what do you use to clean a cast iron fireplace

What do you use to clean a cast iron fireplace?

• Make up a mixture of 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 1 liter (0.3 US gal) of water.
• Sponge the wrought-iron furniture with this mixture.
• Allow to dry. Wipe down with a soft cloth. The wrought-iron should look a lot better.

Full Answer

How do you clean a cast iron grate on a fireplace?

You should also remove any soot and dust from within your fireplace using a fireplace broom or a shop vacuum to decrease the potential build-up on your grate. Every year, a coat of black grate polish should be applied to your cast iron fireplace grate. This will help to prevent rusting and leave the grate looking new.

How do you Polish a black cast iron stove top?

Products such as Liberon Iron Paste or any other proprietary stove or grate black, which is essentially graphite, can be mixed with white spirit to a creamy consistency and applied to the cast iron. Once the stove or grate black is completely dry polish the fireplace back to a shine with a soft brush.

How do you clean a wood burning stove?

Combine dish soap, 1/4-cup of heavy-duty cleaner and 1 gallon of warm water in a large bucket. Use your hands and a fireplace shovel to remove burnt wood. Remove the andirons and fireplace grate. Knock off as much ash and debris as possible back into the fireplace.

How do I clean the inside of my fireplace?

Once it is all dry rub the fireplace with a cotton cloth gently all over to give it a really nice finish. For more stubborn stains and marks for example minor surface rust or ring marks from a glass or cup it is possible to brush over a larger area of the fireplace to re-distribute the iron paste particles over the stain, rust or mark.

How do you clean a black wrought iron fireplace?

It is recommended you lightly dust over the fireplace with a lint free cloth to remove all dust before any maintenance. After this you will need to use your lint free cloth or a small brush and some iron past. Rub the iron paste in using the small brush or cloth and allow the paste to dry for 4 hours.

How do you clean a polished cast iron fireplace?

It is recommended you regularly dust over the fireplace or insert with either the soft brush of the vacuum cleaner or a soft lint free dry cloth and every four weeks or so polish the surface of the fireplace using a spray can oil lubricant such as WD 40, 3 in 1 or the manufactures recommended metal polish.

How do you clean an old fireplace?

Start off with a wire brush to remove surface dirt and rust. Next, wipe down with white vinegar, which helps kill the spores that cause the rust. Next, using a wire wheel on a drill and/or steel wool, polish the iron to get it as clean as possible. Wipe down with vinegar again and let it dry fully.

How do you restore a cast iron fire?

To restore a cast iron fireplace, you will need to follow these steps: Clean away any rust on the surface. Strip away old layers of paint. Repair any cracks by professional welding....How to clean a rusty cast iron fireplaceProtective gloves and mask.White vinegar or rust remover.Medium grit sanding paper.Steel wool.

Does WD-40 clean cast iron?

Another way to remove rust from any metallic surface, not just a cast-iron stovetop, is to use WD-40. WD-40 Multi-Use Product protects items against rust and removes rust from them. Simply soak your cast iron stovetop for a short period of time and then scrub it with a wire brush.

Can you use WD40 to clean fireplace?

Whether your fireplace insert has been affected by moisture or general dirt, you can clear it off with WD40 – just squirt it on and rub it off and you'll be able to remove the tarnishing.

How do you clean a metal fireplace?

Never use water to clean metal fireplaces as it will encourage rust. If rust has developed, remove it with a stiff wire brush or fine wire wool. Reblacken cast and wrought iron with a proprietary product such as Stovax Grate Polish. WD40 is also great for polishing metal fireplaces and/or slate hearths.

How do I get black soot off my fireplace?

To do this, create a paste of either baking soda or cream of tartar mixed with a small amount of water. Apply it to the remaining soot and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Then scrub with a firm toothbrush or small scrub brush and rinse.

How do you clean a fireplace without making a mess?

To remove light soot or a cloudy film from glass doors, mix a solution of equal parts white vinegar and warm water and pour into a spray bottle. Spritz a bit on a paper towel and dip it into the fireplace ashes to use as a gentle abrasive (smart, right?). To finish, spray glass and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.

How do you remove rust from an iron fireplace?

Remove any Rust: If there is any rust on the fireplace, use wire wool to clean it off. A wire brush can be used for more stubborn patches.

Which rust remover is best?

The best rust removerThe best overall: Evapo-Rust The Original Super Safe Rust Remover.The best on a budget: Whink Rust Remover.The best multipurpose: WD-40 Specialist Rust Remover Soak.The best for household: Iron Out Spray Rust Stain Remover.The best for heavy duty: Corroseal Water-Based Rust Converter Metal Primer.

How do you remove rust from a fireplace?

0:003:44how to remove rust from a cast iron wood stove - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you're gonna need to take your steel wool on just a scrub it down really good all the spots onMoreAnd you're gonna need to take your steel wool on just a scrub it down really good all the spots on this takes a little bit time you got to be patient.

