We've cleaned just about everything in the home this month, but one thing we haven't touched on can also be the dirtiest! The fireplace collects a great deal of soot and even though it might seem natural or normal, it's easy to clean and is a great way to make every part of your home feel fresh and clean again!

To start you'll need 4 things:
• A Small Bowl
• Warm Water
• Cream Of Tartar
• Nail Brush

Simply combine your water and cream of tartar in the bowl and stir until it makes a thick paste (just like when you make a baking soda paste to clean with). For a small container of cream of tartar, it will usually need 3 tablespoons of water. Add one tablespoon at a time until it's creamy and thick.

Next, use the nailbrush to scrub your fireplace hearth and the visible areas inside the chimney. The soot will buff right off. When finished, rinse with water and dry with a towel. We suggest using an older towel for this mission... you know that one you keep around to dry the dogs off or to help out in the garage.

Things will be bright and shiny all over again. It's an inexpensive remedy to a very common problem and even if your fireplace doesn't look dirty, we promise a once over with this mixture will still amaze you!

Do you have an alternate fireplace cleaning idea? Let us know below!

(image: Flickr member ZapTheDingbat licensed for use by Creative Commons)