How to Clean Fireplace (Brick & Glass)

Difficulty Medium
Time 30-45 min
How Often Annually or as needed
⚠️ Safety Warning

Wait at least 48 hours after the last fire before cleaning. Ashes can retain embers hot enough to start a fire in a regular trash bag.

⚠️ Safety Warning

Have your chimney professionally inspected and swept at least once per year (NFPA 211 standard).

What You'll Need

Step-by-Step Method

1
Clean out cold ashes

Wait at least 48 hours after the last fire. Wearing gloves, scoop cold ashes into a metal ash bucket. A thin layer of ash left on the floor actually insulates and helps start the next fire.

5 min
Always use a metal bucket for ashes. Ashes can contain live embers for up to 48 hours.
2
Clean the firebox

Using a stiff brush, scrub the interior brick walls of the firebox. Vacuum loose soot and debris. For heavy soot: scrub with a paste of dish soap and baking soda.

10-15 min
3
Clean the glass door

For the glass fireplace door: make a paste of ash and water (yes, the ash from the fireplace). Rub onto the glass with wadded newspaper. The fine ash is a mild abrasive that removes soot. Wipe clean.

10 min
The ash-on-glass method is a traditional technique that works better than most commercial glass cleaners for fireplace soot.
4
Clean the exterior brick/stone surround

Spray with a mix of dish soap and warm water. Scrub with a stiff brush. Rinse with a damp cloth. For stubborn soot stains: apply a paste of baking soda, let sit 30 minutes, scrub, rinse.

10 min
🚫 What NOT to Do
  • Never clean a hot fireplace
  • Never vacuum fine ash with a regular vacuum (clogs the filter; use an ash vacuum or shop vac)
  • Do not use acidic cleaners on natural stone surrounds (marble, limestone)
💡 Pro Tips from The Freak
  • The damper should be open while cleaning to prevent soot from blowing back into the room.
  • Professional chimney sweeping costs $150-400 and should be done annually. Creosote buildup in the chimney is a fire hazard.
  • Install a chimney cap if you do not have one. It prevents rain, animals, and debris from entering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Annually, per NFPA 211 standard. More frequently if you burn more than 1 cord of wood per season. Creosote buildup in the flue is the leading cause of chimney fires. A professional inspection and sweeping costs $150-400.

Sources & Methodology

Fireplace cleaning and chimney maintenance per NFPA 211 Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances.

Related Guides

Grill

Stove Top

Walls

Last reviewed: March 20, 2026

The Clean Freak provides cleaning guidance for informational purposes. Not a substitute for professional cleaning or mold remediation advice. Full disclaimer.