black soot on fireplace brick (granite, painting, tile, Home Depot)

[dmohare1]

I have recently purchased this house that has black soot stain on the fireplace brick. Does anyone have any ideas on what to do about it? I have tried several cleaners and none seem to work.

I was considering painting it but that kind of scares me as I can't really picture what it would look like.
Another option I was thinking of granite tile over the brick.. any ideas?

[Janecj]

Originally Posted by dmohare1

I have recently purchased this house that has black soot stain on the fireplace brick. Does anyone have any ideas on what to do about it? I have tried several cleaners and none seem to work.

I was considering painting it but that kind of scares me as I can't really picture what it would look like.
Another option I was thinking of granite tile over the brick.. any ideas?

I don't know if this would work, but I have soot stains on my gas fire logs all the time. They make a product that you spray on the soot stains for fire logs that removes them. Perhaps it might work for your brick. This time of year you may be able to get it at home depot or Lowes.. but not sure about that. I get it at a place that deals sell gas logs - something like this..Anti-Creo-Soot

[MMichelle]

First have the chimney professionally cleaned. The soot on the brick may be an indication that the "draw" is not correct. At min. the chimney is dirty and needs to be cleaned.

To remove the soot - try "Super Clean Tough Task". Spray it on the brick - full strength, use a stiff brush then rinse. Wear gloves and glasses to protect your eyes. This is strong stuff!!! Buy it in the auto section of Walmart - auto parts sell it, too. It's actually a degreaser but makes for a great household cleaner and works on all types of things. I've used it to remove soot from brick surrounds - works great. You will be impressed.

[Threerun]

Rutland soot cleaner should knock it out.

You may need on of these to avoid the 'rolling smoke' problem
Fireplace Smoke Guard - Plow & Hearth

[beachmel]

Did you try good old TSP?