Cleaning Stone Fireplace With Muriatic Acid

Dip a second brush into the masonry cleaner mixture then gently apply the brush to the brick.

Cleaning stone fireplace with muriatic acid.

Never use muriatic acid on stone or masonry. Our tutorial on how to clean and prep a stone patio is also super helpful. An easy solution is to let the mortar dry and at the end of the project clean the mortar off the wall with muriatic acid. These fireplaces also can accumulate soot dust and burn marks.

This will totally neutralize the muriatic acid. Before cleaning your stone with the muriatic acid test it on an inconspicuous area. When building a stone wall or other stone projects it is almost impossible to avoid getting mortar on the stones where you don t want it. Fill an eyedropper with the mixture and apply one to two drops to the stone.

If you try cleaning off the mortar while it is still wet it just smears on the stones. Let the solution dwell for five minutes. If etching or discoloration occurs discontinue use. The stones absorb heat from the fire and radiate it into the room and they can remain hot for some time after the fire is out.

Muriatic acid is available for purchase at home improvement centers and janitorial supply stores. Prepare a diluted solution of your acid based cleaner. Using a pump up sprayer spray a small area no larger than 3 x 3. You can beautify and brighten a stone fireplace and add some protection to the stone and mortar by cleaning and sealing it.

Avoid uneven or prolonged contact because etching uneven cleaning or streaking can result. Dunk a clean soft sponge in the remaining tsp solution then apply it to the entire fireplace surround making sure to wet both the stone and the grout. It s important to pour the masonry cleaner into the water instead of the other way around to prevent any burns from the acid. Removing efflorescence from stone walls takes a bit of effort and this a good method for anyone with stubborn salt deposits.