How to Clean a Cast Stone Mantel

For Light and Seasonal Cleaning

• 1

  Remove dirt and dust from the mantel with a vacuum and soft brush attachment.

• 2

  Put on a pair of cleaning gloves.

• 3

  Dilute a phosphoric acid-based masonry cleaner with water according to the label instructions. Make sure that you follow the dilution instructions carefully.

• 4

  Scrub the mantel with a masonry scrub brush that is generously moistened with the masonry cleaner, then rinse with a clean cloth moistened with clean water.

• 5

  Check the cast stone mantel for any stains or crystalline spots. If you notice any, you will have to clean them with the strong chemical, muriatic acid, following the method found in Section 2.

For Very Soiled and Stained Mantels

• 6

  Put on acid resistant coveralls, gloves and boots, which you can purchase at many hardware stores. You should also wear a respirator mask and protective eyewear. Also, open as many doors and windows in the room as possible to increase ventilation.

• 7

  Fill a bucket with 1 gallon of room temperature water, then add 1 cup of muriatic acid to the water. Be very cautious as you add the acid and mix it into the water so that the acid does not splash or get onto your clothes.

• 8

  Wet the mantel with cold, clean water.

• 9

  Dip a masonry brush that has a long handle into the mixture, then very carefully scrub the mantel. Leave the acid mixture on the mantel for five minutes before you rinse it off with a second, clean scrub brush and clean water.

• 10

  Fill a spray bottle with one part household ammonia and four parts water. Then spray the mixture onto the mantel to neutralize any remaining muriatic acid.