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 ...

It’s the time of year when folks start migrating towards their fireplace in the evening, if they’re lucky enough to have one. There is something deep in us that finds warmth and comfort, not just in ...

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 ...

Q. My home was built during the 1950s and has a fireplace wall, 8-by-15 feet, made of what someone told me was Arkansas Marble. I recently purchased this home with an $500 allowance to clean a small ...

DEAR TIM: My brick house was built in 1921. The bricks are a mixture of brown, various shades of red, beige and black. I had some deteriorating mortar replaced, and the handyman smeared the mortar on ...

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 ...