Fireplace cleaning methods

[slowrev]

I just removed a fireplace insert from a fireplace in my house. Going to put in some gas logs.
What is the best way to clean up the crud inside the fireplace. It is brick lined. What product or procedure works for you ?

Thanks in advance for your replies.

 

[beenthere]

After a good vacuuming, I would use a muriatic acid solution. Start out weak, and prepare for plenty of mess, and a way to rinse with water and mop up the water. Good luck.
Check into a fireplace dealer and ask, or where you are getting the gas logs.

 

[slowrev]

Sort of figured it would be a messy/stinky rubber gloves type of operation /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif Thanks, Going to check for cleaners at Lowes today.

 

[kensfarm]

I've never tried it.. but I wonder what an oven cleaner product might do?

 

[slowrev]

Oven cleaner might work well, thanks, I had not thought of that. It does make a good paint stripper.

 

[SPIKER]

not sure about the oven cleaner? I would try a SMALL part, up near the top in the top row of bricks... fire bricks are permiable so anything that sprays on them may soak in and cause a possable stink for a while... like someone said ask the gas log seller for sure... also those bricks can break pretty easy after being heated & coole a bunch of times! so be carefull...

MarkM /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

 

[slowrev]

I bought a squirt bottle of fireplace cleaner at Lowes. Works fairly well. A LOT of scrubbing with a brush is involved in the process /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif