Home Talk: Basic Upkeep of Fireplace Mantels
Living in a country where there’s winter is difficult, especially when there’s no fireplace as added insulation. However, if you do have one, much upkeep is necessary to maintain its functionality at tip-top condition. Moreover, it is the first thing your visitor notices upon entering your home. This is why it’s important to keep the fireplace and the fireplace mantel clean.
The fireplace and its mantel can elevate the aesthetics of a room when they are well taken care of and maintained. Not only will they be kept visually appealing but their usability will also be prolonged.
General Maintenance
Keeping a fireplace and its mantel free from any mess is one of the most common and basic forms of maintenance. Additionally, heaping clutter is not just an eye-sore, but too much can actually result in structural damage when not given attention. Furthermore, food and drinks should always be kept away from the mantels, as they can cause spillage that would cause discoloration or damage to the mantel. If spills happened accidentally, they should be cleaned up right away.
Another general cleaning that you can do is a regular dusting of the fireplace mantel, especially after use. Once a week is enough to keep it in pristine condition. Remember, it’s vital to not skip this step, as soot and smoke can cause much damage and hard-to-remove stains.
Wood or Antique Mantels
Extra care should be taken, especially when dealing with wood fireplace mantels and antique mantels as these are more delicate. It’s indispensable to keep these vulnerable materials from being exposed to moisture from food and water.
Do note that household cleaners, water, chemicals, and some food can cause permanent damage in the surface of a wood fireplace mantel if left for a long period of time. For the general cleaning of wood mantels, you must opt for oil-based cleaners. These products should be used periodically to help keep the wood looking new and attractive. Moreover, using a quality oil cleaner on the wood mantel will enhance its natural beauty, as well as protect the finish on the wood.
Stone Mantels
Well, nowadays, a lot of homeowners opt for stone finish fireplaces since stone fireplace mantels are almost always coated with a special sealant that acts as a protective barrier. This prevents the material from tarnishing due to inevitable exposure to various elements.
Cleaning the stone mantel with normal household cleaners is okay, but if there is another option, this should be avoided. These cleaners may damage the protective coating when used in long periods of time. If it so happened that you have no other options at home, mix mild soap with water and use this to clean stone fireplace mantels. Opt of non-heavy chemical soaps.
Washing your stone fireplace mantel regularly will help prevent the development of stains from smoke and soot. Another step you should add in your cleaning routine is scrubbing the stone every month using a brush with soft bristles. This is beneficial for preventing dust and soot from building up while also enhancing the appearance of the stone mantel. Lastly, it’s essential to clean any stains on stone fireplace mantels immediately because the more the stain is disregarded, the more ingrained it becomes.
Like any other items in your house, the fireplace mantel requires diligent maintenance. However, if you notice that your fireplace mantel really needs to be replaced or upgraded, it’s recommended to contact a professional.