon of warm water and add 3 tsp. of dish detergent or natural stone cleaner according the to the manufacturer's instructions. Fill another bucket with clean water.
- 6
  Dip a soft-bristled scrub brush into the soapy water and scrub the flagstone fireplace to remove all traces of soot. Clean one area at a time and rinse with a cloth dipped in the bucket of clean water.
- 7
  Wipe the stone fireplace with a towel to remove any excess water.

How to Get Soap Scum Off Porcelain

How to Delime a Hot Water Pot

House Cleaning