Winters in Ohio can get bitterly cold, and having a fireplace is a great way to provide additional heat to your home. It also creates a warming atmosphere that makes your house feel so cozy and welcoming. All of that can be ruined if your fireplace is looking a little grimy. You know how important it is to clean the chimney, fireplace insert and the hearth, but did you know it’s just as critical to clean the tile surrounding the fireplace? Here are a few tips on how to clean and maintain your tile fireplace.
Why Do You Need to Clean the Fireplace?
Although most people are diligent about sweeping up scattered ashes in and around their fireplace, you also need to remove both the visible and unseen debris. When creosote (a black, sticky film of smoke residue) builds up inside the chimney, on the hearth and the surrounding tile, it can ignite and cause a fire.
How to Scrub those Tiles
Stains from smoke and soot are a common problem on a tile fireplace, especially the tile surrounding a wood burning fireplace. The good news is you can clean the smoke from grout and tile with dish soap (like Dawn®). We also sell specially made solutions to safely remove residue without etching or stripping the sealer.
What you’ll need:
- Vacuum cleaner
- Dishwashing liquid
- Small bucket
- Scrub brush
- Sponge
- Spray bottle
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Soft cloths
- Old toothbrush
Instructions:
Cleaning Grout
- In a bucket, mix equal parts of water and hydrogen peroxide.
- Use the toothbrush to apply the solution to the grout. Lightly scrub the grout until the stains disappear.
- Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away the cleaning solution and the dirt.
Stone or Porous Tile
- Use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and debris from the tile.
- Add ¼ cup of dish soap to the spray bottle and fill to the top with warm water.
- Lightly spray the solution on the tiles and use a wet scrub brush to scrub away the dirt. Just be gentle.
- Use a damp sponge to wipe away the cleaning solution, dirt and soot.
Marble or Ceramic Tile
- Use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and debris from the surrounding tile.
- Mix three or four drops of dishwashing liquid to a bucket of warm water.
- Use a soft cloth and the cleaning solution to clean the tile by working in small sections at a time.
- Rinse the tile with clean water and a soft cloth.
- Polish dry with a soft cloth to prevent water spots.
If you only use your fireplace periodically, you will only need to clean the surrounding tile once per year. But if you frequently burn wood, you should clean the surrounding tile at least two to three times each year. To ensure fireplace and chimney safety, it’s also important to have both the fireplace and chimney professionally serviced and cleaned at least once each year.
Whether you are installing a new fireplace, replacing the current tiles on your fireplace or installing tile elsewhere in your home, be sure to visit Mees Distributors, Inc. Our showroom features more than 250 design options for you to see!