If you're talking about the interior panels, they're likely a thick white-ish firebrick molded to look like stones, bricks, something like that.... The best way to clean them is to have a really good hot fire, and just let it go out. It'll clean them right up, provided you have good seasoned firewood.

Hi Terrapots, I'm not an expert but because I've been researching and working with sealers quite a bit these last few months (I'm doing sample pieces now for our deck project), I would suggest trying an enhancing sealer. If the faux stone is at all porous, it will accept it. Enhancers darken color and seal at the same time. I just did several hundred SF of copper quartzite, which, left natural is very blah. Enhancing it does wonders! If the faux stone isn't porous, it won't accept stain and your only option, I think, would be to paint it. Try a few samples in hidden areas. Brands I've used for sealing/enhancing are StoneTech, 511 Miracle, AquaMix and I'm currently sampling Aldon's Same Day Sealer and UltraPel from White Mountain (for my precast concrete but they'll work on any stone) For your flagstone, if you want to keep the natural look use an impregnating sealer (not an enhancer) (all above mentioned make them) Epoxies and Polyurethanes will coat the surface and can cause problems down the road with flaking and peeling. You can also choose a sealer that will give you the wet look. Try a local stone supply but stay away from big box brands. My experiences with those products haven't been good. You do get what you pay for :)

Hi Dmaull and ptaylor, Unfortuantely we never got around to whitewashing our house, but, I did an enormous amount research on the subject and discovered that you do NOT want to paint brick. Why? Because the paint doesn't allow the natural breathing to occur with brick. Brick is partially pourous and paint changes the game... Instead if you are going for that aged look then you want to use a product that simulates lime washing. Lime washing is the actual technique used in the 1700 and 1800s to protect buildings (including brick). Some still practice this today, but it is messy and potentially dangerous (your working with slaked limeor calcium hydroxide a natural chemical. The reason however you want this kind of finish is that it allows the brick to "breathe". Unfortunately the lime wash eventually wears off so you have to reapply ever few years. What I did find however was the ultimate solution I planned to use (until we deferred the project). It's a modern product that produces a finish identical to lime washing but is PERMANENT! It works at the molecular level and the minerals in the product permanently bind with the brick. What this means is that you do it one time and one time only! Additinoally the brick can literally be power washed later with NO ill effects on the white washed finish since it is permanent! Below are the notes I made to myself for later reference when I was ready to proceed. You'll want to contanc this firm and research the product yourself, but I am 100% confident that this is the BEST way to achieve a permanent, old world, white wash finish on your brick! Hope this helps! bradesp Jeff at Eco House 877-ECO-HOUSE Must apply in 46 degrees or warmer - needs four hours in 60 degree weather to fully dry-out Apply Primasil first as base "coat" Then apply one coat of Salizur. Will need to mix pigments to desired color and translucency. http://www.eco-house.com/silazur.htm Eco House can't ship if temperatures are going to freeze. Products can easily be sprayed. Will need to custom mix and keep mix "suspended" during spray.

Oh, I wish I had your river rock on my fireplace, and you had just what you want on yours. I think it's beautiful, but if you don't like it, I understand. It looks great with your flooring. Ours is a nondescript red brick that I plan to lime wash to lighten up the room. As ilovecomputers said, you might ask at a stone yard for info on removal or find a brick/stone mason to remove the rock and lay the brick. The stone yard might be able to recommend someone-just be sure to get references before you hire.