I have started narrowing down DIY projects around the house as there are many projects going on where professionals are needed, so I figured I would start tackling jobs around the house which I can handle myself. The first DIY job on the (what seems to be a never ending) “to do” list, was to remove build-up soot on the stone fireplace. I noticed in the real estate photos and during inspection this needed to be done, so I researched cleaning products early on that were non-toxic and effective which lead me to Quick 'n Brite.

The fireplace is a two-sided/see-through fieldstone, which is hands-down one of my favorite things about the house. One modification that was made was removing a pellet stove insert on the side facing the living room as I felt it took away from the beauty of the fireplace altogether. The duct insert/liner in our chimney remained untouched for the time being (which you can see coming down the center); however, this will be removed before temperatures call for a real wood burning fires (bring it on Winter!)

With the following product list (and some good ol’ fashioned elbow grease) I was able to successfully remove the soot for a “good as new” look:

Quick 'n Brite Paste
Plastic Measuring Cup (Dollar Store)
Spray Bottle (Dollar Store)
Rubber Gloves (Dollar Store)
Large Scrub Brush (Dollar Store)
Old Toothbrush
White Rag/Cloth
Paper Towels (Dollar Store)

My Process:
1 Use a large plastic measuring cup to mix the Quick 'n Brite paste with the hot water as directed, to melt the paste
2 Pour the mixture into the spray bottle
3 Wear rubber gloves to protect hands from soot
4 Spray the mixture onto the surfaces and let sit for 1 minute
5 Use a hand scrub brush for an 'all over' clean and a toothbrush to get in between the stones
6 Add fresh hot water to the measuring cup to clean off the brushes as you go
7 Use paper towels to get most of the water + soot off and use the white rag to blot dry

*This is a repetitive process and takes several trips to the sink for clean water refills