Who doesn't love a warm, cozy fire? But the maintenance and clean-up that goes with hit? Not so much. And while chimney cleaning needs to be contracted out to certified professional (more on that ...

Brick fireplaces may be cozy and charming, but they also blacken easily. Smoke and ash penetrate the brick during every fire and leave behind dark stains. Cleaning brick can be very challenging ...

When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: TK Images. Design: Kyle Dutton Homes There are certain areas and features of our home ...

Clean brick fireplaces with a vinegar-and-water mix, avoiding harsh chemicals that can damage porous brick. Vacuum, scrub gently in small sections, and finish with a brick sealer once dry. Keep it ...

Q. I tried to wash bricks above a fireplace with soap and water, but I got an uneven result. How can I do a better job? A. If you didn’t saturate the bricks with water before you applied the cleaning ...

Q My brick patio is covered in green slime, which is really slippery. It takes forever to clean with a brush. Is there a faster and better way? A Yes, try using a pressure washer. The one I use at ...

Becca Lewis is home maintenance writer who aims to foster confidence in and inspire DIY enthusiasts at all skill levels. Becca attended Southern Connecticut State University, where she studied ...

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Jeanne Huber, Special to The Washington Post Q: I tried to wash bricks above a fireplace with soap and water, but I got an uneven result. How can I do a ...