If your fireplace’s brick facade is covered in soot stains and years of dirt, you probably want to know how to clean it up. Getting rid of discolorations, black marks, and the smoky smell is likely a top priority — but did you know that you can get it done with your typical Scrubbing Bubbles cleaner?
You may reach for the scrubbing bubbles when it is time to clean the tub, but it is also an excellent agent for getting rid of soot. T
he bubbles’ foaminess cuts through the residue on the bricks and is strong enough to get rid of the smoky smell. However, it is mild enough to clean the bricks and grout without discoloration.
Let’s look at how easy it is to clean your brick fireplace with Scrubbing Bubbles and explore exactly why this bathroom cleaner is up to the task.
Ready for our step-by-step process on how to clean a brick fireplace with Scrubbing Bubbles?
Which Scrubbing Bubbles Product Is Best?
The active ingredients in Scrubbing Bubbles include:
- Heida
- Isobutane
- Butoxydiglycol
- Ammonium chloride
- Quaternary
- Citric acid
The combination of ingredients is highly effective at removing dirt and other deposits from the brick surface. Plus, the bottle the cleaner comes in makes for easy application.
So, which Scrubbing Bubbles product is best for cleaning your fireplace?
It mainly comes down to personal preference as the active ingredients are basically the same. You may want to choose a scent you prefer or a bottle shape that makes it easy to apply to your fireplace. However, if we had to narrow it down to a top choice, we’d pick the Scrubbing Bubble Mega Shower Foamer.
This formulation sticks well to the brick surface, and the canister allows for easy application.
Why Are Scrubbing Bubbles Products So Good For Fireplaces?
Foaming bathroom cleaners like Scrubbing Bubbles are meant for nonporous ceramic surfaces. However, this cleansing agent can have many other uses around the home, like removing stains, cleaning blinds, and getting into those crevices that aren’t always easy to reach. In addition, fireplace owners love how these foaming cleansers scrub their brick fireplaces.
The foaming spray targets limescale, soap scum, soot, and other kinds of grime, and it starts working on contact. Scrubbing Bubbles gives a thorough clean without leaving behind harsh smells. Some bottles have adjustable spray nozzles making them even more convenient to use.
Since soot and grime around your fireplace can be difficult to get off, you often want the cleaning agent to sit on the bricks for 15 or 20 minutes. Due to the formulation of Scrubbing Bubbles, it stays on the bricks in a way the non-foaming cleansers just can’t manage. Its staying power means less elbow grease on your part.
How To Clean Your Fireplace With Scrubbing Bubbles
Cleaning your fireplace with Scrubbing Bubbles is fairly simple:
Step 1: Protect the Floor
Before you begin the cleaning process, you want to protect your floors around your hearth. Place towels on the floor underneath where you will be applying the Scrubbing Bubbles. The towels will absorb any product that drips and any soot that flakes off while you are cleaning.
Step 2: Rinse
Before applying the Scrubbing Bubbles, it is best to use a sponge or rag to wet the bricks with warm water. This will begin the process of loosening up the soot and grime.
Step 3: Spray it Down
Now that your bricks are wet, it is time to break out the Scrubbing Bubbles Coat the bricks in a thick layer of foam and allow it to sit for at least five minutes. If it has been awhile since you cleaned your fireplace, you may need to let it sit up to 20 minutes.
Step 4: Scrub
After the bubbles have had a chance to work their magic, it will be time to scrub. The smaller the brush that you use for scrubbing the more crevices you will be able to reach. If you really want to deep clean, you can use a toothbrush. (Pro tip: wear rubber gloves while scrubbing to keep from irritating your skin.)
Step 5: Rinse Again.
Once you have scrubbed down the bricks, you will want to rinse them again. Using a bath towel soaked in warm water it a good way to rinse away the soot and grime.
Repeat the process until you reach the desired result.
If you are ready to try this, we suggest you order your Scrubbing Bubbles online and get them shipped straight to you.
Alternative Ways to Clean Brick Fireplace
Scrubbing Bubbles is a very effective method, but it isn’t the only way to clean your brick fireplace. Here are a couple of alternative ways to remove the black stains and soot:
For those that would like a more natural cleanser will find vinegar a good alternative to Scrubbing Bubbles. Instead of spaying all the bricks down at once, you will need to focus on small areas because the vinegar won’t stick the way the foaming cleanser does. Also, be prepared for the strong smell of vinegar to permeate the bricks for a short time.
If you have bricks that look quite burnt, using Coca-Cola is a great way to get clean — especially if they still look dark after your Scrubbing Bubbles application. Mix 1 liter of Coke, 1/2 cup of an all-purpose cleaner, and 1 gallon of water. Apply a sponge soaked with the cleaning solution to the bricks that need attention. Thoroughly soak the bricks with the solution for the best results.
Another option for cleaning your brick fireplace without buying a special cleaning agent is to use Dawn dishsoap and coarse table salt. Use a 1:1 ratio of dish soap and salt to create an abrasive paste. Use your paste to scrub off the layers of soot and grime.
This method is better for small fireplaces or when you have individual bricks that need to be spot cleaned otherwise it will require a large amount of supplies.
Another cleansing agent that works well on soot is borax. Create a mixture with four cups of water, one tablespoon of dish soap, and two tablespoons of borax. Using a sponge or brush, apply your borax mixture to the bricks and give them a good scrub. If you have a large brick area or very dirty bricks, you may need to double your cleaner recipe.
