Expert: Bart Ogden - 3/8/2009

Question
QUESTION: how do I remove soot stains from the top front of cultured stone fireplace?

ANSWER: Hi Sue,

First, try a damp sponge.  You'll be amazed how much this will usually take off.

If that still leaves some residue, I recommend Sweeps Secret Hearth & Glass Cleaner.  You can purchase this from almost any CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep.  Many hearth stores also carry this product.  ALWAYS test this on a non-conspicuous spot first to ensure that it will not damage your materials!

You can find a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep at www.csia.org.

Thanks for using AllExperts.Com and good luck with your project.

Sincerely,
A. Bart Ogden, President
Home Safe Hearth & Chimney, Inc.
Wichita, KS
Voice 316-265-9828
Fax 316-265-9890
www.HomeSafeKS.com

CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep #2653
CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician #10
NFI Certified Wood Specialist
NFI Certified Gas Specialist
NFI Certified Pellet Specialist
NFI Master Hearth Professional
NCSG Technical Advisory Council Member

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I am past the point of a stone cleaner, which I've already used, while waiting for my answer I used the cleaner, comet cleanser with a brush, soft scrub and finally brillo pads,  it is a large area as smoke escaped.  It is a light stone, what about bleach?  Help.  Thank you.

Answer
Hi Sue,

If you're to that stage, it's too late.

If it's a light stone, that's going to be very difficult, if not impossible to remove.  I would advise you to not use bleach.

If you've followed my instructions and have had no luck, you may have to replace the stone at this point.

Thanks for using AllExperts.Com and good luck with your project.

Sincerely,
A. Bart Ogden, President
Home Safe Hearth & Chimney, Inc.
Wichita, KS
Voice 316-265-9828
Fax 316-265-9890
www.HomeSafeKS.com

CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep #2653
CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician #10
NFI Certified Wood Specialist
NFI Certified Gas Specialist
NFI Certified Pellet Specialist
NFI Master Hearth Professional
NCSG Technical Advisory Council Member