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For most brick cleaning jobs, including fireplace bricks, use a masonry sponge and a gentle cleaner. A simple solution of equal parts water and vinegar, or a few drops of dish soap in a bowl of water, can effectively remove grime. For tougher stains, you can use a dedicated masonry or fireplace cleaner. It is crucial to wet the bricks thoroughly with water before applying any cleaning solution to prevent the brick from absorbing it, and to rinse the surface completely afterward. Harsher cleaners containing bleach or ammonia should only be used as a last resort, and they should never be mixed together.

If you would rather use vinegar to clean the stone fireplace instead of dish soap, this mixture should work fine. Vinegar is slightly acidic, however, so it may etch some kinds of stone without quite a bit of diluting. For a stone fireplace, dilute it to about one cup of vinegar for every gallon of hot water. It’s a smart idea to test the diluted mixture in an inconspicuous area of the fireplace and watch for etching. You can use vinegar to clean quite a few different items around your home, and it’s especially good at removing stains.

Installing a fireplace outside could be more affordable, but that depends on several factors. If you’re only considering an outdoor fireplace to save on installation costs, you may be surprised once you start receiving quotes. On average, an outdoor fireplace costs around $3,000 to install, but the price can vary significantly depending on how ambitious your outdoor design plans are.

One disadvantage of a wood furnace is that you need a constant supply of wood to run it. Even if you have a good amount of wood on your property (or have another way to get affordable wood), you’ll still need to chop it, store it, and re-fuel your furnace with it to keep your house heated.