soot stains

marion479 · Posted: Sun Nov 06, 2005 2:37 pm Post Subject: soot stains

We have a woodburner in a brick fireplace. The brickwork on the front of the chimney is stained with soot (caused when woodburner opened to add more fuel). We have had this fire for 20 years or so and the brickwork is now quite badly stained - any ideas for removing it please?

oilman · Posted: Wed Nov 16, 2005 6:48 am Post Subject:

I use traffic film remover sold for use with pressure washers. Spray on a dilute solution and and then wash it off. Put a tray and cloths down as it will be WET!

Why does the smoke come out? This could indicate a problem with the flue. It also sounds like you are either not burning the wood properly or the wood is not properly dry. What type of woodburner is it?

marion479 · Posted: Thu Nov 17, 2005 10:37 pm Post Subject: soot stains

Thanks for your reply - I'll give it a try. There's nothing wrong with our woodburner - we always use well seasoned wood - it's just that when the fire is first lit it tends to be a bit smokey till the flue has heated up. Also, we tend to load it from the top so every time new wood is put in, it's a bit smokey. Actually, the stains on our chimney breast are probably more smoke stains than actual soot.

oilman · Posted: Fri Nov 18, 2005 6:24 am Post Subject:

What make of stove is it?

Why load it through the top?

Smoke from wood fires is not a good thing to breathe, the smoke is tar vapour.

marion479 · Posted: Fri Nov 18, 2005 8:23 am Post Subject:

It's a Vermont Intrepid multifuel stove with airflow control flap at the rear. It is an extremely efficient stove which is designed to load from the front or the top. It is far easier to load larger logs from the top as it has a large opening/cooking area. We have had this fire for over 20 years and it is still as good as new.