How to protect a black cast iron fireplace?

After manufacture non- polished or matt black cast iron fireplaces, inserts, grates and baskets are protected from atmospheric moisture by the application of Iron Paste, similar to the carbon found in a pencil, which is then buffed up to a silver/black shine. Initial cleaning simply requires a light polishing with a soft brush similar to a shoe brush. This will help protect the fireplace and highlight the detail of the cast iron as the natural light in the room or light from the fire illuminates the decorative relief work of your fireplace.

How long does it take for iron paste to dry on a fireplace?

Rub the iron paste in using the small brush or cloth and allow the paste to dry for 4 hours. Once it is all dry rub the fireplace with a cotton cloth gently all over to give it a really nice finish.

How long does iron paste last?

The protective layer of iron paste should last for many years but do be aware that cast iron like any ferrous material is susceptible to moisture whether through direct contact from a spilt drink, a damp cloth or moisture present in the atmosphere from condensation or damp. Never use a damp cloth to clean your cast iron appliances.

What kind of pad to use to clean non-stick pans?

For very stubborn marks, you can use very fine wire wool grade 0000 or a fine grade scouring pad (the type of pad used to clean non-stick pans) to lightly scour the affected area polishing the surface back to the required shine with a soft brush.

Can you brush over a rusty fireplace?

For more stubborn stains and marks for example minor surface rust or ring marks from a glass or cup it is possible to brush over a larger area of the fireplace to re-distribute the iron paste particles over the stain, rust or mark.

Does a cast iron fireplace retain its natural beauty?

A little care and simple maintenance of your cast iron fireplace will guarantee your cast iron, Insert, Grate, or Basket will retain its natural beauty which, is so distinctive to cast iron, whilst keeping it looking, and performing at its best.

Can you use a damp cloth to clean cast iron?

Never use a damp cloth to clean your cast iron appliances. Any contact with moisture will result in surface rust appearing on your fireplace or other cast iron product. Do be aware a freshly plastered room or chimney breast will raise the humidity levels within a room considerably as it dry’s.

Can cast iron tarnish a fireplace?

Cast iron is a porous metal, meaning that it will readily take in moisture from the atmosphere, which can tarnish the visual of your fire place – fortunately though, the solution is a straightforward one.

Can you use WD40 on a fireplace insert?

Whether your fireplace insert has been affected by moisture or general dirt, you can clear it off with WD40 – just squirt it on and rub it off and you’ll be able to remove the tarnishing. That will leave you with a good starting point to apply a good quality multi-metal polish, which can really bring a shine back to the cast iron.

How to shine cast iron?

Firstly you need to ensure you wear your gloves when using the wire wool and polish. Take your metal polish and apply a small amount to the your wire wool.

What does it mean to polish a fireplace?

Polishing is a very simple and effective means of giving a beautiful shine to you fireplace whether it's new or old. When you buy a new cast iron insert or combination fireplace from us you may find that when you recieve it, it has a bit of a dull finish to the polished areas.

Can you use water on an old fireplace?

One thing you must never do is use water! The polished areas of the cast iron are exposed metal so water will eventually cause the polished areas to rust.

Initial Cleaning

As soon as your fireplace is inserted, it is time to start cleaning. To initially clean your matt black cast iron fireplace, you should provide it with a light polish using a soft brush or a show brush. Never use a damp cloth to clean fireplaces of this style as otherwise you risk facing the occurrence of rust.

Regular Cleaning

You need to keep on top of the cleaning of your cast iron fireplace if you want it to look stunning at all times. You should dust your furnace using a lint-free cloth and again use a polish and soft brush.

Rust Stains And Stubborn Marks

Rust, stains, and stubborn marks are all things that you should try to avoid, however, from time to time, they do occur, so you need to know how to deal with them.

Can you restore a Victorian fireplace?

Restoring a Victorian Fireplace to Former Glory. When it comes to restoring a cast iron fireplace, sometimes it might need more than just a little facelift – you might want to make a few changes to fully restore it to glory. If your cast iron fire surround is beyond repair, or you want to give it a more thorough refresh – it might be ...

Can you paint cast iron?

With your bare cast iron fire dry and ready to be painted, you will first need to prime it. An oil-based metal primer not only provides a surface for your paint to bond to, but also seals the cast iron to prevent it from rusting. The best paint to use on cast iron is one with an oil base that blocks out moisture.

Is cast iron good for a fireplace?

With the right care and attention, you can easily clean rust away from your fireplace and get it looking as good as new. Pictured: Carron Tweed Cast Iron Combination Fireplace.

Can you repaint a cast iron fireplace?

Repainting a cast iron fireplace. You don’t have to restore your fireplace all the way back to its original appearance. If you wish, you can repaint your cast iron fireplace once you have thoroughly cleaned it and removed traces of rust or old paint.