Sooty question - real fire

[OldLadyKnowsNothing]

I have a large, 1980's fireplace which, with extended "bits" takes up most of one wall of my living room. It is a rented house. I say this because the obvious solution of "demolish it" isn't possible... Anyway, have had a lot of weather-related smokey "blow backs" lately, and there's a very nasty sooty stain on the granite (?) stonework. It's rough stone, not polished. What, if anything, can I use to remove the soot without damaging the grouting?

I use a scrubbing brush and washing detergent.

Would sugar soap help, do you think?

Not sure but to prevent it further, screw up some newspaper and stuff it up the chimney. Therfore blocking the flow of soot. However you do need to remember to remove it before you light the fire next time!

Not sure but this may answer your question.

Many thanks, cece - especially for the link.

Hope it works!