Brick floors, walls and fireplaces are lovely to look at - until they're stained by soot, grease or grunge.
This simple, 4-step brick cleaning solution will quickly and easily remove these blights using inexpensive items you probably already have in your home.
1 Mix 2 tablespoons dishwashing liquid, a dash of table salt ad enough water to make a smooth solution.
Rub the solution into the grungy, greasy surface using a cloth or rag. Let stand for 10 minutes.
2 Scrub the areas with a stiff-bristle brush.
Rinse with warm water.
3 If that cut through the muck, try this stronger method:
Using a stiff-bristle brush, scrub the surface with a solution of a half-cup trisodium phosphate (TSP) mixed in 1 gallon hot water in a plastic bucket.
TSP is caustic and potentially dangerous, so follow the product's directions carefully and keep it away from children.
Be sure to wear rubber or latex gloves, safety goggles and protective clothing.
4 After scrubbing, rinse the area with warm water.
Repeat if needed, adding up to another half-cup TSP to the solution, then rinse again with warm water.
Additional tips:
-- Always try the weaker solution first.
-- This surface and stone is easier to revive if it's sealed with a finish containing tung oil.