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Cast iron fireplaces are easy to maintain when the correct products are used. The cleaning method depends on whether your fireplace has a matt black, polished or highlighted finish. Using the wrong product or leaving moisture on the surface can damage the appearance of the cast iron. This guide explains how to clean each finish and keep your fireplace looking its best.
Make sure the fireplace is completely cold before you begin. Protect the hearth, surround and floor with an old sheet or dust covering. You may need:
Begin by removing dust with a soft brush or dry cloth. Pay attention to decorative details, corners and the area around the fire opening. A vacuum with a soft brush attachment can also be used carefully.
Avoid hard brushes and abrasive cleaning pads, as these may scratch the finish.
Remove any loose dust before cleaning polished cast iron. For light marks, spray a small amount of WD-40 onto a clean cloth and gently wipe the polished areas. Do not spray it directly onto the fireplace. For a deeper clean, apply a small amount of Multi Use Metal Polish to a clean cloth and gently work it into the polished cast iron. Buff the surface with a separate dry cloth and follow the instructions supplied with the product.
Do not apply metal polish to:
Matt black cast iron
Fireplace tiles
Stone or marble surrounds
The hearth
A highlighted fireplace contains both polished and matt-black areas, so only apply the product to the polished details.
Matt-black cast iron usually only needs dusting with a soft brush or dry cloth. Do not use metal polish on the black areas, as it may change the finish. Avoid wet cloths and general household cleaning sprays. If the finish has become scratched, faded or worn, High Temp Matt Black Paint can be used to refresh suitable areas. Spray in light coats from about 6″ away its best to do apply 2 or 3 light coats instead of one heavy coat. Allow to dry in between applications. High-temperature paint is not a cleaning product. The cast iron must be cold, clean and dry before it is applied. Protect the surrounding hearth, tiles and mantel and follow the product instructions carefully.
A highlighted fireplace has a combination of matt-black and polished cast iron.
Clean each finish separately:
Working on small areas at a time will give you better control and help prevent products from spreading onto the wrong finish.
If water has been used on the fireplace, dry the cast iron straight away with a clean cloth. Check the surface for pale marks, tarnishing or early signs of rust. Polished areas can then be cleaned with a suitable metal polish. Keep the matt black sections dry. Do not cover damp cast iron with paint or polish, as the surface must be completely dry first.
Small areas of surface rust can sometimes appear when polished cast iron has been exposed to moisture.
Read our guide to removing rust from a polished fireplace for more detailed advice.
The correct repair will depend on whether the scratch is on a matt-black or polished area. Our guide to touching up a scratch on a cast iron fireplace explains the process in more detail.
Some traditional cast iron fireplaces are maintained with black grate polish or black lead rather than paint. This produces a different finish from high temperature matt-black paint, so check how the fireplace was originally finished before applying either product.
Read our guide to black leading a fireplace for further advice.
If your cast iron fireplace has tile panels, remove dust with a soft cloth. Marks can be wiped carefully with a lightly damp cloth, but avoid allowing water to run onto the cast iron. Dry the tiles and surrounding metal immediately. Do not apply metal polish or high temperature paint to the tiles.
Regular light dusting will prevent dirt from building up. A decorative fireplace may only need an occasional deeper clean. A working fireplace may need more attention during the colder months, particularly around the fire opening.
Check the surface regularly for:
Dealing with small marks early is easier than restoring a badly damaged finish.
Castfireplaces has extensive experience supplying and caring for cast iron fireplaces. Our team is available to help you choose the correct cleaning or maintenance product for your fireplace.
Phone
01773 718718
Email
sales@castfireplaces.co.uk
