Cleaning artificial stone All manner of questions and solutions to problems and issues surrounding the subject of brickwork, blockwork and stonework

[GEEMAC]

I am trying to clean an artificial stone fireplace, somewhay unsuccessfully. I've tried using soapy water and various detergents with a nail brush bur made little impression. Any suggestions please.

[kbrownie]

what type of artstone is it?
wet-cast or semi-dry and what stains are you trying to remove?
KB

[GEEMAC]

The artificial stone would appear to be what I knew as Bradstone or Fifestone. The rear looks like cast concrete. The stains are a mixture of soot, and accumulated dirt and dust. Sorry I can't be more specific than that.

[kbrownie]

GEEMAC, if as you said you have done the soapy water and elbow grease thing, I'd try to use brick acid can buy it at most DIY stores and builders merchants they may name it stone or patio cleaner etc , should contain hydrocloric acid. Try a diluted version at first to gauge the strengh needed so you only take dirt off and not surface of concrete.
KB

[GEEMAC]

Thanks kbrownie. Will try what you suggest.