Suggestion's needed for cleaning 100 year old fireplace tiles.

My husband and I recently bought a 100 year old home. It has the most beautiful fireplace, but the old original ceramic (maybe porcelin?) tiles are dull, have soot on them I can not get off, and the grout is darker in color. I want to keep these tiles, but they are in desperate need of somthing, and there are no professional's for over 45 miles that deal in this. What can I do to get them cleaned up and shined? And any suggestion's on what to do with the grout? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Holly

[Steven Hauser]

Holly, Welcome.

I think the first thing we need is a picher (picture)

Steven

Sounds like a sensetive project. But it may have a easy solution. If in fact the tile is porcelin nothimg is going to harm it. So th e solution is to make a pultis (sp?) of baking soda and a mild hydrogen poroxside, like the stuff they use in hair products, or use bleach with the baking soda. The way you do this is first mixing them together till it's in a paste form. Then coat a small area with the mix. Let it dry. Next, take clean water and wash it off. If this has worked in a small area repeat untill done.

[John Bridge]

Hi Holly, Hi J, Welcome.

There will be more opinions on this. Hang tight.

Pictures do talk around here. To post images you need to sign up. Nothing to fear. We do NOT pass on your information, and no one but admins see your email address.

Help..I am in the exact same boat as the progenitor of this thread...100 year old home with fireplace tile that look dull and have dingy grout. Mine have cracks too. How can I clean them and repair cracks? PS..how big a sin is it to replace these tiles with modern dupes?