ASK THE EXPERT

Q.

I have a "working fireplace" in my living room. I have never used it since I purchased my home two years ago. The inside, or "hearth", of the fireplace has a black-soot coating. If you touch it, your finger will instantly be black, dirty and sooty. My Question: How can I clean this dirty soot? I would like to place a floral piece for decoration in there. Also, my cat walks in there and probably transfers the soot on his paws to the floor, couch, etc.

While we are on the subject of "dirt and soot," my floors get very dirty (as seen on the bottom of bare feet), which I mop. Black soot is also on all floors. My Question: Can the fireplace be the cause of all this dirt and soot?

I read your "Ask the Experts" column in primeTime and really enjoy your straightforward advice.

Thank you for your time and expertise.

A.

I suggest you leave the soot in the fireplace just long enough to tell if there really is a Santa Claus. You can probably afford to buy a new home after solving that mystery, and the cat can decorate this house any way it wants. Just a thought. You actually can clean blackened, sooty masonry with a cleaner called "Fireplace Masonry Cleaner." How it got such a clever name is beyond me, but they also make a powder that will clean the creosote in the chimney when you add two tablespoons to a low fire. It creates a non-polluting gas that changes the creosote to ash, which you can sweep away. If you order both products and a glass cleaner that is offered with them, the whole kit costs just $19.97, or you can just get the masonry cleaner for $6.99. I found these products being sold by a company called Improvements, and you can order them at 1-800-642-2112. Or go on-line at www.ImprovementsCatalog.com and ask for item number 119040 for the full kit, or 119032 for just the masonry cleaner. Local fireplace stores also carry cleaners.

As far as what to do about soot in the house and where it comes from, there is probably an accumulation of soot build-up in the chimney that is blown downward into the room. The chimney requires flue cleaning to minimize the soot. Even with glass doors, which are now required by code, some soot and dust will escape into the room. Make certain that you have closed the damper up above the firebox. If the damper is open, it will allow much more debris to be blown down and into the room. To eliminate the soot from surfaces in the room, follow normal cleaning methods, such as carpet shampooing, dusting, vacuuming, air cleaners, and floor polishing. Soot and ash have a distinct "edge" to them when viewed under a microscope, which means that over time, they will not only grind into your carpets and fabrics, but also cut them slowly to shreds. You'll see fraying as the result in fabrics. You will notice the difference after cleaning, and your cat will be ever so thankful. Have a great holiday season!

Readers are encouraged to send questions to: HERALD Homes, 379 Central Avenue, Lawrence, N.Y. 11559
Attn: Monte Leeper, Architect.