Can You Use Vinegar to Clean Fireplace Hearth Stone?

Many homeowners are intimidated at the thought of cleaning their hearthstone fireplaces. Soot and grime are often difficult to remove. White vinegar can be very effective in removing this material without damaging the structure of the unit.

A hearthstone fireplace can be cleaned with white distilled vinegar used at full strength. Pour this vinegar directly from a bottle or use a spray bottle to get into crevices. Allow the vinegar to sit for a few minutes in order to penetrate, then scrub with an old toothbrush or steel wool pad.

Pouring the vinegar on the fireplace stone can be somewhat messy. You may want to cover the area with newspapers to catch the excess liquid. The vinegar might also smell bad, thought it is not harmful to breathe the vapors. You will need to let the fireplace dry before lighting a fire.

Vinegar is an inexpensive cleaning solution for a fireplace. A user will not have to wear gloves or a protective mask when using this product. It can be applied as often as needed to remove the buildup of soot and grime. There is also no need to worry about chemical residue being left inside the fireplace, which could be hazardous.