How to Clean Soot From Exterior Chimney Bricks

* Wire brush

* Scrubbing brush

* Bucket

* Dish soap

* Water

* Garden hose

* Trisodium phosphate (TSP) (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the area. Wear protective clothing and goggles. Remove any furniture or objects that could be damaged by water or chemicals. Cover the ground with a tarp.

2. Brush off loose soot. Use a wire brush to remove as much loose soot as possible. Be careful not to damage the bricks.

3. Make a cleaning solution. Mix a solution of dish soap and water in a bucket. If the soot is stubborn, you can add a little trisodium phosphate (TSP) to the solution.

4. Scrub the bricks. Dip a scrubbing brush into the cleaning solution and scrub the bricks. Work in small sections, and rinse the brush frequently.

5. Rinse the bricks. Use a garden hose to rinse the bricks thoroughly. Be sure to remove all of the cleaning solution.

6. Let the bricks dry. Allow the bricks to dry completely before moving any furniture or objects back into the area.

Tips:

* If the soot is very stubborn, you may need to use a commercial soot remover.

* Be careful not to use too much pressure when scrubbing the bricks. This could damage the bricks.

* If you are cleaning a large area, you may want to rent a power washer.

* Soot can be harmful if inhaled, so be sure to wear a mask when cleaning it up.