Q: We painted our brick fireplace white. But after some use, smoke has stained the brick. What’s the best way to clean it? A: Soot is mostly carbon particles, but it often has a greasy nature that ...

When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: TK Images. Design: Kyle Dutton Homes There are certain areas and features of our home ...

Brick fireplaces may be cozy and charming, but they also blacken easily. Smoke and ash penetrate the brick during every fire and leave behind dark stains. Cleaning brick can be very challenging ...

It’s the time of year when folks start migrating towards their fireplace in the evening, if they’re lucky enough to have one. There is something deep in us that finds warmth and comfort, not just in ...

Soot from fire pits, fireplaces and candles can leave major stains. Here's what experts say you can do to get rid of them. After shaking out the soot (into the garbage or outside), start to clean soot ...

Q: How can I remove wood ash from fireplace brick? Gaithersburg, Md. A: From the picture you sent, it looks as if you’re dealing with ash, soot and a little charcoal — ash being the white and gray ...

The air is getting cooler, and you can practically smell winter on the doorstep. Soon, it'll be time to heap on those logs and let your fireplace do what it does best — fill your home with a warm, ...

DEAR HELOISE: We just bought a house and are in the process of remodeling. I am having trouble removing soot from the old fire place. Do you have any suggestions for how to do this? - Kellie, via ...

Dear Jerry: We own a single-family home in the town of Pittsford (near St. John Fisher) that was built in 1951. Part of our Rochester winter survival involves having a fire in the fireplace for much ...