I’ve never seen a well used fireplace that doesn’t have soot stains surrounding the firebox. Whether you have bricks, stones, tile, or marble; here’s an easy way to remove that mess.

First of all protecting the surrounding area is important, so cover the floor with plastic or a drop cloth. Get a bucket of warm water, a sponge, and a bowl with one cup of trisodium phosphate or TSP. Dip the sponge in warm water, wring out the excess, then dampen the surround.

Add just enough water to the TSP to make a soft paste, and coat the surface of the surround. Let it sit there for 5 or 10 minutes, then use a sponge or stiff bristle brush to scrub it clean.

Once you rinse it all with clean water, your fireplace will be as shiny as Rudolph’s nose!

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Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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