Fireplace query

[Anonymous]

We're installing a multifuel stove in a fireplace opening. The previous owners of our house had a kind of makeshift fire basket in there, which means that the brickwork is very (very!) sooty. I've tried to clean it up, but without great success. I'd be very grateful for suggestions either how we could get it clean, or alternatively, whether it would be possible to put some kind of paint / wash over the bricks. If the latter, I guess the area would need to be treated first, as it might not 'take' on the sooty areas.

 

[Anonymous]

I reckon trying to paint over the soot could give you real problems. Quite apart from the problem of getting paint to cover the soot, I reckon the soot could "bleed" through the paint in due course. Much better to get the soot off.

Try this: spray the soot with a weak solution of water and caustic soda, then scrub well. Then spray the area with a weak solution of water and white vinegar to neutralise any remaining caustic soda. If necessary, repeat the process strengthening the solutions a bit.
It'll be a messy job so be sure to have plenty of cloths for mopping up.

 

[Anonymous]

If not - then there is Gervase and his cow s**t ... it is a genuinely traditional solution!

However - yes - if you can remove as much as possible so much the better.

 

[Anonymous]

We should perhaps explain to Mabel that the cow's emissions would be used for parging the brickwork, rather than trying to clean the soot off!

I also think she could have a problem backing Gervase's cow into the fireplace, in order to get the business end pointing in the appropriate direction.

 

[Anonymous]

I'm sure he'll send ... or is that against the law?

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[Anonymous]

I'm sure this falls foul of the dumping of waste regs...