My son and d-i-l live in the Barnsley/Sheffield area and have recently had a wood burning stove fitted in their stone fireplace. Unfortunately the hearth has quickly become stained with wood/coal ash/ soot. They have tried to clean it using usual soaps and detergents but the stains remain. Not sure if the stone hearth is natural stone or some kind of artificial/reconstituted material, but it certainly seems natural and is a cream/light brown colour.
Any ideas for getting rid of the stains, and subsequently sealing the hearth to prevent further discolouration.
TIA Pete