6 Sandstone Fireplace Maintenance Tips

A sandstone fireplace adds beauty and style to any home. Sandstone is one of the most popular choices for indoor natural stone installations. It is lightweight, which contributes towards ease of installation. The neutral look of the fireplace enables it to blend with whatever style of furniture you have. When well cared for, sandstone installations can reflect their natural beauty for several years. Below are 6 maintenance tips for your sandstone fireplace.

1. Sealant

Sandstone is a soft-textured rock which makes it quite porous. It helps if you reseal your fireplace with a sealant suitable for stone installations every 1 to 2 years. This is because sealant tends to wear away with time. Once sealed, fluids will not be able to penetrate easily into the stone. This helps to prevent stains on the fireplace.

2. Day-to-Day Cleaning

It is a good idea to clean your fireplace daily during your normal household chores. This helps to maintain its attractive appearance. A dry mop can help you clear away the usual dust and dirt. It helps if you brush the sandstone occasionally to freshen its appearance.

3. Thorough Cleaning

Once a week, you may want to undertake a deeper clean. This helps to clear smudges and grime. A clean fireplace also contributes to higher performance and safety. Use a natural stone cleanser with water to clear dirt and grime from your fireplace. A soft bristled brush can help you clear the dirt effectively. Rinse carefully so that no traces of soap remain behind.

Soap residues give sandstone a dull appearance. Avoid acidic, alkaline or ammonia-based cleansers as these are likely to compromise the integrity of your sandstone. It isn’t a good idea to use ordinary household detergents on your sandstone. It leaves a residue which dulls the fireplace and encourages mildew to develop.

4. Soot

Use a stiff brush to clear away as much of the soot as possible. It helps if you wear a face mask and gloves when you have to clear soot from the fireplace. Prepare a cleaning solution with warm water and a natural soap cleanser. Use a paintbrush to clean the fireplace with the soapy solution. Allow 30 minutes for the solution to clear the soot then rinse with warm water.

5. Stains

Mix ¼ cup of trisodium phosphate (TSP) with a gallon of water. Clean the fireplace with this solution and a soft bristled brush. Once you’ve scrubbed, allow the solution to work on the fireplace for about 15 minutes. Rinse with plain water and wipe dry with an old towel. Be sure to wear gloves when you use TSP. It will help to protect your skin from irritations. A mask also helps to prevent inhalation of the fumes which can be toxic.

6. Surface Scratches

The sealer may wear away in certain areas. This could be caused by a hard impact or use of abrasive products to clean the fireplace. This results in scratches on your sandstone fireplace. Use a polishing stone to rid the surface of light scratches. It also helps to clear surface stains.