We bought a new home about 8 months ago that has 2 fireplaces. The basement has a gas log fireplace the the living room has a woodburning fireplace (which we are not currently using). After the first few uses of the gas log fireplace in the basement, we found out that the flue wasn't opened and consequently the white bricks inside the upstairs fireplace have black soot on them. I wanted to find out if there was a way of cleaning it myself with a cleaner on the market or a mixture of common household items to make a cleaner.