What Damages Fireplace Mantels

The fireplace mantel is the part of the fireplace that gives it a personality. The mantel even sets the tone for the room at large. In order to keep your mantel in the best possible shape, it is important to know what damages fireplace mantels.

Food and beverages should be kept away from the mantel at all times. If you must place a beverage or snack on the mantel, make sure to place a waterproof material between it and the mantel. Rings from a wine glass or coffee cup can permanently stain the mantel, and grease from certain foods can be just as bad. If you do accidentally spill something on the mantel, be sure to clean it up as soon as possible. With stone, in particular, stains can quickly become permanently ingrained into the material.

It is also a good idea to keep your fireplace mantel free of clutter. It is natural to place at least a few items on top of your mantel, but you do not want to let it get out of hand. Too much weight on the mantel can ruin its structural integrity. Having too much on top can also make you less likely to clean the top of the mantel. Fireplace mantels should be regularly cleaned, as soot and dust quickly accumulates after each use. Allowing these materials to set into the stone will ruin its natural beauty.

When cleaning your fireplace mantel, be sure you have the cleaning product that is right for the material of the mantel. In general, avoid using household cleaners, as many of them are too abrasive and can destroy your mantel. For wood, it is best to use an oil-based cleaner. For stone mantels, use a specialized stone soap.

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