How to clean cast iron and marble for the season to come

Cast iron's strength, fire resistance and ability to radiate heat back to the room are key factors in old and new hearth design

The cast-iron here roots this largely restored period room directly to its past. Picture: Furnishings by Oak Furniture Land (Ireland)

Cast-iron inserts, backs, fire furniture, stoves and entire surrounds have been around for centuries. The warming honesty of the material, its strength, fire resistance and to some extent its ability to radiate heat back to the room, provides a key material moment in old and new hearth design.

Before we even get our gloves on — if you have any idea of stripping an old cast-iron fire surround or insert of old lead paint, do yourself an enormous, life-preserving favour and have the surround and accessories removed from the house and shot-blasted by a seasoned professional. Cracks should also be welded by a specialist.