How to Clean a Sandstone Hearth

Distinguished by its contrasting colours and smooth texture, sandstone is a porous, durable rock composed of sand and various mineral deposits. A sandstone fireplace hearth adds natural character to any home but especially compliments southwest decor Like all fireplace masonry, a sandstone hearth collects dirt, ash and soot whenever it is in use. Regularly cleaning your sandstone hearth maintains it appearance and overall cleanliness. Unsealed sandstone hearths may require more frequent cleaning, as they absorb grime more quickly.

Cover the floor surrounding the sandstone hearth with plastic dust sheets. Put rubber gloves on your hands to protect against chemicals in the trisodium-phosphate cleaner.

Prepare the trisodium phosphate mixture. In a pail, combine 55 grams/ 2 oz. of trisodium-phosphate cleaner with 1 gallon of hot water.

Fill another pail with clean water for rinsing the hearth.

Scrub the diluted trisodium-phosphate solution onto a 2-by-2-foot section of sandstone using a soft-bristled brush. Detach all grime, soot and ash from the section.

Immerse a cloth in the water pail. Wipe the 2-by-2-foot section of clean sandstone with the drenched cloth to rinse.

Clean the remaining dirty 2-by-2-foot sections of sandstone until the entire hearth is spotless. Concentrate on only one 2-by-2-foot section of the hearth at once and always rinse the sections after washing them.

Let the sandstone hearth air-dry completely.