How Can I Clean Soot off Sandstone?

[jungle_jim01]

I've just knocked through the fireplace...very satisfying work! Although didn't find the original as hoped but instead a more recent concrete lintel....still looks really nice to open it up and plenty of room to work with. I'd like to clean and repoint the back stones (sandstone) which are completely black with soot....any suggestions? cheers

 

[LadyArowana]

You might find this useful http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/SiteCollectionDocuments/Environment and Planning/Clean Bath Stone.pdf Bath stone is I believe a limestone rather than sandstone, and they are talking about the outside of buildings but it may be a starting point.

 

[Penners]

The following link comes with no personal endorsement from me - I've never tried the suggested method. But it looks promising. It's actually for brick, but I don't believe stone will be much different.

http://seasonal-home-maintenance.suite101.com/article.cfm/fireplaces

 

[jungle_jim01]

Thanks...i've been scrubbing with plain warm water and that's removed a lot of soot but the stone's still black, i think sandstone possibly absorbs the soot to a degree so i'm reluctant to wash too much, but i've decided to paint the stonework after pointing so as long as it's not dusty the end result should be ok...fingers crossed!

 

[chuckey]

I tried brick cleaning acid - no use whats so ever. I then tried caustic soda, - marks out of ten, three, it definitely work to a small degree, - soot is acidic. I'll try the "foaming bath cleaner" what ever that is . I'll have to speak to SWMBO to find out, first.
Frank