Lee Wallender is a home improvement writer of nearly 20 years and specializes in home remodeling, repair and maintenance. Kristin is a lead editor at Forbes Home and has nearly a decade of ...

When the weather turns cold and wet, our homes are a warm respite—and where we spend so much of our time during the chilliest months of the year. If your house has a fireplace, even better. The ...

There’s something special about a real, wood-burning fireplace: The scent, the crackling sounds, and watching the logs slowly burn down to glowing embers. But they’re also a hassle, and pretty dirty.

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 ...

Ideally, you would have cleaned your fireplace thoroughly in the spring, after you used it for the final time of the season. But if that didn’t happen—or if you want to tidy it up before using it this ...

Gemma is an experienced freelance writer who has spent the last five years focusing on expert-driven content relating to homes and gardens. She has contributed to several lifestyle publications ...

Q: How can I remove wood ash from fireplace brick? Gaithersburg, Md. A: From the picture you sent, it looks as if you’re dealing with ash, soot and a little charcoal — ash being the white and gray ...

When using ash, be careful not to put too much into your soil. Because ash is highly alkaline, using high amounts can throw off your soil’s balance. Skip using ash around acid-loving plants such as ...

It’s getting to be that time of year! High school football is underway, and the days are getting shorter. Days are cooler and nights are getting cold! It’s time to crank up the fireplace. Fireplaces ...

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 ...

Maintaining your fireplace routinely is critical for safety. The cleaning process doesn't replace the service provided by a professional chimney sweep, but it is great for regular upkeep. “Dirty ...