Instructions
- Buy a brush that fits the chimney flue. You can find them at most hardware and home improvement stores. Consult the manufacturer’s manual to determine fireplace’s size of the barrel. You also need to weigh 15 to 20 pounds (6.08 to 9 kg) and rope. The weight should fit down the chimney without cracking the tiles.
- Seal with cloth and tape. Closes the gate to catch creosote and soot falling. Close all doors and windows to reduce airflow while cleaning. Use protective gloves and a mask when cleaning air to avoid injury.
- Get on the roof. Attach weight to the end of the rope. The weight helps move the brush to clean the chimney. Move it up and down on either side of the fireplace. Lower the rope a little while eliminating creosote. Use a flashlight to make sure the chimney is clean. Return in home to clean the remains of fallen creosote and soot.
- Remove the fabric and place it under the door. Open or remove the gate slowly. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove creosote and soot from home and the surrounding area. Use gloves and a mask when cleaning air.
- Use a chemical cleaner such as chimney sweeping log or liquid, to reduce creosote buildup after cleaning. Chemical cover the walls of the fireplace with an acid that breaks creosote particles. Chemical cleaners remove small amounts of creosote and not replace chimney sweeps. You can find these cleaners in most stores and home improvement warehouses.
Tips & Warnings
- The cleaning rollers of fiberglass or metal are used by professional cleaning of chimneys and are available to consumers as an alternative to the rope. Clean your chimney at least once a year to prevent creosote buildup. Run weekly checkups to determine the speed of the formation of creosote on the chimney walls. Clean it more often, depending on the usage.
- Hire a professional chimney cleaner if you cannot do it properly. The creosote buildup can cause a fire in your home and pollute the air, which can cause illness.