It is a lot of work to clean fireplaces.Here are some tips that will help you in clean that beautiful fireplace of yours.
*Before cleaning fireplace brickwork,cover the nearby floor with newspapers to protect it from splatters. *With a stiff brush or sponge,apply a solution of 1/4 cup of tsp(or another product containing trisodium phosphate)and 2 gallons of warm water.(Wear rubber gloves for this)rinse well.
*To clean fireplace doors wipe on ammonia with a clean cloth,then polish with another clean cloth.Make sure the damper is open when doing this to allow the fumes to escape.
*You can also use fireplace ashes and a little bit of water to clean the doors.Just wipe on with a sponge and rinse off.
*To clean rust off of any rusty metal use a stiff wire brush.
*Do not remove all the ashes from your fireplace.Let them build up to about 1".This will allow enough draft room between the wood and the hot coals,there by throwing more heat up against the wood.It also protects your fireplace floor from cracking when exposed directly to hot flames.