REMOVING SMOKE STAINS

From Brick or Stone

Remove as much dirt as possible with a stiff brush. Then combine one ounce of a detergent containing trisodium phosphate or Oakite with a gallon of warm water. Wash the brick or stone thoroughly with this solution and rinse.

If after this process the brick or stone is still smoke stained, try cleaning it with one of the following methods:

1. Scrub with a brush and strong solution of trisodium phosphate and rinse thoroughly.
   
   
2. Mix one quart of soap jelly, ½ cup ammonia and 1.2 pounds powdered pumice. Apply with a brush. Allow to stand 15 to 20 minutes. Scrub and rinse well with clear water.
   
   
3. For heavily stained stone or brick, a more drastic treatment with oxalic acid may be necessary. Follow the directions on the container.

From Metal

Brass fittings that have become fire-blackened and encrusted with wood resins are difficult to restore to their proper luster, but it can be done. Steel wool is usually recommended but it takes hours of scrubbing. Try a fine emory cloth such as metal workers use; you can purchase one in a hardware store. Rub in one direction and polish the brass afterwards. You can also try polishing the metal with a special brass polish or rub the surface with a cloth saturated with vinegar or a piece of salted lemon.

For more information on cleaning metals, see the fact sheet, "Cleaning Household Metals."

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