Whats the best way to get all the soot out of an un-used fireplace?

Question

Our fireplace is un-used. We have a nice stylish insert in it instead because of our fear of fireplaces and our kids being near them. Also don't want the hassle of having to clean it all the time. The previous owners of our house left a big pill of black soot in the bottom of it and was wondering the best way to clean it without making a big mess in the process. Started using a broom and dust pan but that just stirs it up. And washing off the walls of it, how do we do that without making a mess too? I prefer my beige carpet over black any day!

Yeah a chimney sweep but what if I would like to do it myself and not have to pay for it? At least thats my goal.

Answer 1

mix boric acid with water and attack it with a stiff brush, this should help keep the dust down also....some fireboxes are built with a little ash dump in the bottom of them. you can sweep the loose stuff down it before you do the walls of your firebox...good luck....

Answer 2

A shopvac with a filter would work. Itll prevent alot of the stiring that you get from using a broom and dustpan. I had a stainless steel shop vac I used for vacumming warm ash up when i had a fireplace.

you dont need a chimney sweep if you never intend to use the fireplace.

Answer 3

Hire a chimney sweep.

Answer 4

call a chimney sweep. should be 1 in the yellow pages

Answer 5

We use the Shop Vac (high suction vaccuum meant for garages) to clean ours.

For the walls, I use Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. It's amazing what it will do!

Answer 6

I have heard that oven cleaner will remove soot stains. I haven't tried it myself yet though.