How to Remove Smoke Stains From a Brass Fireplace Door Frame

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Lighting a fire in the fireplace adds warmth and ambiance to the atmosphere of your home. While both the practical and aesthetic features of having a fireplace are enjoyable, over time, smoke and soot build-up forms on your brass fireplace doors and surrounding areas. If the smoke and soot stains are left unattended, they become both unsightly and smelly. Removing the stains is a dirty job, but when kept up with on a regular basis it becomes easier, leaving you with a tidy-looking fireplace.

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Smoke build-up on brass fireplace doors is unpleasant to look at and smell.

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Things You'll Need

  • 3/4 Cup Baking Soda

  • White Vinegar

  • Clean Cloths

  • Spray Bottle

  • Spoon

  • 1 Tsp. Dishwashing Detergent

  • 1/4 Cup Table Salt

  • Bowls

  • Bucket

Step 1

Salt and baking soda paste removes soot and smoke build-up without scratching brass.

Mix 3/4 cup baking soda, 1/4 cup table salt and enough water to make a thick paste. Stir the ingredients in a bowl.

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Step 2

Dampen a clean cloth then place some of the paste on the cloth. Rub the paste into your brass fireplace door frame. Work the mild abrasive into the smoke stains with the cloth to remove.

Step 3

Wipe the paste off the brass surface with a damp cloth.

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Step 4

A bucket of soapy cleaner makes cleaning your fireplace quick and easy.

Combine 1 tsp. dishwashing detergent with 1/2 gallon warm water in a bucket. Wash the surface of your brass fireplace door frame with the soapy solution to remove any greasy residue from the smoke and soot. Rinse the soap off with a wet cloth.

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Step 5

Pour white vinegar into a spray bottle until it's filled halfway. Fill the rest of the bottle with water. Spray your brass door frame and clean the surface of your smoke stain removers, as well as any last trace of smoke stain.

Tip

During cold weather seasons when you use your fireplace regularly, clean the doors and door frame weekly to avoid heavy smoke and soot build-up. Baking soda sprinkled on a wet sponge can also be used to remove smoke stains.

Warning

Avoid commercial cleansers or heavy abrasives when cleaning brass as they can scratch the surface.

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