Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: TK Images. Design: ...

Q: We painted our brick fireplace white. But after some use, smoke has stained the brick. What’s the best way to clean it? A: Soot is mostly carbon particles, but it often has a greasy nature that ...

It’s the time of year when folks start migrating towards their fireplace in the evening, if they’re lucky enough to have one. There is something deep in us that finds warmth and comfort, not just in ...

Q: How can I remove wood ash from fireplace brick? Gaithersburg, Md. A: From the picture you sent, it looks as if you’re dealing with ash, soot and a little charcoal — ash being the white and gray ...

Brick fireplaces may be cozy and charming, but they also blacken easily. Smoke and ash penetrate the brick during every fire and leave behind dark stains. Cleaning brick can be very challenging ...

A fireplace showing burning logs and soot on bricks - Kirill Seliverstov/Shutterstock The air is getting cooler, and you can practically smell winter on the doorstep ...