Clean Sweeps of Michigan's Blog

Let Paint N Peel Do The Hard Work!

Even a beautiful fireplace can seem dated if the surrounding masonry is dirty. However, cleaning masonry can be a work-intensive, time-consuming process that requires the use of harsh chemicals. Likewise, painting the fireplace may cover the staining but permanently changes the masonry.

Homeowners now have an alternative to spending hours scrubbing their fireplace’s masonry. Paint N Peel gives homeowners the ability to quickly and easily remove years of staining from smoke, ash, and soot from their masonry without using harsh chemicals.

What is Paint N Peel?

Paint N Peel, a Chimney Saver product, can be used to remove masonry staining without damaging or changing the original color of the underlying bricks and mortar. With a formula specifically designed for removing stains caused by smoke and soot, Paint N Peel helps the natural masonry shine.

Paint N Peel vs Other Cleaning Methods

Paint N Peel differs from other masonry cleaning methods. First, it does not use harsh chemicals. This is beneficial when cleaning interior masonry as it will not affect the air quality in your home or cause breathing issues for those with allergies or asthma. Likewise, its easy to apply formula eliminates the need to spend hours on end scouring and scrubbing.

Power washing removes stains from exterior masonry and causes significant damage to bricks and mortar. While this cleaning method may remove stains, the extreme pressure from the water can cause serious damage to the masonry. Paint N Peel is effective at removing stains without damaging the underlying masonry.

Many homeowners choose to paint their masonry when it becomes stained. While this covers the stains, the paint will irreparably cover the brick; this will prevent you – and any future owners of your home – from enjoying the natural masonry, as well as affect the naturally porous properties of the bricks.

How Paint N Peel Works

Paint N Peel is fast, effective, and easy to use. A thick coat of the product is applied to the stained masonry using product-specific brushes. This covers every nook, crevice, and cranny of the bricks and mortar. The Paint N Peel then cures and sets for between 6 and 12 hours.

As it dries, the Paint N Peel forms a nontoxic film that easily peels away from the masonry. When peeled away, the product will also remove years of staining and leave the masonry looking restored to its original beauty.

.Paint N Peel can be used on masonry both inside and outside your home. However, there are some restrictions. The product should only be applied when the temperature is between 45 and 95 degrees. Therefore, only use Paint N Peel on exterior masonry during the milder months of spring and fall.

You don’t have to live with a dirty fireplace or stained chimney. To restore the natural beauty of your masonry, contact Clean Sweeps of Michigan to schedule your next appointment or to learn more about Paint N Peel!

What Products Should I Use To Clean My Fireplace?

Maintaining your fireplace takes more than just an annual sweeping and inspection by a certified chimney sweep. There are a number of ways homeowners can clean and maintain their fireplaces in the time between sweepings.

One of the most common questions we receive from our customers is “What products should I use to clean my fireplace?” With hundreds of cleaners on the market, it can be difficult to determine which fireplace products to use. The following guide can help homeowners find the best – and avoid the worst – products for your fireplace.

Chimney Sweeping Logs

Chimney sweeping logs are often advertised as a less-expensive, DIY alternative to a chimney sweeping. Unfortunately, these products are often ineffective and can create safety issues within your fireplace system. Because of this, we discourage our customers from using them, even between regularly scheduled sweepings.

When chimney sweeping logs work by giving off a chemical smoke that loosens soot, ash, and creosote in the flue. While some of this buildup falls into the firebox, falling creosote often becomes trapped on the smoke shelf or within the angles of the flue. This can create blockages in the flue or increase the risk of chimney fire.

“I usually tell people using one of those logs instead of having your chimney cleaned manually is like chewing Dentyne instead of brushing your teeth,” said Allan Bopp of Bald Eagle Enterprises. “It may help a little, but it’s a poor substitute for the real thing.”

Cleaning Fireplace Masonry

The masonry surrounding the fireplace can become stained from years of exposure to smoke and soot. Especially common in older homes, masonry staining can turn a beautiful fireplace into a dirty eyesore.

We recommend ChimneySaver Paint “N” Peel Fireplace Cleaner. This easy to use, safe, and an effective product that can remove years of buildup from bricks, stone, slate, tile, concrete, marble, and more.

Paint “N” Peel cures for 24-48 hours after application onto the stained masonry. Since it is non-toxic and chemical free, you and your family do not have to leave the home during use. Removal is easy, clean, and leaves behind a fireplace that looks years younger.

Fireplace Cleaning Products

When choosing a cleaner for the glass or metal of your fireplace, it is extremely important to choose a non-flammable cleaner specifically designed for fireplaces. Generic cleaners can give off chemicals – or even catch fire – when used on fireplace components. Likewise, use non-abrasive scrubbers, rags, or cloths to avoid scratching the glass or metal.

Fireplace cleaners can be purchased at many hearth stores or other hardware stores. For homeowners who prefer a greener, DIY approach to cleaning their fireplace leftover ashes can be used to remove stains from fireplace glass. Dampen a piece of newspaper or paper towel, coat the dampened area with ash, and gently scrub the glass in a circular motion. Repeat as necessary until glass is clean, and remove any ash residue with water and a clean cloth when finished.

Using the right products can help extend the life of your fireplace system. For more information on fireplace cleaners, contact the experts at Clean Sweeps of Michigan today.